For the first time, the national round of the Hult Prize an international organization focused on social entrepreneurship was held at the University of Chittagong. The champion title was awarded to the ‘PolyJute Team’ from East Delta University, said in press release.
The competition, often referred to as the “Student Nobel Prize,” began at 9:30 AM on Saturday (May 17) at the Faculty of Law auditorium and concluded at 5:30 PM with the announcement of the winning team.
The day-long event brought together champion teams from 45 universities across the country, who had earlier won their respective on-campus rounds. This year, over 3,500 teams participated in the preliminary stages. The national round included both preliminary and final sessions, with six finalist teams competing for the top spot. The national champion will now represent Bangladesh at the international level, where they will compete for a potential prize of one million US dollars.
The event was presided over by Professor Dr. Muhammad Shahabuddin. Attending as special guests were Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Muhammad Shamim Uddin Khan, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Md. Kamal Uddin, and the advisors of the Hult Prize Chittagong University chapter.
Pro VC (Academic) Professor Dr. Muhammad Shamim Uddin Khan praised the competition and encouraged young social entrepreneurs. He expressed hope that the national champion team would go on to become successful entrepreneurs with their innovative idea.
Pro VC (Administration) Professor Dr. Md. Kamal Uddin emphasized that sustainable ideas have the power to change the world. He stressed the importance of such initiatives in inspiring students to become more involved in extracurricular activities alongside their academic pursuits.
Read more: The Helping Hand Crowned By Hult Prize At BRAC University11
The esteemed panel of judges for the national round included:
Mohammad Mehdi Hasan Chowdhury, Head of Sales, BSRM Steels Ltd.
Sarwar Jahan Sahil, Cluster Head (East Cluster, Commercial), bKash Ltd.
Pradipta Kumar Saha, Chief Executive Officer, NVR Studio
Md. Abdus Samad Himel, Assistant Vice President, MetLife Bangladesh
Kamrul Hasan Siddique, Chief Financial Officer, KDS Garments Division
Asif Uddin Ahmed, Assistant Professor and Director of Graduate Business Program, School of Business, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB)
Saifuzzaman Saif, Region Head, Marico Bangladesh Ltd.
Saraban Tahura, Chief Executive Officer, Turtle Venture
Yasin Sohag, HR Lead – Sales and Enabling Functions (Corporate), Coca-Cola CCI Bangladesh
Minhaz Anwar, Chief Storyteller, BetterStories Ltd.
Tanvir Shahriar Rimon, CEO (Real Estate and Sea Fishing), RANCON
Md. Jahangir Alam, Manager (Admin & HR), Berger Paints Bangladesh Ltd. – Chattogram Factory
The organizing committee noted that each participating team showcased innovative ventures aimed at solving social issues through sustainable and profitable business models, presenting their ideas before the distinguished panel of judges.
They further emphasized that the event was more than just a competition. It served as a unique platform for young people to develop leadership, social responsibility, and entrepreneurial mindsets.
It is worth mentioning that the Hult Prize is an international platform that encourages students to propose innovative solutions to social problems and build sustainable business models.
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