Project Summary

Overall Objective:

Improve socio-economic condition of Bangladesh by establishing a more relevant Higher Education in CSE/IT Programs in terms of quality, efficiency& equity through increasing job ready graduates& cutting edge research capacity to meet the challenges of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and develop technology entrepreneurships to lead of the country in IT/ITES sectors.

Specific Objectives and Targets:

• Graduates from industry relevant degree programs increased. The targets are –
  • At least 2,200 undergraduates and graduate students (25% women) complete CSE/IT programs from three universities (2018 baseline: 362 student with 22.9% women)
  • At least 40% of graduates (both men and women) with bachelor degree are employed within 6 months from graduation (2018 baseline 28.1%)
• Industry demand course offering by universities and increase enrollment in CSE / IT subjects. The targets are-
  • Annual enrolment in CSE/IT programs in three universities increased to 1,270 (2018 baseline: 449)
  • At least 4 new and updated undergraduate degree program curricula with outcome-based education and blended learning implemented with industry participation in three universities.
  • At least 75 subjects in CSE undergraduate program made
• Increase the enrollment of female undergraduate students in the three public universities and the retention in CSE/IT subjects by offering stipend / scholarship at postgraduate level to students based on needs and merits. The targets are-
  • At least 370 female undergraduate students from 3 public universities will be awarded with scholarship.
  • At least 540 postgraduate students (25% women) will be supported under the stipend program for the duration of the study pursued in three public universities.
• Quality assurance of CSE / IT degree to create quality graduate. The target is-
  • CSE and IT programs in three public universities obtained accreditation aligned with international standards.
• Faculty strengthening. The target is-
  • Faculty members increased to 200 (at least 35% with PhD and 20% women) with at least 75% trained in modern pedagogic approaches.
  • 100 faculty members (at least 30% women) from other universities’ CSE/IT departments are trained in modern pedagogic approaches
  • 80 faculty members from CSE/IT departments (50 from other universities, and 10 each from three universities) obtained certificate in new technology areas through reputable online programs
• Increasing industry relevance of CSE / IT education by providing internship and technology competition opportunities. The targets are-
  • At least 80% of graduate (both men and women) completed internships or industry-collaboration capstone projects in three public universities.
  • At least 300 students (cumulative) from other universities completed career counseling and internship programs
  • The number of professional program certificates issued by or through the three universities increased to 5,000 per year (2018 baseline: 700)
  • At least 5 software and technology competition events open to all university students coordinated by three public universities
• Strengthening R&D capacity and increasing industry relevance inv R&D. The targets are-
  • At least10 university–industry R&D collaboration projects, 6 interdisciplinary R&Dprojects including COVID-19 responses, and 4 R&Dprojects for disability solutions implemented.
  • At least 5 collaboration in R&D with international universities supported
  • Ditigal library and BdREN strengthened
• Entrepreneurship development and startup supports for ITES products by the graduates. The targets are-
  • Facilities startup companies established in three universities
  • Three universities supported at least 55 startup groups
  • At least 8 startup companies legally registered and started generating revenues.
• At least 2,000 students, faculty members, and IT professionals (30% women and 30% from other universities) reported enhanced knowledge and skills in technology entrepreneurship. Stronger student services for job placement. The target is-
  • Student services and career guidance center established and operational in three universities.
  • At least 3 annual job fair events open to all CSE/IT students coordinated by the three universities

Outcomes:

Qualified workforces for IT industry increased, i.e., tertiary level CSE/IT education improved to industry demand

Outputs:

The key project outputs are –

1. Establishment of modern learning, research and startup facilities
2. Enhancement of quality and industry relevance of CSE/IT programs
3. Strengthening R&D and technology entrepreneurship
4. Strengthening project management capacity

Output 1: Establishment of modern learning, research and startup facilities

Develop physical facilities, such as classrooms, laboratories, research and development (R&D), industry collaboration and startup or incubation space, and auxiliary facilities. A new fully furnished and purpose-fit buildings will be constructed at BUET (17-story building), DU (13-story building) and JUST (10-story building). The buildings will also include women friendly facilities such as sanitation facilities, female students’ study areas, female staff lounges as well as security and safety features such as access control and video surveillance system.

Output 2: Enhancement of quality and industry relevance of CSE/IT programs

• Developing new or upgrading existing degree programs in BUET, DU and JUST incorporating the latest technology and global academic and industry practices.
• Introduction of Online Open Courseware. Develop open courseware for CSE/IT programs and make them accessible online through BdREN academic network.
• Strengthening UGC Digital Library.
• International accreditation. The new and updated programs will pursue internationally recognized accreditation to ensure continuous improvement in quality, aligned with international standards.
• Increase in faculty members in BUET, DU and JUST.
• Long-term and Short-term training for faculty members and support staff.
• Upgrading and expanding training programs for IT professionals.
• Strengthening student and industry relations services.
• Mandatory industry attachment programs for undergraduates.
• Undergraduate scholarships/stipends to attract more female students and poor students.
• Support for female employment promotion.

Output 3: Strengthening R&D and technology entrepreneurship

Aims to increase value addition of CSE/IT degree programs to IT/ITES industry through fostering innovations and increasing technology enabled entrepreneurs. The major activities are –

• Competitive Research & Development Grant (RDG): ICSETEP will award RDG among competent researchers through open call for proposals from Public and Private Universities. The total budget allocation for RDG is Tk. 9960.44 Lac for different arears; area-wise budget allocations are as follows.

Area 1: Academy-Industry Collaboration – 50%

Area 2: Interdisciplinary R&D – 25%

Area 3: Cutting Edge CSE/IT Research – 15%

Area 4: IT Solutions Addressing Disability Issues – 10%

• Startup or incubation support services.
• Postgraduate stipend program.
• Software and technology competitions.

Output 4: Strengthening project management capacity

The project will provide necessary facility and human resources to ensure efficient and effective project management through the PMU and three PIUs to maximize the value addition of the project. The major activities are –

• Stipend, research grant, internship program implementation and monitoring system developed
• Train department staff on modern practices in higher education management.
• Establishing student service and industry relations centers and carrying out the activities.