Two Bangladeshi students and brothers have advanced to the global finals of 'The Diamond Challenge', an international entrepreneurship competition for high school students organised by the Horn Entrepreneurship Center at the University of Delaware, USA.

Team Blueshield Filter, consisting of Shafi Bin Sultan, a Class 11 student of St. Joseph Higher Secondary School & College, and his younger brother Sabik Bin Sultan, a Class 10 student of South Point School & College, is the first team from Bangladesh to ever qualify for the finals of the competition. Their team currently ranks 5th globally in the Business Innovation category.

The 'Diamond Challenge' competition is known for identifying scalable and sustainable solutions to real-world problems. This year, it drew 3,398 participants from 73 countries and 47 US states, with over 1,200 teams competing. Only 38 teams worldwide have made it to the finals.

The two brothers' invention, named the Blueshield Filter, is a cost-effective, eco-friendly water filtration system built for flood-prone and water-scarce regions. It combines mechanical and carbon nanoparticle-based filtration methods while using upcycled materials, offering a sustainable and accessible alternative to expensive technologies like reverse osmosis.

"Our project, the Blueshield Filter, is not just a device—it's a mission," said Shafi. "We wanted to create something that brings real impact to vulnerable communities, and this recognition proves we're on the right track."

The journey to the finals involved three rounds: concept development, a detailed business proposal and concept video, and finally, a pitch before global judges, where the team defended the technical, economic, and environmental viability of their innovation.

"We've always wanted to solve real-life problems through technology," said Sabik. "This journey is just the beginning," he added.

The finals will be held at the Limitless World Summit 2025 in the United States on May 1, where the team will pitch their innovation before global CEOs, investors, and changemakers. Winners stand to receive up to $12,000 in funding, along with special topical prizes recognising excellence in innovation, sustainability, and social justice.

With global eyes now on their project, the two brothers aim to bring home first place—and inspire a new wave of young innovators from Bangladesh.