‘Polyjute Team’ wins national round of Hult Prize in Bangladesh
The national round of the prestigious Hult Prize was held for the first time at the University of Chittagong, where the 'Polyjute Team' from East Delta University emerged as the champion.
Often dubbed the "Student Nobel Prize", the Hult Prize encourages young innovators to tackle global social challenges through sustainable business solutions. The day-long event took place on Saturday at the Faculty of Law auditorium, beginning at 9:30am and concluding at 5:30pm with the announcement of the winners.
Champion teams from 45 universities across the country participated in the national round, having previously secured victory in their respective on-campus competitions. This year, the Hult Prize saw participation from more than 3,500 teams nationwide. Following intense preliminary rounds, six teams reached the final stage, where they pitched their ideas before an esteemed panel of judges. The winning team will now represent Bangladesh at the global platform for a chance to secure one million US dollars in seed funding.
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The event was presided over by Professor Dr Muhammad Shahabuddin. Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr Muhammad Shamim Uddin Khan and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Md Kamal Uddin attended as special guests, alongside the advisors of the Hult Prize Chittagong University chapter.
In his address, Professor Dr Muhammad Shamim Uddin Khan praised the competition's role in promoting social entrepreneurship among youth and expressed hope that the national champions would go on to bring global recognition to Bangladesh with their innovation. Professor Dr Md Kamal Uddin highlighted the transformative power of sustainable ideas and encouraged students to balance academics with meaningful extracurricular engagement.
The judging panel featured leading professionals from across the corporate and entrepreneurial sectors, including representatives from BSRM Steels, bKash, MetLife, Coca-Cola CCI Bangladesh, Marico, Berger Paints, and others.
Organisers noted that the competition was not merely a contest but a platform that nurtures leadership, social awareness, and entrepreneurial spirit among students. Each team showcased ventures aimed at solving critical social issues through profitable, sustainable business models.
The Hult Prize continues to serve as a beacon for aspiring changemakers, empowering the next generation to build a better, more inclusive world through innovation and enterprise.
