BAU students secure place among global Top 6 in food systems innovation challenge

A team of students from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), The Golden Loop, has secured a place among the Top 6 teams globally in the International Food Systems Innovation Challenge 2026.

The eight-member team includes six BAU students, Murshida Jahan Mitu, Nur Aysha Chowdhury, Arkanul Islam Akik, Sadia Islam Badhan, Saifa Saba Hossain and Kurchi Rahman Luba. The team also includes Liton Tripura from the University of Dhaka and Ahsany Takbim Esha from the University of Chittagong.

The Golden Loop began the competition alongside 119 teams from around the world and later advanced to the Top 30. Following that achievement, the team received a €1,000 seed grant to develop and implement its proposed solution.

Over the past six months, the team has worked on developing, testing and advancing the solution through fieldwork, experimentation, teamwork and continuous learning. Its latest achievement has placed BAU among the Top 6 teams in the international food systems innovation challenge and highlighted the research and innovation potential of Bangladeshi students.

The team received continuous mentorship and guidance from Professor Dr Harunur Rashid. The students said his encouragement, guidance and active support contributed significantly to the development of their project.

They also expressed gratitude to Professor Dr Mohammad Mofizur Rahman Jahangir for his valuable support and technical expertise, as well as for facilitating access to resources that strengthened the project's development. Professor Dr Mohammad Matiur Rahman was also acknowledged for his guidance, insights, assistance and encouragement throughout the project.

The achievement marks a significant milestone for The Golden Loop and a moment of pride for Bangladesh Agricultural University and Bangladesh. It demonstrates how young researchers and innovators from Bangladesh can take locally grounded ideas to international platforms and compete alongside teams from around the world.

The recognition has further encouraged the team members to continue exploring innovative solutions aimed at creating meaningful value for communities. They also hope to contribute to the development of more sustainable and resilient food systems through their work.