Md Imtiaz Abedin, research assistant at the Green Energy Research Center (GERC) of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), has secured the second place in the “Future Energy Technology Award” category at the Renewable Energy Fest 2025 held on April 23–24, 2025, at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). 

He presented on behalf of the GERC team and also won a cash prize of BDT 75,000 for the center. First and third places went to Ezygo Start-up and Mati Agrovoltaic Program, respectively. GERC was selected among the top three exhibitors and invited to the Power Pitch segment designed to connect renewable energy innovators with potential investors.

The fest, jointly organized by BUET, ActionAid Bangladesh and the Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh (JETnet-BD), showcased renewable energy innovations, hosted policy discussions, and aimed to advance youth participation in sustainable energy solutions. GERC exhibited electric vehicles and bikes, solar-powered grinders, organic waste shredders, oil extractors, and solar power electronics such as MPPT charge controllers and a solar-compatible variable frequency drive.

Dr. Khosru Md Salim, Director of GERC and Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) at IUB, supervised the team members in developing the devices presented at the fest. The center’s participation in the energy innovation contest aligned with IUB’s institutional focus on applied research in sustainable technologies.

The closing ceremony was moderated by Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh. Mohammad Wahid Hossain, Chairman (Senior Secretary) of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Resource Center (BIPRC), was the chief guest. 

Special guests included Dr. Abdul Hasib Chowdhury, Pro-Vice Chancellor of BUET; Taif Hossain, Programme Manager for Transport and Energy at the EU Delegation to Bangladesh; and Ibrahim Khalil Al-Zayad, Chairperson of ActionAid International Bangladesh Society. Dr. MAA Shoukat Choudhury, Professor of Chemical Engineering at BUET, delivered the welcome address. 

The event also included participants from academia, government organizations, financial institutions, and the private sector, reflecting cross-sectoral engagement on energy transition issues.

MN/