Aiming to foster future technology talent and encourage innovation among students, Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), in collaboration with bKash, organised a two-day CSE Carnival 2026.
The carnival brought together students, academics and technology enthusiasts through a series of competitions, workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions designed to enhance technical skills and promote innovation.
Senior officials of bKash and the university attended the event and highlighted the importance of industry-academia collaboration in developing a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of Bangladesh's growing digital economy.
A total of 120 teams from 80 public and private universities participated in the programming contest, while 50 teams from different universities showcased practical solutions in the hackathon.
In addition to the competitions, the event hosted a series of sessions on fintech, artificial intelligence, innovation, digital finance and future careers. Leading academicians, university teachers, technology experts and senior engineers of bKash’s product and technology division shared industry insights and practical experiences with participating students.
The top 20 teams in the programming contest were awarded at the closing ceremony. ‘Silver Hawks’ from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) emerged as champion, followed by ‘Supernova’ team from BUET and ‘Jyotichashi’ team from Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) as first and second runners-up respectively.
In the hackathon, team ‘GNG’ from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology secured the championship, while ‘Nexus’ team from BUET and ‘Arekta Team’-comprising students from three universities-finished as first and second runners-up respectively.
Professor Dr. Abdullah Al Mamun, Member of University Grants Commission (UGC) handed over prizes to the winning teams as the chief guest. The ceremony was also attended by Professor Dr. Md. Khairul Islam, Vice-Chancellor of SUST; Azmal Huda, Chief Product and Technology Officer of bKash; Professor Dr. Mohammad Kaykobad of BRAC University; Dr. Md. Forhad Rabbi, Head of the Department of CSE at SUST; and dignitaries from both academia and the technology sector.
As one of Bangladesh’s leading fintech companies, bKash continues to invest in campus-based initiatives that help build a skilled workforce.
Alongside regular career development programme, bKash runs year-round talent development initiatives such as bTechWhiz, bnext and bHive to help young people prepare for future opportunities.