North South University (NSU) has hosted the DataDevelop Prize (DDP) 2026 BD Case Competition on 09 October 2026 (Friday) at NSU Auditorium, bringing together academia and industry leaders to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital product passport (DPP) technologies can help make Bangladesh’s apparel industry more sustainable, efficient, and safe. The program, themed “Re-imagining Bangladesh’s Apparel Industry with AI-enabled AnyDPP: Building a Less Wasteful, Cleaner and Safer Community,” focused on technology-driven approaches to reducing industrial waste, improving supply chain management, managing toxic chemicals, promoting clean air, and strengthening factory safety. 
The program was attended by Dr. Henry Soo, Owner and Managing Director of Data Develop Consulting Ltd., Hong Kong, and International Director of the Asia Circular Economy Association, as the Chief Guest; Ms. Lydia Soo, Chief Executive Officer of the Academy of Garment Technology Bangladesh; Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of North South University (NSU); Professor Nasar U. Ahmed, Pro Vice-Chancellor of NSU; and Mr. Aziz Al Kaisar, Chairman of the NSU Board of Trustees. Other distinguished attendees included Mr. Showkat Aziz Russell, President of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA); Mr. Mohammad Hatem, President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA); and Mr. Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, Executive President of BKMEA.
Dr. Henry Soo said, “Bangladesh’s apparel industry faces significant environmental and workplace safety challenges that require innovative, technology-driven solutions. AI-enabled AnyDPP is designed to address critical industry concerns, including toxic chemical management, clean air, and factory safety. By leveraging emerging technologies and improved information management, this initiative aims to support the industry’s transition towards a cleaner, safer, and less wasteful industrial ecosystem.”
Mr. Showkat Aziz Russell, President of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), emphasised the importance of technology and sustainable practices in strengthening the textile and apparel industries. He said, “Adopting AI and digital technologies can help reduce industrial waste, improve efficiency, and enhance the global competitiveness of Bangladesh’s apparel industry.” 
Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU, said, “Universities have an important role to play in connecting academic research with the practical needs of industry. By bringing together students, researchers and industry leaders, we can encourage responsible innovation and develop technology-driven solutions that address real-world challenges. Initiatives such as this competition create valuable opportunities to advance sustainable industrial practices and prepare graduates to contribute to Bangladesh’s future development.” 
Professor Nasar U. Ahmed, Pro Vice-Chancellor of NSU, said, “Collaboration between academia and industry is essential to developing practical solutions for environmental and workplace safety challenges. Engaging students with industry experts helps foster innovation and build a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable apparel industry.” 
Two panel discussions explored the opportunities and challenges of transforming Bangladesh’s apparel industry through emerging technologies, sustainability, and industry collaboration. The final panel details and participants’ designations remain to be confirmed. The program concluded with recognition of the competition results, with Team Lazarus securing first prize.