Centre for Research & Innovation in Science, Arts & Technology (CRISAT), in collaboration with CENTRO, has successfully conducted the online orientation programme for the CRISAT–CENTRO Digital Fashion Catwalk Competition (DFCC) 2026, aiming to foster creativity and digital skills among textile and fashion students.
Held on June 13, the orientation programme introduced participants to the objectives, guidelines and opportunities associated with the competition, which seeks to provide aspiring fashion professionals with a platform to showcase their creativity and technological capabilities through digital fashion.
The event brought together academicians, industry professionals, judges and students, reflecting growing efforts to strengthen industry-academia collaboration and prepare the next generation of fashion professionals for an increasingly digital and innovation-driven industry.
The programme began with an introduction to CRISAT by Md. Omar Faruk Chowdhury, followed by a welcome address and overview of DFCC 2026 delivered by Dr. Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem, Founder of CRISAT.
In his remarks, Dr. Sayem highlighted the growing importance of innovation, digital competencies and industry-oriented learning in shaping the future of the fashion and textile sectors. He emphasized the need for students to acquire emerging technological skills to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global industry.
A keynote presentation was delivered by Ayesha Akter, Graphic Designer at Centro Tex Ltd., who shared insights into digital design practices and creative approaches being adopted within the fashion industry. Her presentation provided participants with practical knowledge on digital fashion development and the role of creativity in modern apparel design.
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The programme also featured an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing students to engage directly with experts and gain a deeper understanding of the competition and the opportunities available through digital fashion technologies.
Members of the judging panel also offered their guidance and expectations for participants. The panel included SM Sudrul Amin, Assistant Professor at Sonargaon University of Technology (SMUCT), and Md. Redwanul Islam, Lecturer at the National Institute of Textile Engineering and Research (NITER).
Industry representatives Jahidur Rahman, Assistant General Manager of Centro Tex Ltd., and Zafor Iqbal, General Manager of the company, also addressed the session. They stressed the importance of closer collaboration between academia and industry to equip future professionals with relevant knowledge and practical skills aligned with market demands.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem, who expressed appreciation to the participants, speakers and industry representatives for their contributions to the programme.
Organizers said the successful completion of the orientation programme marks an important step toward building a creative and digitally skilled fashion community in Bangladesh. Through the competition, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their talent, innovation and technological expertise while gaining exposure to emerging trends in digital fashion.
The initiative comes as the global fashion industry increasingly embraces digitalization, virtual design technologies and sustainable product development, creating new opportunities for young designers and technology-driven fashion professionals.
The final round of the CRISAT–CENTRO Digital Fashion Catwalk Competition 2026 will be held as part of the seventh Textile Research Conference (TRC 2026) on October 31 in Dhaka. The event will be organized in collaboration with BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology and is expected to bring together researchers, academics, industry experts and students to discuss emerging trends and innovations in the textile and fashion sector.
With digital transformation reshaping the future of apparel design and manufacturing, initiatives such as DFCC 2026 are expected to play a crucial role in nurturing creativity, promoting technological adoption and strengthening the link between education and industry in Bangladesh’s growing fashion ecosystem.
