Students from the Departments of Archaeology and Management at Jahangirnagar University (JU) have secured a Tk 80,000 national seed grant for GreenPod, an initiative promoting accessible and environmentally friendly planting practices.

Developed by a four-member team named EcoNerds, GreenPod was selected under the National Innovation Challenge of the University Innovation Hub Programme (UIHP).

Three team members, Tanjila Akter, Fatima Akter and Tasfia Khanom Maria, are students of the 54th batch of the Department of Archaeology, while the fourth member, Pritom Bonik, studies at the Department of Management.

GreenPod aims to promote urban greenery in Bangladesh through seed balls made from indigenous seeds, biodegradable materials and nutrient-rich compost. The seed balls are designed to simplify planting without requiring soil digging or extensive maintenance. Guided by the concept “Throw a pod, grow a plant”, the initiative seeks to make planting more accessible.

The team first secured funding at the university level, finishing first runner-up in the Pre-Seed Fund round of JU’s first Innovation Cohort. EcoNerds received Tk 40,000 at the Jury Day on 16 January 2026.

The team later secured an additional Tk 80,000 seed grant through the national-level innovation challenge under UIHP, taking its total funding across the two stages to Tk 1.2 lakh. The release of the national grant is currently in process.

UIHP is an initiative of the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA), funded by the World Bank. The programme supports university students in developing innovative ideas through mentorship, training, networking and financial assistance.

GreenPod brings together students from archaeology and management to develop an environmentally focused initiative. If implemented and expanded successfully, the project could help promote urban greenery and encourage more sustainable planting practices in communities.