WUST Chancellor announces $2 million startup fund for students

Washington University of Science and Technology (WUST) in Arlington, Virginia, received 263 diplomas at its 2025 commencement. At the ceremony, Chancellor Engineer Abubakar Hanip announced the launch of a $2 million startup fund and an innovation incubator to support students' innovative ventures.

Abubakar Hanip, a son of Comilla, said, "The world is waiting for you. It is waiting for your new ideas, your values, and the bold step of doing something different."

Then, at the beginning of his speech, he announced that the university is launching a $2 million startup fund to support students' innovative initiatives.

He said, "Today I am proudly announcing a bold initiative. Soon, we are launching a new Innovation Entrepreneurship Incubator. Through which we will not only mentor students, but also provide capital of up to two million dollars." The Convocation Auditorium became excited with this announcement in the presence of students, teachers, and guests.

The keynote speaker at the event was Soma Saeed, the first Bangladeshi-American judge of the New York City Civil Court. She inspired the new graduates by sharing her struggles.

"Yes, you have succeeded in achieving graduation, now it is time to take that success to the next level," he said.

Another Bangladeshi American, Virginia State Senator Saddam Azlan Salim, highlighted the importance of contributing to community development in addition to self-reliance. He said, "If you can change one person's life, that will gradually change the entire society."

Loudoun County Treasurer Henry C. Eichelberg advised students to think and make independent decisions. "Make your own decisions, shape your future," he said.

Students celebrate their achievements by throwing their graduation hats in a joyous ceremony at the convocation.