In a nation where building advanced laboratories often seems out of reach, Dr. Abu S. M. Mohsin, Associate Professor at BRAC University, has shown that persistence and vision can turn constraints into catalysts for innovation. As founder of the Nanotechnology, AI, IoT and Applied Machine Learning Research Group (Nano-Bio-AI), he has transformed modest beginnings into a research powerhouse advancing Bangladesh’s role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
When Dr. Mohsin returned to Bangladesh after his PhD in Australia, he faced a challenge familiar to many scientists in developing nations: limited funding, scarce infrastructure, and little precedent for frontier research. Yet, instead of being discouraged, he built incrementally—securing early seed grants, repurposing resources, and training students with a focus on innovation that serves people as well as science.
That determination has yielded remarkable results: 15+ funded projects worth nearly USD 7 million, 30+ peer-reviewed publications (including 20+ in Q1 journals), 900+ global citations, and the mentoring of over 150 students.
Dr. Mohsin’s foundational studies in plasmon coupling, quantum yield, and nanoparticle-cell interactions provided new insights into nanobiophotonics and biomedical imaging. His later work pushed into graphene-metamaterial hybrids, terahertz metasurfaces, and optical logic gates, opening pathways toward quantum photonic computing and next-generation sensing devices.
From label-free plasmonic biosensors for temperature and hemoglobin detection to metasurface-based systems that detect dengue NS1 and malaria-infected red blood cells with record sensitivity, the group’s research has demonstrated how nanotechnology can revolutionize healthcare. These devices hold promise for low-cost, point-of-care diagnostics in Bangladesh and beyond.
In renewable energy, the group achieved 18.58% efficiency for a single-junction silicon solar cell, above 30% and 42% efficiency in group III-V single- and multi-junction solar cells, respectively, and, for the first time, proposed a metasurface-enhanced single-junction solar cell with nearly 31% efficiency. Their TiN and PCM-based (VO₂) thermophotovoltaic cells demonstrate ultra-broadband absorption above 90% and thermal stability above 1400°C, offering breakthroughs for next-generation energy systems.
Dr. Mohsin has integrated AI and IoT into solutions for urban infrastructure, smart healthcare, agriculture, and energy management—publishing in respected outlets such as Discover Internet of Things and International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology. His work on EV charging stations and digital twin frameworks for renewable systems promises efficiency gains of 15–20%, directly contributing to Bangladesh’s net-zero goals.
Advanced Training Module in Semiconductor, Renewables, and ICT
Funded by the Asian Development Bank and Ministry of Finance, this initiative—now in its final approval stage—will build critical human capital in industries vital to Bangladesh’s economic future.
Machine Learning-Based Inverse Photonic Design
Produced 12 Q1 papers, one master’s thesis, and one undergraduate thesis, while training students in cutting-edge AI-driven photonics.
Graphene-Metamaterial Hybrid Devices for Photonics and THz Antennas
Delivered 10 Q1 publications and trained young researchers in frontier device design.
Plasmon-Enhanced Light–Matter Interaction for Solar Cells and Biosensors
Built laboratory infrastructure, including a microscopy imaging system and high-performance computing workstation, while generating 6 Q1 publications.
IoT and Machine Learning-Based Water Quality and Quantity Monitoring System for Domestic and Industrial Application (Effluent Treatment Plant)
Developed a water quality and quantity monitoring system for both household and industry applications. Includes a live dashboard for monitoring water quality and quantity. Developed a billing and notification system for households and industries. Finalist of the “Water Innovation Challenge Competition by Bangladesh 2030 Water Resources Group” (funded by A2i+ICT Ministry+World Bank). Deliverable: Prototype development, 3 undergraduate and 1 master's theses, 2 Q1 journals published.
The domestic dashboard can be accessed using the following link: https://wqqms.netlify.app/data.html
The industry dashboard can be accessed using the following link: https://wqqmsindustry.netlify.app/data.html
AI- and Robotics-Based Solutions for Agricultural Farm Monitoring
Developed systems including AI, drones, rovers, and conveyor belts for farm monitoring, disease detection, and harvesting and spraying. Deliverable:Prototype development, 4 undergraduate theses, 2 Q1 journals and 1 conference published.
UV-C Disinfection Chamber for N95 Mask Recycling
Designed to disinfect N95 masks, addressing supply shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborated with Stanford University for technical support. Deliverable: Prototype development, 1 undergraduate and 1 master's thesis, and 1 Q1 journal published.
AI-Based Disinfection Robot for Educational Institutions
Designed AI-based systems that can eliminate coronavirus in classrooms and on surfaces. Monitors the health status of students and notifies hospitals or emergency contacts during emergencies. Deliverable: Prototype development, 1 undergraduate thesis.
AI and IoT-Based Automated Emergency System for Car Devices and Home Safety
Developed an IoT and ML-based system that reduces casualties in emergency situations. Deliverable: Prototype development, 2 undergraduate theses, 2 Q1 journals and 1 conference published. The developed dashboard can be accessed using the following link:https://ehet.netlify.app/
Nanoimaging and Characterization Facility
Established a state-of-the-art nanoimaging and characterization facility featuring darkfield microscopy, a wet chemistry lab, and a biosafety cabinet for nanomolecular studies. Developed advanced research capabilities for the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning, including high-performance simulation workstations, hardware, sensors, actuators, and prototyping devices such as a 3D printer.
The group’s most enduring achievement may be its people. More than 150 students—from undergraduates to master’s researchers—have trained under Dr. Mohsin, many now contributing to industry, academia, and public policy. Strategic collaborations with Stanford University, University of Central Florida, Edith Cowan University, BUET, and Sher-E-Bangla Agricultural University have amplified both scientific output and global visibility.
Looking forward, Dr. Mohsin aims to:
Enhance device sensitivity and efficiency by over 30% in plasmonic and metasurface-based single-junction solar.
Advance third-generation solar cells toward 31% efficiency with improved stability.
Deploy AI/IoT-enabled smart city and healthcare frameworks for measurable improvements in public services.
Translate laboratory breakthroughs into products—from biosensors to solar modules—through stronger industry partnerships.
Build and developed - nanomaterial synthesis, simulation, cell culture and imaging facility (darkfield confocal microscopy)
“Building a research group in Bangladesh has never been easy,” Dr. Mohsin reflects. “But our progress proves that world-class innovation can emerge from local soil, shaping not only national development but also global solutions.”
15+ funded projects | ~USD 7 million
30+ publications | 20+ Q1 journals
780+ citations | h-index 15
150+ students trained | 15 RAs, 10 master’s, 30 undergraduate groups
Breakthroughs: 31% efficient metasurface solar cells, biosensors for dengue & malaria, AI/IoT smart systems and precision agriculture.
Strategic Projects: ADB Semiconductor Training, BarcU Photonics Seed Funding
Global Links: Stanford, UCF, ECU, BUET, Sher-E-Bangla Agricultural University
The Nano-Bio-AI Group is more than a research team; it is a national innovation engine, demonstrating how Bangladesh can lead in nanotechnology, AI, and sustainable systems. Its story—built from resource constraints, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence—offers a powerful lesson: with vision and commitment, even limited resources can produce breakthroughs that resonate worldwide.