GSEA Bangladesh 2025–26 Grand Finale celebrates nation’s rising student entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Bangladesh, in strategic partnership with iDEA, successfully hosted the Grand Finale of the 10th Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) Bangladesh 2025–26, presented by City Bank, and Sara Lifestyle Ltd. as Gold Partner at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, Dhaka.

The flagship event celebrated Bangladesh’s most promising student entrepreneurs and brought together eminent business leaders, policymakers, investors, corporate partners, media representatives, and members of the EO community, according to a media release. 

GSEA serves as a premier global platform for student founders who manage active businesses alongside their academic pursuits, offering them a gateway to international exposure and recognition. 

The program was inaugurated by Sohana Rouf Chowdhury, Managing Director of Rangs Motors Ltd. & President of EO Bangladesh, along with Mostafa Quamrus Sobhan, Managing Director of Dragon Group and Chair of GSEA, EO Bangladesh.

The event was graced by Shish Haider Chowdhury, Secretary, Information and Communication Technology Division, as Guest of Honor, andMurtuza Zulkar Nain Noman, Project Director of iDEA, as Distinguished Eminent Guest.

The speakers highlighted the critical role of youth-led entrepreneurship in fostering innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development.

“GSEA is not merely a competition—it is a powerful platform for shaping Bangladesh’s future global entrepreneurs. EO Bangladesh will continue to stand beside them by providing the guidance, mentorship, and opportunities needed to compete on the world stage,” said Mostafa Quamrus Sobhan, Chair, GSEA EO Bangladesh, and Managing Director of Dragon Group.

The distinguished panel of judges included Hossain Khaled, Founder President of EO Bangladesh and Chairman of City Bank PLC & Managing Director of Anwar Group; Siddhartho Goushami, Senior Consultant, Operations Specialist, iDEA; Mostafa Quamrus Sobhan, Managing Director of Dragon Group & Honorary Consul of Uruguay; Sohana Rouf Chowdhury, Managing Director of Rangs Motors Ltd.; Amer Salim, Director of Knit Asia Ltd. & Aurum Sweater Limited, Kimberly Hannah Kazi, Director Apex Property Limited.

Following a rigorous evaluation process, the Champion Md. Rezwanul Islam Shuvo of Khulna University (Environmental Science) with his venture Eco Sentinels Bangladesh (Harvesting Resilience against Salinity, introducing A Nature-based Climate Smart Floating Agriculture system) and Runner-Up Kazi Ahmmed Inkiyad, East Delta University (BBA) with his venture Polyjute Ltd (Polyjute is manufacturing a biodegradable packaging solution from jute cellulose0 .of GSEA Bangladesh 2025–26 were announced, along with recognition of the remaining finalists.

EO Bangladesh also announced an enhanced prize pool of BDT 10 lakh for this edition, reaffirming its commitment to empowering student entrepreneurs. The national champion will represent Bangladesh at the Global GSEA Finals, competing for a global prize pool of USD 100,000.

“Winning GSEA Bangladesh 2025–26 is an incredible honor and a defining moment in my entrepreneurial journey. This platform has not only validated our vision but also equipped us with the confidence, mentorship, and global exposure to scale our venture beyond borders,” said Md. Rezwanul Islam Shuvo, Champion of GSEA Bangladesh 2025–26.

The event concluded with sponsor addresses, an award ceremony, and a vote of thanks delivered by Tanazzul Ayman, Chairman of Spark Infrastructure Ltd. &Co-Chair, GSEA of EO Bangladesh. The Grand Finale program, produced by Bongo BD, will be aired on Ekushe Television (ETV) on 7 February at 10:00 PM.

Established in 1998 at the John Cook School of Business and operating under EO’s leadership since 2006, GSEA is one of the world’s most prestigious platforms for student entrepreneurs. The 2025–26 edition marks the 20th GSEA globally and the 10th edition in Bangladesh.

The South Asia Regional Finals / Global Quarter Finals, featuring participants from Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, will be held in March 2026, ahead of the Global Finals in July 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.

EO Bangladesh officially launched GSEA Bangladesh 2025–26 on 24 August 2025 at Pan Pacific Sonargaon, Dhaka, and conducted six awareness seminars at leading institutions, including BRAC University, Northern University of Bangladesh, United International University, IBA Dhaka, University of Dhaka, and BUET.

Following nationwide awareness campaigns, screening rounds, and semifinals, six finalist student entrepreneurs were selected to compete at the Grand Finale, where they showcased innovative, scalable, and impact-driven ventures across diverse sectors, the release adds.