After several exciting rounds that lasted for about 4 months, from idea submission to crossing phases one after the other, Battle of Minds finally concluded with a triumph for Bangladesh with Sourodip Paul, Arijit Saha, and Ramim Ahmed and their team "Je Ne Sais Quoi" from IBA, DU.

It was an outcome of a brilliant idea, excellent execution through team work, and commitment to keeping up the spirit and never letting your team down. The team bagged the champion's prize for their unique concept of a ride-hailing platform for auto rickshaws that allows users and riders to negotiate a fare they feel is optimum. The app was developed from a Bangladeshi context and has other features such as caller ID masking, ride scheduling, hiring a tricycle, etc.

Aimed at bridging the divide between institutional education and corporate world experience, British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB) has been organising this contest since 2004. This year marked the 15th episode of Battle of Minds with the competition going to the global stage for the first time. With 33 participating countries, the best teams from around the world went on to compete in the regional rounds, with 3 finalist teams battling it out in the global round in London to clinch the ultimate glory.

This year, a total of 3300 students from 42 universities participated from Bangladesh. The challenging part for the participants was to explain how the concept will cater to the Bangladeshi market as well as facilitate in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

BEHIND THE SCENE OF BATTLE OF MINDS

It takes a monumental effort to organise a contest of such magnitude. Astute planning has been an integral element behind this task –- from engaging mentors to assessing the contestants coupled with grooming sessions contributed to the smooth execution significantly.

It all boils down to the spirit of making it happen despite all hurdles. It's better heard from two Battle of Minds alumni who acted as mentors this year:

ADRITA DATTA

HR Business Partner - Marketing

"It has truly been an exciting and enlightening journey, engaging with the most brilliant young minds of the country. Their spirit and drive are contagious!

We in BAT continue to nurture the talent of this country and Battle of Minds has given a platform to many over the last 15 years where they can exhibit grit and gear up for an international career. It has been a learning experience not only for them but also for us. I want to thank my fellow colleagues who have mentored and inspired them through this rollercoaster ride and made them future-ready. We hope to carry on the Battle of Minds torch to develop our future leaders!"

FAISAL ZAMAN

Area Manager

Sylhet

"At the advent of my sixth year with BAT Bangladesh, as I look back at my journey that started with Battle of Minds, it certainly played an integral role in my transition from a fresh graduate to shaping me as an individual and paving the way to join the corporate world. Having had my experience of participating in numerous national and international competitions, I believe the grooming of the contestants makes Battle of Minds stand out from the other contests."