A team from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Team Roddur, emerged as the champion of Transparency International Bangladesh's (TIB) Idea Contest 2026, an annual competition promoting youth-led innovations for renewable energy development. The grand finale was held at the CCDB Centre in Savar, where the BUET team secured first place, followed by teams from the University of Dhaka and Bangladesh Agricultural University. The champion received a trophy along with a cash prize of Tk 1,50,000.

The winning project, Roddur AI, was developed by Md. Miraj Hossain Mahin and Meherab Hossain Api under the mentorship of Dr. Kazi Naimul Hoque, Associate Professor in the Department of NAME, BUET. The AI-powered platform enables users to assess the feasibility of installing solar energy systems anywhere in Bangladesh without requiring costly site surveys or expert consultations. Although only two members officially represented the project due to competition rules, the innovation was the result of a collaborative effort by a five-member team: Mahin, Api, Rouzatul Rummana Farabi, Sanjida Afrin, and Tasfia Tahiat Ratisha. Team Roddur was also the only BUET team and the youngest team among the ten finalists.

The competition attracted more than 300 submissions from universities across Bangladesh and was conducted in three stages: written proposal submission, virtual presentations by 30 shortlisted teams, and a three-day grand final featuring the top 10 teams in Savar. The final round included idea presentations, prototype demonstrations, and public speaking sessions, providing participants with an opportunity to refine and defend their innovations before an expert judging panel.

The contest forms part of TIB's broader initiative to promote good governance and integrity in Bangladesh's energy sector while encouraging youth participation in achieving the country's renewable energy goals. During the closing ceremony, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman praised all participants for their innovative contributions toward Bangladesh's clean energy transition. Representatives from organizations including the World Bank, SREDA, ETI Bangladesh, CPD, and TIB also attended the event, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Media Coverage

Dhaka Tribune (English)—https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/education/413739/buet-team-wins-tib-idea-contest-2026-with-ai-based

Prothom Alo (Bangla) —https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/1tmtvcyxow

Samakal (Bangla) —https://samakal.com/education/article/359352/টিআইবি-‘আইডিয়া-কনটেস্ট’-চ্যাম্পিয়ন-বুয়েট

Barta24 (Bangla) —https://barta24.com/details/national/327027

Official / Organizer sources

Transparency International Bangladesh — Idea Contest 2026 (English page) — https://www.ti-bangladesh.org/en/idea-contest

Transparency International Bangladesh — আইডিয়া কনটেস্ট ২০২৬ (Bangla page) — https://www.ti-bangladesh.org/bn/idea-contest

TIB — Idea Contest 2026 official rules (PDF) — https://www.ti-bangladesh.org/images/general/idea-contest-2026-rules.pdf