AI-Powered Recycling Platform Notun Alo Wins Bangladesh’s Hack for Humanity 2026
C.B.Desk: An AI-powered, reward-based waste recycling platform developed by Team Notun Alo from the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) has won the championship at Hack for Humanity: Hack to Protect the Environment 2026. The grand finale of the nationwide hackathon was held on October 29 at American International University–Bangladesh (AIUB), Dhaka, showcasing innovative technology-driven solutions to environmental challenges.
Organized by The AI Collective Bangladesh Chapter and hosted by AIUB, the event brought together 12 finalist teams from universities and startups across the country. The teams presented their software and AI-powered solutions before a nine-member judging panel comprising experts from industry, academia and the public sector.
From 179 Teams to 12 Finalists
Hack for Humanity is a global initiative of The AI Collective, USA, bringing together 130 chapters across more than 50 countries during September and October 2026. Each chapter was encouraged to organize hackathons addressing local civic challenges.
In Bangladesh, the initiative focused on environmental problems and encouraged young innovators to develop practical AI and software-based solutions. A total of 179 teams registered during the ideation phase. Following an initial evaluation, 30 shortlisted teams developed working prototypes under the mentorship of industry professionals and academics. Eventually, 12 teams qualified for the grand finale.
AI Innovations Address Environmental Challenges
The finalist projects addressed a wide range of environmental issues. Team Aqua from East West University presented HaorShield, a flash-flood risk and agricultural exposure monitoring system. Team Astral from the Islamic University of Technology (IUT) showcased Dhoa, which uses satellite data to monitor brick kilns and assess regulatory compliance.
Team AstroForge from RUET introduced Sundarban Sentinel, an offline edge-AI platform for mangrove conservation, while Team Notun Alo from ULAB presented its reward-based waste recycling platform.
Team Skippers from KUET demonstrated NagarShield AI, a drone-assisted system for inspecting urban drainage, footpaths and mosquito-related risks. Other finalist projects included ResQRoute, AkashShathi, BillToGreen, Together, ReliefAI, Reroute Agro and JolRekha: The Water Line. Most projects were showcased using ezAssist, an AI-powered project-building and presentation platform.
The nine-member judging panel was led by Chief Judge Professor Dr. Syed Akhter Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science and Digital Innovation at UCSI University Bangladesh Branch. Shah Ali Newaj Topu, Chief Technology Advisor at BRAC IT Services, served as Principal Judge. Other judges represented Bitspearhead, Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh Bank, Brain Station 23 and AIUB.
Notun Alo Takes the Championship
The award ceremony was attended by senior representatives from industry, government and academia. Dr. A. N. M. Bazlur Rashid, Secretary of the Health Services Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, attended as Chief Guest.
In his address, he emphasized the need to strengthen AI skills and collaboration. Highlighting healthcare as a priority area for public service delivery, he encouraged academia and IT professionals to develop AI-based healthcare solutions and expressed the ministry’s willingness to collaborate on such initiatives.
Other special guests included Professor Dr. Khandaker Tabin Hasan of AIUB, Tapan Kanti Sarker, President of CTO Forum Bangladesh, Professor Dr. Muhammad Firoz Mridha of AIUB, digital transformation specialist Md. Arfe Elahi Manik and Firoze M. Zahidur Rahman, CEO of LooselyCoupled Technology. They highlighted the importance of AI innovation and developing skilled professionals to address challenges across different sectors. followed by a short overview of the Hackathon journey Mohammed Asif, Chapter Lead of The AI Collective Bangladesh
Team Notun Alo won the championship and received BDT 25,000 for its AI-driven recycling platform. Neuroflight Lab secured the First Runner-up award, worth BDT 15,000, for JolRekha: The Water Line. Social Catalyst from AIUB became Second Runner-up, receiving BDT 15,000 for Reroute Agro, an AI-powered market-routing solution for perishable vegetables.
All 12 finalist teams received certificates from The AI Collective, USA, recognizing their achievements.
The event concluded with tokens of appreciation for the chief guest, special guests, partners, judges and mentors. Brain Station 23, BRAC IT Services, LooselyCoupled Technology, Prime Now (Digital Bank) and Bitspearhead supported the initiative, while Farhana’s Brainstation served as the community partner.
