Hult prize at IUB grand finale crowns team sunk-cost fallacy

The Hult Prize at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) concluded its Grand Finale, celebrating student-led innovation and impact-driven entrepreneurship.

The event was organised with academic leadership and strategic support from the Department of Human Resource Management (HRM) under the School of Business & Entrepreneurship (SBE), IUB. The department played a key role in mentoring participants and ensuring a rigorous, industry-aligned competition framework.

The judging panel included Sayed Azaz Ahmed, general manager (brand partner), marketing division at bKash Limited; Farhana Islam, director and head of ESG at Grameenphone; and Dr Ikramul Hasan, assistant professor and head of the Department of HRM, SBE, IUB. The organisers said the panel evaluated entries based on innovation, feasibility and social impact.

Among the university leadership present were Professor Raisul Awal Mahmood, dean of SBE; Professor Daniel W Lund, pro vice chancellor; and Professor M Tamim, vice chancellor of IUB. In their remarks, they highlighted the importance of youth leadership, sustainability and an entrepreneurial mindset in shaping the future.

Following pitching and evaluation, Team Sunk-Cost Fallacy was declared champion for demonstrating strong innovation and scalability. Automate Class secured the first runner-up position, while Team Bhorosha became the second runner-up, both recognised for impactful solutions and entrepreneurial vision.

The organisers said the Grand Finale reflected IUB's commitment to nurturing future changemakers, with the HRM department's contribution reinforcing the role of academic excellence in driving sustainable innovation and social impact.