Battle of minds BUP team secures victory

The country's pioneering business case competition platform, Battle of Minds, concluded its twenty first edition yesterday, November 28, 2024, at the Grand Ball Room, Radisson Blu Water Garden in Dhaka. The competition encourages the development of next-generation business leaders by empowering young talents to explore their capabilities, transcend limitations, and embrace contemporary challenges with determination.

Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Dhaka, was the Chief Guest for this year's competition. During his speech, Professor Niaz emphasized the transformative power of empowering the youth and highlighted their immense potential to fuel the economy and drive positive changes across the community. He applauded 'Battle of Minds' for their exceptional work providing young people with practical experience to spur innovation and inspire leadership.

This year, participants picked between two challenges – product or AI revolution- contributing towards the wellbeing industry. In an impressive showcase of talent and innovation, the team 'Pardon Us, Coming Through' from Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) emerged as the winner of the Battle of Minds 2024—the winning team comprising Md. Nahian Hasan, Adeeba Rukaiya Hasan, and Ridah Tarannum Mehmood, demonstrated their prowess by outshining the four other finalist teams. Their business plan focused on Jaco Natural Jackfruit Chips, which reimagines jackfruit as a versatile, sustainable super-snack. Jaco combines bold taste with clean and nutrient-rich ingredients by offering innovative flavours like Classic Savoury, Achari Twist, BBQ Delight, and Grilled Cheese.

The first runner-up was SeedSync, a diverse team comprising Samiha Masud from the Islamic University of Technology (IUT), Mohammad Fasiul Abedin Khan from BRAC University, and Arpa Saha from Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET). Their business plan featured Bubble, a wellness drink line designed to support women's hormonal health and enhance their well-being throughout their cycles. With three tailored variants, each drink combines natural ingredients with effective formulations to address specific needs.

Neurons, a team consisting of Abir Mohammad Shad and Sadia Ahmmed from United International University (UIU) and Farhan Ishtiaque from the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), secured the second runner-up position. Their innovative concept explored neuromarketing, which uses EEG and eye-tracking technology to analyse subconscious consumer behaviour, helping businesses design more effective campaigns, products, and communications.

Over three thousand seven hundred  individuals from more than seventy universities have participated in the twenty-first edition of Battle of Minds. The champion team from Bangladesh will compete in the global round against winners from 25 countries. The winner of the global round will receivefive thousand pound as a seed fund to catalyse the launch of the idea presented.

Since 2004, the competition has played a pivotal role in young talent's development and allowed them to shape the world through innovative ideas, pioneering technologies, and visionary solutions. The alumni of Battle of Minds have consistently risen to eminence, occupying leadership positions in various global and local sectors. The platform boasts a thriving network of around 2,000 alumni driving businesses and contributing to diverse professional fields.