Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof. Dr. Md Mashud has said that an entrepreneurial mindset will be the greatest strength of Bangladesh’s future generation,
He made these remarks at “Hult Prize Bangladesh National Round 2026” held on Friday (May 8), organised by KUET’s professional skill development organisation Spectrum.
A total of 60 teams, selected as winners from on-campus rounds across different universities in the country, participated in the national event. After intense competition, the team “Denim Revive” emerged as the national champion.
Speaking as chief guest at the closing ceremony, the VC said that innovative thinking, problem-solving initiatives and entrepreneurial mindset among young people will be the country’s biggest strength in the coming days.
He noted that platforms like Hult Prize play a significant role in developing leadership, creativity and global competitiveness among students.
He also reaffirmed KUET’s commitment to promoting innovation, research, and socially impactful initiatives while creating opportunities for students to showcase their talent globally.
Special guest Prof. Dr. MMA Hashem, Head of Department of Biomedical Engineering, also attended the event.
KUET Director of Student Welfare Dr. Md Hasan Ali stressed that students must move beyond academic learning and focus on solving real-life societal and national problems.
Spectrum moderator and Mechanical Engineering Professor Dr. Md Shariful Islam described the Hult Prize as a global platform that transforms ideas, innovation and social responsibility into real-world impact.
He thanked all stakeholders for successfully organising the event.
Co-moderator Assef Shahriar also highlighted the positive impact of such competitions in encouraging innovation among university students.
The event was sponsored by Ispahani Group as principal sponsor, with Trust Bank Limited as co-sponsor.
The Hult Prize is considered the world’s largest student social entrepreneurship competition, organised in partnership with the United Nations.
Each year, students from over 120 countries present innovative solutions to global challenges such as food security, climate change, education, healthcare and renewable energy. The global winning team receives a seed fund of $1 million.
In the Bangladesh national round, eight teams advanced to the final stage: Silent Scholar, Onnochhaya, Shurukha Tex, Neurochain, Denim Revive, Tylas, Rebrick and Jutera.
Each team participated in a four-minute pitch followed by a four-minute Q&A session.
The judging panel included entrepreneurs, corporate leaders and technology experts such as Bahaauddin Arafat, CEO of JAG Systems Limited; Syed Zubair Hasan, founder and CEO of Krishi Shopno; Shoaib Hasan, CBO of Nextjob Limited; Mahfuz Rahman CMA, Vice President of VFM Ventures Limited; MD Miftah Uddin, Solution Consultant at Brain Station 23; Fahim Salam, CEO of Nupport and Dr. Ahmed Arman Siddique, CEO of Grameen Digital Healthcare Solutions, among others.
At the end of the competition, “Denim Revive” was declared the national champion by the judges. The winning team will now participate in a global incubation programme and represent Bangladesh at the international stage.
The event concluded with a group photo session featuring guests, judges, organisers and participants.
SMS/SH
