FutureMakers finale celebrates Bangladesh’s next generation of AI innovators

Grameenphone, the country's leading telecommunications service provider, has hosted the Grand Finale of FutureMakers—its first-ever nationwide AI idea competition—aimed at empowering university students to demonstrate creativity, innovation, and problem-solving through artificial intelligence (AI).

The initiative encouraged young minds from across Bangladesh to design impactful, technology-driven solutions to real-world challenges and contribute to building a smarter, more sustainable future.

Team Watermelon was declared champion for its project Ishara: Bangla Sign Language Translator. Team Opion became the first runner-up with its AI-driven news credibility platform, while Team Synapz (AI Inclusion for Differently-abled Learners) and Team Lasta (Disha: Financial Inclusion through AI) jointly secured the second runner-up position.

The winners were recognised by Yasir Azman, Chief Executive Officer; Syeda Tahya Hossain, Chief Human Resources Officer; Dr Asif Naimur Rashid, Chief Business Officer; and Dr Niranjan Srinivasan, Chief Information Officer, of Grameenphone. Other senior officials were also present.

Yasir Azman, CEO of Grameenphone, said, "As we advance towards an AI-driven future, it is important to equip our youth with the skills and mindset to lead this shift. At Grameenphone, we view AI as a catalyst for innovation, productivity, and inclusive growth. Through FutureMakers, we aim to nurture young innovators ready to shape the future workforce and contribute to the nation's digital economy."

Syeda Tahya Hossain, Chief Human Resources Officer, added, "At Grameenphone, we believe in nurturing the next generation of innovators who will shape the digital future of Bangladesh. FutureMakers is part of our commitment to empowering young talents to explore, create, and lead with technology."

Winners of the competition will gain fast-track access to Grameenphone's flagship talent development programmes. Alongside prize money, they will receive mentoring opportunities to refine their ideas, and gain hands-on experience in real-world innovation environments.

Launched in September 2025, FutureMakers brought together students from universities across Bangladesh. After an initial screening round, shortlisted teams presented their ideas to a panel of industry experts, start-up founders, and Grameenphone leaders. Evaluation focused on originality, feasibility, social impact, and the effective application of AI.

Through FutureMakers, Grameenphone reaffirms its broader purpose of driving digital inclusion and youth empowerment through technology and AI—fostering a generation of innovators ready to build a digitally advanced, inclusive Bangladesh.