CUET Hult Prize completes semi-finals

The semi-final round of the 'Startup Business Ideas' for Hult Prize 2020 was held on 27 November at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET). 

The judges shortlisted six business ideas for the grand finale of the CUET campus round from about 105 business ideas.

Nearly 356 students submitted 105 ideas of which only 18 made it to the semi-finals. 

Backed by Clinton Foundation, Hult Prize is a year-long competition that handpicks the transformational startup ideas from university students around the globe. Employing more than 30,000 staff, this prestigious competition takes place in more than 2000 universities in 121 countries.

The Campus Director Shihab Ar Rasad led the on-campus round of Hult Prize at CUET this year aided by an organizing committee. 

Although the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted many campus activities, the move to shift the event online managed to grab the attention of the youngsters, said Shihab. 

Initially, interested teams registered via website and submitted their ideas in 350 words documents. 

After the first round, the top 32 ideas moved onto the second phase which was: "Pitching: Convincing Judges in 3 Minutes." This time the participants were asked to provide a 3-minute-elevator-pitch video describing how their startup is going to earn revenue and what would be their socio-economic impact. 

Finally, 18 teams were selected to battle in the semi-finals which took place on 27 November 2020 where recorded pitching videos of pre-selected 18 teams were shown to the judges.