The Institute of Appropriate Technology was established in the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) to cater the need for an Institution to support development of national indigenous capability in selection, generation and dissemination of technologies appropriate to the national development objectives of Bangladesh.

The objectives of IAT are:

- to initiate, promote and conduct research on technology policies, technology assessment, technology transfer, technology development and technology dissemination.

- to develop training Programs related to technology assessment, transfer, development, and dissemination.

- to establish collaborative linkage with institutions engaged in similar objectives.

- to disseminate information for the effective use to technology for national development.

- to provide advisory services, on matters related to technology and development.