CHITTAGONG,  2 December ( CTG MAIL )

The Rotary Club of Chittagong Aristocrat yesterday hosted the “Innovative Business Idea Contest 2025” and Charter Night at the Engineers Institute auditorium, aiming to promote youth-led entrepreneurship under the slogan “Save the Future.”

A total of 37 teams from various public and private universities in Chattogram submitted their business ideas. After an initial screening, the judging panel shortlisted five teams for the final round.

Winners announced

The Rotaract Club of Chittagong Metropolitan was crowned champion for its project on upcycling used denim jeans into marketable products.
The first runner-up title went to “Sugar Cycle” from Rotaract Club Chittagong Waterfall, while “Jackfoot Team” from Chittagong Premier University secured the second runner-up position.

Champion team representative Yamin said presenting their idea before leading industrial figures had been inspiring and drew investment interest.
Second runner-up Anisa said the platform would help turn their concept into a viable enterprise.
Sugar Cycle’s representative Chadni added that the prize money would serve as their first seed funding.

Judges commend initiative

Judge Prof Adnan Mannan said selecting five teams from 37 was challenging given the overall quality of presentations.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Arafat Uddin Dolon emphasized the need for such events to continue regularly to strengthen Chattogram’s entrepreneurial environment.

The panel also included architect Ashik Imran (Consul General of the Russian Federation in Chattogram), engineer Tanvir Shahriar Rimon, Imtiaz Alam FCMA, Salehin Musfiq Sadaf, Ahmed Jibran, Rotarian Sadman Saika Sefa, Mahbubul Kabir Khan, Monowarul Haque FCMA, Shamsuddin Ilyas, Golam Kibria FCMA and Nazmul Islam.

Organisers highlight significance of Charter Night

Club charter president Mostafa Ashraful Islam Alvi said the initiative builds on earlier signature youth platforms, including events held in 2019 and 2022. “Youth are the driving force of our nation, and nurturing their ideas is key to sustainable progress,” he added.

Programme chair Noman Bin Zahir Uddin said the event aimed to create direct links between aspiring entrepreneurs and industry leaders to facilitate mentorship and investment opportunities.

Contest secretary Mohammad Hasan noted that empowering youth leadership and resilience in Chattogram could open a new chapter of innovation.

The evening concluded with the prize-giving ceremony followed by the Charter Night celebration. Club President AKM Shahid Ullah Chowdhury expressed gratitude to participants, judges, senior Rotarians, media personnel and all supporters for making the event a success.

Members of the Rotary Club of Chittagong Aristocrat and their families were also present.