The Final Pitch: BIZ VERSE 2025 crowns its champions

On November 8th, the curtains fell with the grand finale on BIZ VERSE 2025. “The Final Ascent”, as it was aptly hyped, culminated in an evening of high-stakes strategy and compelling pitches from the final 7 teams who stood from over 600 teams across 30 universities in Bangladesh. The event was presented by Turkish Airlines and powered by Transcom in collaboration.

The finalists were asked to present a business model of their ideas from the first round. They had to identify the problem and conduct market research. Following this, they had to come up with an innovative solution that was feasible and could be implemented with a future vision. The final presentations were overseen by industry heavyweights such as Dewan Ashrakat Hossain (Finance Director, Perfetti Van Melle), Mohammed Zia Uddin (Supply Director, Reckitt), and K.M. Sabbir Ahmed (Head of HR & Admin, Marico Bangladesh Ltd.).

The judges emphasized that an idea has to be translated into action. Mr. Hossain added that the selection of finalists was not based on ideas alone but on those who could follow through with those ideas by solid planning and execution. Mr. Ahmed also commented on the career-defining feature of this experience. He noted, “Getting on stage and presenting your ideas steps you up for presenting them in front of shareholders, conferences, and other places to overcome your fear and take leadership.”

After an intense final round, Team Goldfish from Dhaka University emerged as the Champions for RISO, a healthier alternative snack, taking the prize money of BDT 100,000 home. They were followed by Team Arctic Wolves from North South University as 1st Runners-Up, winning a prize money of BDT 75,000, and Team Oops We Tried from Islamic University of Technology as 2nd Runners-Up, securing BDT 50,000.

Reflecting on their journey to the finals in their first-ever business competition, Team Hazel, Brac University’s sole finalists, shared their takeaways. Sabikun Nahar Audity (Junior, ESS) highlighted the value of the earlier workshops. She stated, “The workshops were very valuable, changing how we approach pitching and understand what exactly the judges are looking for.” Umme Salma (Junior, BBS), another member of Team Hazel,  also reflected on the achievement. She added, “Achieving a spot in the finals in our very first business competition feels absolutely surreal, and I believe the experience will help us in future business competitions for sure.”