GUB hosts AI hackathon

The grand finale of HackTheAI 2025, powered by SmythOS, was successfully held at the permanent campus of Green University of Bangladesh (GUB). It was jointly organised by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) and the Green University Computer Club (GUCC). The four-day national artificial intelligence (AI) hackathon was held from September 22 to September 25.

A total of 242 teams from over 60 universities registered for the competition. After the preliminary selection round, 50 teams advanced to the final stage, representing leading institutions such as Dhaka University (DU), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), BRAC University, American International University - Bangladesh (AIUB), Jahangirnagar University (JU), Islamic University of Technology (IUT), Rajshahi University (RU) among others.

During the Grand Finale on September 25, finalists participated in an intensive 8-hour hackathon, demonstrating their innovative ideas, coding expertise, and problem-solving abilities. The top 10 teams were selected for live presentations, evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges from academia, industry, and SmythOS.

DU_Prometheus from DU emerged as the champion of the competition. The team Ontorponthik from SUST secured the first runner-up position, while Ginger from RUET finished as the second runner-up.

The winning teams received a cash prize of USD 600, along with exclusive career opportunities, including the chance to work remotely as software engineers with SmythOS, earning over USD 700.

At the closing ceremony, Prof. Dr Mohammad Sharif Uddin, Vice-Chancellor of GUB, reiterated the university's commitment to fostering innovation, research, and tech-driven leadership. Prof. Dr Md. Ahsan Habib, Chairperson of CSE and Convener of HackTheAI, expressed heartfelt gratitude to participants, guests, judges, and industry partners. Arif Istiaque Sani, Senior AI Engineer at Brain Station 23, also inspired the audience with his remarks on the future of AI and youth leadership in tech.

HackTheAI 2025 once again affirmed GUB's role in empowering youth with innovation, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills. The event strengthened GUB's vision of preparing the next generation to thrive in an evolving digital future. HackTheAI 2025 not only provided a platform for showcasing technical prowess but also encouraged students to engage with real-world challenges using artificial intelligence.

Md. Moshiur Rahman is a Campus Ambassador for The Daily Star from Green University of Bangladesh (GUB).