AUW to host 'Hult Prize 2026 On-Campus Competition'
Participants will have the opportunity to secure $1 million in seed funding to scale their ventures
The Asian University for Women (AUW) is set to host the 'Hult Prize 2026 On-Campus Competition' on 23 January, bringing together a dynamic group of young innovators dedicated to solving pressing global challenges through the lens of entrepreneurship.
Often hailed as the "Student's Nobel Prize", the Hult Prize provides a global stage for university students to develop bold, profit-driven solutions to social and environmental issues, reads a press release.
The ultimate incentive for participants is the opportunity to secure $1 million in seed funding to scale their ventures and create a lasting global impact.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
This year's theme, 'Unlimited', is deeply rooted in the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), challenging participants to look beyond conventional business models. The objective is to design scalable and impactful enterprises that do not just generate profit but also foster a sustainable future.
Leading the initiative at AUW is Campus Director Anha Islam, supported by Co-Campus Director Samira Rahman and a dedicated organising team, all working to position the university as a hub for socially conscious leadership.
Highlighting the importance of the event, Anha Islam noted that the Hult Prize empowers students to bridge the gap between abstract ideas and real-world ventures. She emphasised that AUW's mission is to nurture leaders who are prepared to challenge existing limits and innovate for a more equitable world. The competition reflects the university's unique international character, featuring participants from 17 different countries who bring a diverse array of cultural perspectives and problem-solving approaches to the table.
The road to the competition has already seen significant momentum, with a record-breaking number of team registrations following a successful 10-day outreach campaign across the campus.
To ensure the competitors are well-equipped, AUW is currently facilitating a series of capacity-building workshops led by industry experts. These sessions feature Dr Paulraj Mosae Selvakumar on navigating global challenges, Sadman Sadik on the execution of entrepreneurial ideas, and Nayma Nazmul Khan on aligning business concepts with the SDGs. The upcoming event promises to be a powerful showcase of innovation and collaborative leadership.
