Two students from the University of Dhaka (DU) have been named champions in the Energy Efficiency category of the SEI Idea Contest 2026.

Zaara Tasnuva Alam and Humayra Tabassum Turasa, students of DU’s Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering, secured first place in Group A, Category 2, with their innovation titled Tri-Partite Energy Conservation and Optimisation Framework (TPECO).

The project combines automation and Internet of Things (IoT)-based energy monitoring, a policy-making system for energy conservation, and public awareness initiatives to reduce energy wastage and optimise energy use.

The SEI Idea Contest 2026 was organised by the Power Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources in collaboration with the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), GIZ and the German Embassy in Dhaka.

Held under the theme ‘Sphuron: In Search of Sustainable Energy Innovation’, the national competition aimed to encourage innovative solutions for a sustainable energy future in Bangladesh.

Following two rounds of competition, the top eight teams presented their ideas in the final round. The winners received their awards at a ceremony held alongside Bangladesh Solar Expo 2026.