Youth innovators from Khulna division have won the national-level Community Solution Pitch Day of the imaGen Ventures Youth Challenge 2024–25 for their innovative solution addressing climate change risks.
The pitch day was held in Dhaka on Monday to harness youth-led innovation in tackling climate challenges. The event was jointly organised by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Bangladesh and youth development organisation JAAGO Foundation Trust under the Shopner Sharothi project.
The programme took place at a city hotel in Gulshan, according to a press release.
A total of 16 youth-led teams from eight divisions participated in the final round after a rigorous selection process. During the day-long event, the teams presented eco-friendly and sustainable social business ideas to a panel of judges.
The pitch day marked the final stage of a year-long process that included divisional boot camps, mentorship and social innovation incubation.
Private-sector representatives, environmental experts and development professionals attended the event. Experienced mentors and expert panel members evaluated the initiatives based on feasibility, effectiveness and potential impact.
Rana Flowers, representative of UNICEF Bangladesh, said young people are the most powerful catalysts in the fight against climate change and the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
“By moving beyond conventional approaches, your locally driven and innovative solutions can bring meaningful change. Through the Shopner Sharothi project, we are connecting youth ideas to the global stage so they contribute to global climate solutions,” she said.
Abdullah Al Araf, mentor of the imaGen Ventures Youth Challenge, global winner and co-founder of EcoTech Innovation, said the initiative is more than a competition.
“This platform builds confidence, leadership and sustainable solutions. Today’s participants are future changemakers and the next generation of social and climate entrepreneurs,” he said.
In his closing remarks, JAAGO Foundation Trust Assistant General Manager Kamrul Kibria Ayon said the event was the outcome of a year-long preparation process.
“We supported the teams through divisional boot camps, mentorship and seed funding. Each of the 16 teams is a winner for daring to bring change to their communities,” he said, adding that JAAGO remains committed to institutionalising youth creativity.
Among the participants, Team Eco Sentinels from Khulna division emerged as the winner for their innovative floating agriculture initiative. The solution supports farmers in flood-prone areas and contributes to climate adaptation and sustainable agricultural practices.
The winning team will now enter an advanced incubation phase to further develop their skills ahead of the global competition.
The programme concluded with the distribution of honours among the winners and a group photo session.
