BUET students secure second prize at ISETS-ESCAP Youth Voice Competition 2025

A team of four students from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) has secured the 2nd prize at the ISETS-ESCAP Youth Voice Competition 2025 in the Science, Technology, and Engineering track on Energy Transition and Youth Dialogue.

The winning team, Veni Vidi Vici, comprises Mst Fahmida Sultana Naznin, Rafsan Jani Bin Islam, and Md Farhan Sadik from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), along with Kazi Samia Fairuj Sejuti from the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NAME). Their proposal centres on producing clean energy from invasive hyacinth using innovative technological processes, offering a sustainable alternative for energy generation while also addressing environmental challenges.

The competition, organised by the Institute of Science, Technology and Energy Studies (ISETS) in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), received 105 valid submissions from across the globe. Following multiple selection rounds, including proposal submission in April, divisional shortlists announced in May, and a rigorous second-round evaluation in July, the BUET team rose to the top, representing the South Asian Division and ultimately winning 2nd place globally.

As part of their recognition, the team was invited to present their ideas at the Youth Dialogue held at the United Nations ESCAP Headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, on September 2, during the Asia-Pacific Energy Week. The event brought together global policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and youth innovators to exchange knowledge and shape the future of energy transition.