Young Entrepreneurs from Bangladesh Advancing Sustainability by Transforming Wind into Power

With this goal in mind, Abdullah Al Araf, Johora Gulshan Ara, and Rahat Uddin from Bangladesh created the BD Highway Turbine project, a sustainable solution that generates clean and renewable energy using the wind produced by fast-moving vehicles on highways, such as trucks and buses. These young entrepreneurs have developed an intelligent vertical axis wind turbine to transform coastal areas and highways into renewable energy resources with zero environmental impact.

In 2023, 40,000 young innovators applied to GenU’s imaGen Ventures programme in partnership with Accenture, UNDP, Scouts, Plan International, and USAID. In its fourth edition, 10 youth winning teams received the resources, technical support, mentorship, and incubation they needed to bring their entrepreneurial ventures to fruition. This programme aims to empower young people with the skills and opportunities to drive social and green entrepreneurship, creating a more sustainable future. 

The Local and Global Stage

The team shares that participating in imaGen Ventures has been a transformative journey, impacting them in numerous ways. Throughout the Bootcamp, they received training and mentorship. According to Johora, it has equipped them with skills in project management, leadership, communication, and teamwork. Rahat mentions that learning effective project management was crucial for executing their project, setting clear goals, and navigating challenges effectively.

Since winning the competition, the BD Highway Turbine team has been actively immersed in a wider community, both locally and internationally. “The recognition and validation received through the program have helped elevate the visibility and credibility of our project within both governmental and non-governmental circles.” said Johora Gulshan Ara.

The team has also secured a grant from the Bangladesh Ministry of Power, Energy & Mineral Resources. They gained more visibility for their project by attending national and international exhibitions. Abdullah had the honor of speaking at the Bangladesh Business Innovation Summit 2023 to share their innovation journey. Additionally, the team participated in an international youth startup exhibition organized by the Club of Young Industrialists & Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia, where they showcased their innovation to youth from different countries, fostering networking and the exchange of ideas.

For young entrepreneurs with a project and wanting to start their business, Rahat Uddin advises embracing perseverance and resilience. “Embarking on a project, especially in a challenging environment like Bangladesh, can undoubtedly be daunting, but it's crucial to remember that every journey begins with a single step.” He encourages openness to learning from both successes and setbacks, viewing each obstacle as an opportunity for growth and refinement. Finally, he stresses the importance of maintaining unwavering belief in the project's potential impact and persevering through challenges with determination and resilience.