Empowering Female STEM Graduates 
On January 24, 2025, the KUET Business and Entrepreneurship Club (KBEC) successfully hosted its flagship event, SheSTEM Presents KBEC Nexus, a prestigious national BizTech case competition that brought together some of Bangladesh’s brightest young minds from the leading Engineering, Science & Technology University/Institutions.
The event, supported by SheSTEM and powered by SR DREAM IT, saw the participation of over 200 teams and more than 1,000 students from top universities, each eager to showcase their innovative solutions in the fields of business and technology. The competition provided a thrilling platform for students to challenge themselves, collaborate on complex problems, and present groundbreaking ideas in an environment that encouraged critical thinking and strategic problem-solving.
With a substantial prize pool of BDT 200,000, the competition grew in excitement as it progressed through multiple rigorous rounds, ultimately leading to a high-stakes final round. The six finalist teams—Team Crosscheck, Team Tadow, Team Cartel, Team Popcorn_Pixies, Team Wrong Direction, and Team Level Up—represented prestigious institutions including Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), Islamic University of Technology (IUT), University of Dhaka, Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), and North South University. Each team worked tirelessly to craft innovative solutions to real-world business-technology challenges, impressing the judges and audience with their ingenuity and analytical skills.
After an intense session of presentations and evaluations, Team Tadow emerged as the champion. Team Cartel claimed the first runner-up position, while Team Wrong Direction secured third place. The winning teams demonstrated not only their technical and business acumen but also their ability to think strategically and innovate under pressure.
The event was adjudicated by a distinguished panel of industry leaders and academics. The esteemed judges included:
- Zaved Parvez – Head of People & Senior Director, Augmedix Bangladesh
- Omar Farhan Khan – Senior Business Consultant & Project Manager, LightCastle Partners
- Tawfiq Ahmed Onik – Cluster Manager, Grameenphone
Their invaluable insights and expertise guided the evaluation process, ensuring that the most deserving teams were recognized for their outstanding contributions.
Adding to the grandeur of the event, several distinguished guests graced the occasion, including:
- Shah Md. Azmat Ullash – Assistant DSW and Assistant Professor in the Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering, KUET;
- Dr. Helal Al Nahiyan – Moderator of KBEC and Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering; KUET and
- Dr. ABM Awlad Hussain – Ex-Moderator of KBEC and Professor in the Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering, KUET.
Their presence underscored the importance of academic and industry collaboration in fostering innovation and excellence in the next generation of business and technology leaders.
SheSTEM extends its heartfelt gratitude to KBEC and Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) for their unwavering support in organizing this national BizTech Case Competition. The event would not have been possible without the generous contributions of media and event partners, including Shomoy TV, The Business Standard, Ostad, iFARMER, and Mig 32, who played a pivotal role in amplifying the impact of this initiative.
The success of KBEC Nexus reaffirms the commitment of KBEC to nurturing innovation, leadership, and youth empowerment in business and technology. The competition serves as a beacon of inspiration for students and young professionals aspiring to bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering a culture of creativity and problem-solving. With initiatives like SheSTEM Presents KBEC Nexus, the future of STEM and business in Bangladesh looks brighter than ever.
As SheSTEM continues to champion the cause of women’s leadership and inclusivity in STEM, this event stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and perseverance. With an ever-growing community of passionate individuals dedicated to breaking barriers and driving meaningful change, SheSTEM and KBEC look forward to more groundbreaking initiatives in the years to come.
