Noakhali, Bangladesh – February 24, 2025: The Textile Engineering College, Noakhali, successfully hosted the Grand Finale of the Hult Prize 2024-25, a prestigious global competition that challenges students to develop business solutions with a positive environmental impact per dollar earned.
This year’s competition featured 24 teams and over 90 participants, with five teams advancing to the final round: Team NextGen Pioneers, Team Impact Nexus, Team Peak Performers, Team Catalyst for Good, and Team Innovate X. Each team had six minutes to present their business proposal, followed by a four-minutes Q&A session with the panel of judges.
Esteemed Panel of Judges
The competition was judged by industry leaders, including:
- Shafal Barua, General Manager (Technical), Modern Syntex Limited
- Fahim Nazam Us Sakib, Founder & CEO, Nazah Foods & Beverages Pvt. Ltd.
- Mohammad Wahidul Alam, General Manager, RNT (BD) Limited, Riztu Corporation
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The event was graced by notable guests, including:
- Engineer Md. Abdur Rokib, Principal, Textile Engineering College, Noakhali
- Md. Riaz Uddin, Vice President & Head of Branch, United Commercial Bank
- MD. Jahangir Alam, Assitant General Manager, Globe Pharma Group of Companies Ltd.
- Zakaria Alam Ziku, Chief Operating Officer, TexBot Hub
- Engineer Md. Anwar Hossain, Lecturer, Textile Engineering College, Noakhali
- Engineer Hasan Mahmud, Lecturer, Textile Engineering College, Noakhali
A Competitive Final Round
After a closely contested final, Team NextGen Pioneers secured the championship title with their innovative business idea. Team Catalyst for Good finished as the first runner-up, while Team Peak Performers took second runner-up honors.
Words of Appreciation
Principal Engineer Md. Abdur Rokib lauded the participants, stating: “The Hult Prize is a remarkable initiative on our campus. The ideas presented today have great potential to evolve into successful startups.”
Reflecting on the journey, Md. Jahid Hasan, Campus Director of Hult Prize at Textile Engineering College, Noakhali, remarked: “After months of dedication and overcoming challenges, we are proud to have successfully concluded the Hult Prize Campus Round 2024-25. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this remarkable journey.”
Sponsorship and Recognition
The event received significant corporate sponsorship, including:
- United Commercial Bank (UCB) – Title Sponsor
- Riztu Limited – Co-Sponsor
- The Maleda Group – Additional Sponsor
TBS Graduates served as the Youth Engagement Partner, while media coverage was provided by The Business Standard, Textile Today, Bhorer Kagoj, Desh TV and Global TV. Interactive Care was the E-Learning Partner, and PeopleNTech provided IT support. Strategic collaborations were formed with The Youth School for Social Entrepreneurs-YSSE, TexBot Hub, and Excellence Bangladesh. Additionally, Globe Soft Drinks Ltd. was the Beverage Partner, while 16 Ana, Sei Rongh, Jute Elegance, Yellow Dot, Go Green Be Green, and Urban Farmers served as Gift Partners. Fairooz was the Fragrance Partner. HoneyGo and Aleena Foods were the Snacks Partners, while Star Line Food Products Ltd. was the Food Partner. Chennai Express provided Catering support. Bangla Radio 95.2 FM was the Radio Partner. TECN Art & Photography Society served as the Club Partner. Onu’s Kitchen was the Cake Partner.
All finalists received certificates, while the top three teams were awarded a cash prize of 20,000 Taka. As the champions, Team NextGen Pioneers will advance to the regional round, where they will compete against teams from other institutions. The Hult Prize is a globally recognized startup incubator program that empowers young entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions driving social and environmental impact. The competition continues to inspire and support the next generation of changemakers.
