SUST hosts hult prize on-campus grand finale

Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) hosted the Hult Prize On-Campus Grand Finale 2025–26 on 30 January at the university's mini auditorium, marking the sixth edition of the globally recognised competition at SUST.

Powered by Dream Associates as title sponsor, the event brought together young innovators committed to addressing pressing global challenges through entrepreneurship.

The programme was supported by YSSE as youth engagement partner, Khaja Bakery as snacks partner, Perfetti Van Melle as confectionery partner, Lead Academy as e-learning partner, and Marico as strategic collaborator. The Business Standard served as official media partner, alongside The Internet Today as online media partner and Khoborer Kagoj as news partner.

Following a competitive selection process, Team Annochaya emerged as the Hult Prize On-Campus Champion for their solution focused on providing dignified shelter for refugees. Team Biopep secured the first runner-up position, while Team Husk Life was named second runner-up.

Registration for the competition opened on 18 December, attracting 155 teams in the initial phase. After several evaluation rounds, 27 teams advanced to the semi-finals, with seven finalist teams qualifying for the grand finale to present solutions to urgent global and social challenges.

The grand finale was moderated by a panel comprising Ahmedul Haque Imran, regional head, Robi Axiata Limited; Naem Hassan, founder and CEO, Flexfume; Tanjidul Islam, procurement executive, American Efird Bangladesh Limited; and Md Fahim Uddin Emad, business technology analyst, EITEKH.

The event was attended by Dr Abul Mukit Mohamed Mukaddes, advisor, Hult Prize at SUST, and faculty member, Department of Industrial and Production Engineering; Dr Md Farhad Rabbi, faculty member, Department of Computer Science and Engineering; and A K M Farkhrul Islam, also of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, as special guests.

Among other attendees were Tanvir Ahmad Lalon, chief executive officer, Dream Associates, and Nayema Nasrin Nabila, managing director, Khaja Bakery, along with former campus directors, board members, mentors, sponsors, club partners, and past organisers of the Hult Prize On-Campus programme.

This year's organising team was led by Nur Mohammad Ashik, campus director, and Al Shahoriar Ahmed Nibir, deputy campus director, supported by five wing heads and 35 executive members.

The grand finale reaffirmed SUST's commitment to fostering innovation, leadership and social entrepreneurship, highlighting the strength of collaboration among students, industry leaders and partner organisations within the Hult Prize ecosystem.