In an energy-hungry country faced with global price volatility and climate change challenge, three youths have come up with a project to produce biogas from wastes and sell it through cylinders as an alternative to use of fossil fuel at households in Bangladesh.

They are Abir Ershad, Mashrif Hasan Adib, and Mohtasim Bin Habib, members of ‘Team Khichuri’ representing the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Dhaka University, who have come out as winners of the ‘Battle of Minds’ 2023.

“We presented the idea of producing biogas from wastes in an environment-friendly manner. If this project is implemented, we believe, biogas can be sold at 20 per cent lower rate than cylindered LPG and save valuable foreign currency,” Abir Ershad said after their innovative project titled Synergy secured them the championship on Thursday night.

They would now get to compete against the winners from 36 countries and the champions in the global round will have the opportunity to get £50,000 as a seed fund to catalyze the launch of the idea presented.

Originating in Bangladesh in 2004 with participation from only four universities, the platform has grown exponentially and its global reach has extended to 36 countries.

It has sharpened the skills of more than 30,000 young leaders only in Bangladesh.

In the grand finale of the 20th edition of the Battle of Minds, the flagship business case competition platform of Bangladesh, ‘Azor Ahai’, a collaborative team from the Army Institute of Business Administration and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, comprising Hasrat Humayun, Azmain Bin Rashid, and Salman Sayeed, clinched the first runner-up position.

Team “Twenty’s Tenants” from Bangladesh University of Professionals, consisting of Alavy Rayhan Mahim, Zuhayer Ali, and Zunayed Mubtasim Islam, secured the second runner-up position.

Centred on four ESG-themed (Environmental, Social, Governance) challenges — energy, tech, bio, and inclusions — the 20th edition of competition pulled more than 3,800 participants from 22 universities.

Teams were tasked with selecting one of these challenges and crafting distinctive real-life business solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for a better future.

Appreciating the business ideas while addressing as chief guest, Dr. Shamsul Alam, State Minister for Planning, asked the youths to focus on research and innovations for help build the nation and take over the next generation of leadership.

Key leaders from BAT Bangladesh, including Golam Mainuddin, chairman; Shehzad Munim, managing director; and Saad Jashim, head of talent, culture, and inclusion, were present at the grand event held in Dhaka.

In the 20-year legacy of ‘Battle of Minds, its alumni of over 1,700 have consistently risen to prominence, occupying leadership positions in various sectors, both at home and abroad.