A three-member student team from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) is set to represent Bangladesh at the prestigious American Concrete Institute (ACI) Egg Protection Device Competition 2025. The event will take place in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, from 26 to 29 October 2025.

The team, named Eco Genesis, consists of Farhana Islam Proma, Md Nadir uz Zaman Naef, and Abu Yeahia from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, SUST. They earned this opportunity through consistent performance and innovation in national competitions.

Eco Genesis first made their mark by becoming National Champions at the National Concrete Solution Competition organised by ACI CUET. They then became First Runner-up at the University Innovation Hub at SUST. These achievements brought them international recognition and a direct invitation to the ACI competition. This year, Eco Genesis will be the only team from South Asia participating in the event, a significant milestone for both SUST and Bangladesh.

The team’s project focuses on developing Ultra High Performance Concrete that is stronger and more durable than conventional concrete. Their innovative mix includes polypropylene fibres collected from used sanitary napkins and steel microfibres, replacing coarse aggregate to enhance strength and ductility. This sustainable and high-strength approach highlights their commitment to both environmental responsibility and engineering excellence.

Despite their achievements, the team is facing financial challenges to cover the expenses for their participation. Efforts to secure sponsorship have so far been unsuccessful, and their travel depends on timely funding and visa processing. They are hopeful that institutional and public support will enable them to showcase their innovation on a global platform and bring pride to the country.