The future of technology and innovation in Bangladesh received a major boost as Grameenphone hosted the Grand Finale of its first-ever nationwide AI competition, ‘FutureMakers’. The initiative invited university students across the country to present creative solutions using artificial intelligence.
The champion of the competition was Team Watermelon for their project ‘Ishara.’ The Bangla sign language translator is designed to bridge the communication gap between sign language users and those who cannot understand sign language. “Ishara works like having a Bangla sign interpreter in your pocket,” Feroza Mahzabin, the sole member of the team, told TIMES. “It allows real-time communication using a lightweight AI model. Our goal is to make communication more inclusive for everyone.”
Team Opion secured the first runner-up position with its AI-driven news credibility platform. The second runner-up was jointly awarded to Team Synapz and Team Lasta.
Team Synapz presented an AI platform designed to transform learning for people with disabilities. “Our system includes a voice-based AI tutor, gamified learning and an AI career skill coach,” said Ahamed Ankon of Team Synapz. “It helps visually impaired, hearing-impaired, and neurodiverse learners adapt and succeed.”
Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman said, “As we move forward toward an AI-driven future, it is important to equip our youth with the skills to lead this shift.” He also mentioned that Grameenphone hopes to host this type of competition again in the future.
Syeda Tahya Hossain, Chief Human Resources Officer, said her company wants to inspire students to explore, create and lead with technology. “This initiative helps youth harness AI for social good,” she added.
FutureMakers was launched in September 2025. It invited students from universities across Bangladesh. After an initial screening, shortlisted participants presented their ideas to a panel of judges. They included industry experts, startup founders and the Grameenphone panel of judges.
By promoting AI-based solutions, Grameenphone says it aims to build a digitally advanced and inclusive Bangladesh. FutureMakers highlights their commitment to digital inclusion and youth empowerment.
