The national business idea competition Flair's Pitch 2.0, presented by AMA Coffee and powered by PUSTI, reached its conclusion recently with a grand finale at the Law Faculty Auditorium, University of Chittagong. The event showcased seven exceptional semifinalist teams competing for top honours through compelling presentations and groundbreaking concepts.
Team Kathal, representing the University of Chittagong and Premier University, emerged as champions after a day of rigorous evaluation by the judging panel. Baby Sharks from the University of Chittagong secured the first runner-up position, whilst Maverick from the University of Barishal claimed the second runner-up spot.
The competition brought together students, mentors, academic experts and industry professionals, creating a dynamic platform for nurturing Bangladesh's next generation of changemakers. Fine Tuning contributed to the event's aesthetic appeal through tasteful stage design and visual elements.
Organised by Banking Fellows for Leadership Development (BFLD), Department of Banking and Insurance, University of Chittagong, the competition aims to transform student-led concepts into scalable ventures capable of shaping the country's entrepreneurial landscape.
The finale represented more than a contest of ideas. It served as a celebration of innovation, collaboration and youth leadership, bringing together diverse stakeholders committed to developing the nation's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The event demonstrated how academic institutions can provide meaningful platforms for students to present their business concepts to experienced evaluators.
Throughout the day, participants delivered presentations outlining their business models, market strategies and implementation plans.
The judging panel assessed each team on criteria including innovation, feasibility, market potential and presentation quality. The competitive atmosphere remained constructive, with teams supporting one another whilst striving for excellence.
The presence of industry professionals added significant value to the proceedings.
Their insights and feedback provided participants with practical perspectives on transforming theoretical concepts into viable business propositions. Academic experts contributed their knowledge, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.
Team Kathal's winning proposal impressed the judges with its originality and execution strategy. The cross-university collaboration between the University of Chittagong and Premier University demonstrated how institutional partnerships can strengthen entrepreneurial initiatives. Baby Sharks and Maverick also presented strong concepts that showcased the diverse talent emerging from Bangladesh's universities.
The competition's structure, spanning multiple rounds before reaching the finale, allowed teams to refine their ideas through mentorship and feedback. This process proved valuable in developing not just business concepts but also the participants' presentation skills and strategic thinking abilities.
Flair's Pitch 2.0 continues BFLD's commitment to entrepreneurship education and practical skill development. By providing students with opportunities to present their ideas before experienced professionals, the competition helps build confidence and competence in aspiring entrepreneurs. The involvement of corporate sponsors AMA Coffee and PUSTI underscores growing private sector interest in supporting youth-led innovation.
As Bangladesh's entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to evolve, initiatives like Flair's Pitch 2.0 play a crucial role in identifying and nurturing talent. The competition provides students with exposure to the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship whilst connecting them with mentors and industry contacts who can support their future endeavours.
The success of this year's competition suggests growing enthusiasm for entrepreneurship among university students across Bangladesh. With strong institutional support and increasing private sector engagement, platforms like Flair's Pitch 2.0 are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the country's economic development through innovation and enterprise creation.
The organisers have expressed their commitment to continuing this initiative, building on this year's success to create even greater opportunities for student entrepreneurs in future editions. For the winning teams, the competition marks not an ending but the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey, equipped with validation, feedback and connections to help transform their ideas into reality.
The writer is studying at the Department of Banking and Insurance, University of Chittagong.
sabuktagin.cu@gmail.com