The Diamond Challenges is a prestigious global competition that fosters young entrepreneurs and innovators. Every year, out of thousands of applicants, only a handful are chosen as finalists to be judged based on the impact and importance of their innovation. This year, the team of Shafi Bin Sultan and Sabik Bin Sultan has secured a place in the Business Innovation category, where only 38 teams have qualified worldwide. Currently, they are ranked 5th, and we are striving to make it to 1st place, setting another milestone for Bangladesh.
The brothers have invented a groundbreaking technology in the realm of water purification. Their innovation, BLUESHIELD FILTER, is designed for water-scarce and flood-prone regions. The filter uses advanced carbon nanomaterials and upcycled components. Its full design remains confidential due to ongoing patent procedures.
We have caught up with Shafi Bin Sultan to learn about the journey to the finals of the Diamond Challenge.
Inspiration
Drinking water scarcity has been a long-standing problem, especially in underdeveloped countries. However, there is hardly any cheap and sustainable solution to this problem. This is the context which BLUESHIELD FILTER hopes to eradicate.
“Growing up, I’ve seen firsthand how people struggle to access clean drinking water during floods. Witnessing this struggle made me realise that a sustainable, scalable, and affordable filtration solution was necessary,” explained Shafi.
As a sustainable answer, and with a motivation to represent Bangladesh on the international stage, they applied for the Diamond Challenge. The competition also provides a platform for further research and support for progressing this idea, which is ample reason for Shafi to participate.
“I wanted to showcase a solution that could tackle a real-world crisis, and this competition gave me the perfect opportunity to do that. “
Challenges
There are significant problems whenever a Bangladeshi using local resources wants to implement their ideas in the real world. A scarcity of parts, costs of R and D, and a multitude of other factors often leads to struggles that might not be found elsewhere, which leads to an increase of cost and low replicability.
“We had to ensure that our technology was cost-effective and practical while also meeting the rigorous criteria of the competition.”
Teamwork and perseverance is also a challenge, especially when one is working in close quarters with family. Shafi and Sabik are not only team members striving for the same goal but brothers as well. Balancing this dynamic may be tough when making the final decisions of the project.
When asked about any moments of disagreement, Shafi said, “ Of course, there were moments of disagreement, especially when making critical decisions about the project’s design and presentation. However, at the end of the day, we both shared the same vision, and by listening to each other and weighing all options, we always found a middle ground that benefitted the project.”
Long term goals
The Diamond Challenge awards prize money to the top three teams in both business innovation and social innovation tracks to advance their entrepreneurial journeys. This is a support for further research on their innovation, and also it provides industry connection to the winners for further networking and development.
Shafi also expressed his goals to aim for the future with BLUESHIELD FILTER. “In the long run, I see myself expanding my research, collaborating with experts worldwide, and pushing the boundaries of technology to create a lasting impact,” expressed Shafi.
The brothers also share a passion for innovation. With all the challenges in the twenty-first century, both of them expect to lead a life in science and technology to find meaningful solutions to imminent problems. “Through my work, I aim to develop sustainable technologies, mentor young innovators, and foster a culture of research and development in the country.”
For others wanting to come up with innovative solutions and wanting to represent Bangladesh on the global stage, Shafi shared some words of advice. The grit and determination to make the idea a reality is always the first triumph.
Believe in your idea. No matter how ambitious your vision is, if you are passionate and committed, you can make it a reality.
There is also a need for keeping an open and curious mind; constant change and learning are a must to keep a wider view of ideas. This will help one to stay sharp and up-to-date in this age of newer innovation. “Feedback and mentorship play a crucial role in refining your project,” explained Shafi.
In the end, the brothers are on the verge of fulfilling their ambition to play their part in global sustainability in clean water. Bangladesh wishes them all the best, and hopes their innovation will help millions suffering from the vulnerability of not having drinking water.