Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) hosted the Hult Prize On-Campus Grand Finale 2025–2026 on 30 January at the university’s Mini Auditorium, marking the sixth edition of the globally recognised competition at SUST.

The flagship event was powered by Dream Associates as the title sponsor and brought together young innovators committed to addressing global challenges through entrepreneurship.

The programme was supported by a range of partners, including YSSE as youth engagement partner, Khaja Bakery as snacks partner, Perfetti Van Melle as confectionery partner, Lead Academy as e-learning partner, and Marico as strategic collaborator. The Business Standard served as the official media partner, alongside The Internet Today as online media partner and Khoborer Kagoj as news partner.

Following a competitive evaluation process, Team Annochaya emerged as the Hult Prize On-Campus Champion for their solution focused on providing shelter with dignity for refugees. Team Biopep secured the first runner-up position, while Team Husk Life was named second runner-up.

Registration for the competition opened on 18 December, attracting 155 teams in the initial phase. After multiple rounds of evaluation, 27 teams advanced to the semi-finals, with seven finalist teams qualifying for the grand finale to present solutions addressing pressing global and social issues.

The grand finale was moderated by a panel comprising Ahmedul Haque Imran, regional head of Robi Axiata Limited; Naem Hassan, founder and CEO of Flexfume; Tanjidul Islam, procurement executive at American Efird Bangladesh Limited; and Md Fahim Uddin Emad, business technology analyst at EITEKH.

The event was attended by Dr Abul Mukit Mohamed Mukaddes, advisor of Hult Prize at SUST and faculty member of the Department of Industrial Production Engineering; Dr Md Farhad Rabbi, faculty member of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering; and A K M Farkhrul Islam, also from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, as special guests.

Among other distinguished attendees were Tanvir Ahmad Lalon, chief executive officer of Dream Associates, and Nayema Nasrin Nabila, managing director of Khaja Bakery, along with former campus directors, board members, sponsors, mentors, and past organisers of the Hult Prize On-Campus Programme.

This year’s organising team was led by Nur Mohammad Ashik, campus director, and Al Shahoriar Ahmed Nibir, deputy campus director, supported by five wing heads and 35 executive members.

The grand finale reaffirmed SUST’s commitment to fostering innovation, leadership, and social entrepreneurship, highlighting the strength of collaboration between students, industry leaders, and partner organisations within the Hult Prize ecosystem.