BdApps Boost: Brilliant Bangladeshi Innovations Inspire
The inaugural BdApps Innovation Summit, organized by Robi Axiata PLC to accelerate domestic innovation and digital transformation, recently concluded with the agriculture-based app “Kashii” crowned champion. The runner-up was the Bengali anonymous messaging app “Chithi.me,” and the third place went to the gaming app “Shooter X.”
Members of the champion team from Zinisht Farms Limited include Executive Director Muktadir Hossain, Head of Agriculture Samiran Biswas, Lead Engineer Shovon Chakraborty, and Ashraf Hossain. The runner-up team members are CUET mechanical student Sajid Hasan Naeem, Ronot Das Prangan, Sakirul Alam, and Debjyoti Chowdhury.
On August 21, Tuesday, at a grand ceremony held at the Aloki Convention Center in Dhaka, the top 10 teams presented their ideas. Later in the evening, the winners were awarded prizes by Major General (Retd.) Md. Emdadul Bari, Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).
BTRC Vice Chairman Md. Abu Bakr Siddique, Robi’s Acting CEO M. Riaz Rashid, and Chief Commercial Officer Shihab Ahmad were also present at the event.
The other seven winning apps among the top 10 teams included—Nardbro, Pawbuddy, Barta, Shikhi AI, DietCoach, LeafMed, and ESIT.
Before handing over the awards, BTRC Chairman Major General (Retd.) Md. Emdadul Bari stated, “Digital lifestyles are evolving continuously. To keep pace, there is no alternative but to develop local apps tailored to our country’s needs. I thank Robi for providing opportunities to nurture the talents of developers nationwide. I expect their role in advancing the country technologically to continue steadfastly.”
Robi Axiata PLC’s Acting CEO M. Riaz Rashid said, “Technology is indispensable to survive and progress in the world of tomorrow. The more our youth become tech-savvy and have opportunities to develop their talents, the more assured our progress will be. That is why we have taken this initiative—to ensure talented young people across the country get the chance to develop and disseminate practical apps. The enthusiastic response from talented youth in this event is truly encouraging. I congratulate the winning teams.”
The BdApps Innovation Summit activities began in May with a nationwide roadshow. Subsequently, over 1,300 ideas across sectors such as agriculture, digital education, gaming, and animal protection were submitted online. University students, freelancers, and creative young talents participated enthusiastically. Initially, 25 shortlisted idea providers were given the opportunity to present their concepts. The final competition was held among the top 10 selected ideas.
