KHULNA, May 9: Vice-Chancellor of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) Prof Dr Muhammad Masud on Friday afternoon said the innovative mindset, problem-solving initiatives and entrepreneurial spirit of youths would be one of the greatest strength of future Bangladesh.
He said international platforms like the Hult Prize Bangladesh National Round-2026 play a vital role in developing leadership, creativity and global competence among students.
The vice-chancellor also said KUET always encourages innovation, research and socially impactful initiatives and remains committed to creating opportunities for students to showcase their talents internationally.
He made the remarks at the "Hult Prize Bangladesh National Round 2026" was held in a festive atmosphere at KUET, bringing together young innovators and aspiring social entrepreneurs from across the country.
The day-long competition organised on Friday by Spectrum, a professional skill development organisation of KUET, featured participation of 60 teams that had earlier emerged victorious in on-campus rounds at different universities nationwide.
After a rigorous competition, team "Denim Revive" secured the national championship title and earned the opportunity to participate in the global incubation programme and represent Bangladesh at the international stage.
Professor Dr M.M.A. Hashem, head of the Biomedical Engineering Department of KUET, attended the programme as special guest.
KUET Director of Student Welfare Dr Md Hasan Ali said students should not remain confined to academic education only but also come forward to solve real-life social and national problems.
He highlighted the importance of such competitions in nurturing young entrepreneurs.
Spectrum Moderator and Mechanical Engineering Department Professor Dr Md Shariful Islam said the Hult Prize is not merely a competition but a global platform that transforms youths' ideas, innovation and social responsibility into reality.
Spectrum Co-Moderator and lecturer of Industrial Engineering and Management Department Asef Shahriar also addressed the event.
The organisers said the Hult Prize is the world's largest student-based social entrepreneurship competition conducted in strategic partnership with the United Nations.
Each year, students from more than 120 countries present innovative business ideas addressing global challenges including food security, climate change, education, healthcare and renewable energy.
The global winning team receives a seed fund of US$1 million.
Among the participating teams, eight finalists advanced to the final round -- Silent Scholar, Annachhaya, Shurakkha Tex, NeuroChain, Denim Revive, Tylus, Rebrick and Jutera.
Each finalist took part in a four-minute pitching session followed by a four-minute question-and-answer round.
At the end of the competition, the judges declared "Denim Revive" the national champion.
