The CTO Forum Innovation Hackathon 2022 was inaugurated by the Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury MP, on Monday, 12^th of September 2022 at the campus of American International University- Bangladesh (AIUB). This national event is committed to fostering an environment of trust, openness, and innovation where the most creative and innovative minds of today can come together to maximize the advantages of current and future technology for the country while paying close attention to addressing the technical issues and challenges. This event is dedicated to boost young mind’s creativity in the creation of sustainable technologies for the benefit of the country. The Hackathon is scheduled to start on 29^th of September 2022 with an idea round session in several divisions of Bangladesh such as Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet and Rajshahi.

Dr. Carmen Z. Lamagna, the honorable Vice-Chancellor of the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), delivered the welcome address on the occasion. She expressed her gratitude to all the attendees and wished the event a great success. She also appreciated the efforts of the Department of Computer Science, AIUB for supporting and participating in such a tremendous nationwide initiative.

Mr. Tapan Kanti Sarker, President of the CTO Forum Bangladesh, in his address, mentioned that the development of digital Bangladesh will be successful if these young people are positively exploited, and their fresh ideas are appropriately encouraged.

The Special guest Prof. Dr. Md.  Sazzad Hossain, member of the University Grants Commission, Bangladesh stated if university students are not prepared to tackle practical difficulties with their innovation, the country will not be able to stay up to date with the fast-evolving world of invention and technology. He claimed that the country is home to many intelligent young minds who should be given the proper opportunities, and this hackathon is one of them.

The Chief guest of the event, Barrister Mahibul Hasan Chowdhury MP, the Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education appreciated such well-timed initiative towards innovation. The deputy minister highlighted that developing a digital Bangladesh is not only dependent on academic knowledge, but also on the innovative thinking and spirit that these programs will foster. During the ongoing fourth industrial revolution, these sorts of events will advance the nation. He also mentioned that the CTO Forum's plan to use the strength of youth and technology to create a smart Bangladesh would have the full support of the Government.

Among others Prof. Dr. H M Jahirul Haque, the Vice Chancellor, Canadian University of Bangladesh, Mr. Bikarna Kumar Ghosh, the Managing Director, Bangladesh HiTech Park Authority and Mr. Muttasim Diaan, Director and the CEO, Fair group also addressed the audience.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of Mrs. Nadia Anwar, Founder and Member, AIUB Board of trustees, Deans, Associate Deans, Directors, Head of the Departments, Faculty Members, Officials from AIUB and other Universities, Organizing Committee Members of the Hackathon, High officials from the Title sponsor Fair group, representatives from several Print and Electronic media and students.