A remarkable achievement unfolded on June 24, 2025, when two Bangladeshi high school students—Zabeer Zarif Akhter of St. Jv Hosted by the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, this international science competition attracted bright young minds from around the globe.The team’s innovative project, “HydroPlasmaX,” is a cutting-edge water purification system. It deploys high-voltage plasma sourced from recycled electronic parts, paired with an AI-powered sensor capable of testing multiple water quality indicators—such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), total and faecal coliform, E. coli, microplastics, heavy metals, and PFAS—all within seconds. This fusion of eco-friendly technology and smart analytics aims to address industrial and environmental water contamination in real-time. The Genius Olympiad, in its 2025 edition, hosted 498 finalists in the Science category, representing more than 70 countries and 34 U.S. states. In contrast to numerous countries, Bangladesh does not have a national procedure for selecting participants for the Olympiad. Yet, through determination and independent entry, Zabeer and Twashin secured their spot and impressed the international panel. These students have already established strong academic credentials. Zabeer won national rounds of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize in both 2024 and 2025 and received medals at the World Innovative Science Project Olympiad in 2024. Twashin also earned accolades at the same Olympiad and was a finalist in the Conrad Challenge, another prestigious international STEM competition. The bronze medal carries more than prestige—it includes a renewable annual scholarship of $15,000 from the Rochester Institute of Technology. In addition, winners are invited to submit their research for potential publication in the International Journal of High School Research, giving their work global academic visibility. Reflecting on their success, the students expressed gratitude and inspiration. Zabeer shared that this honor will fuel his passion for science, while Twashin highlighted the doors it opens for future academic and research opportunities. This achievement sends a powerful message: with sufficient talent and perseverance, Bangladeshi youth can shine on the global stage. It underscores the importance of nurturing STEM education and creating national platforms for young researchers. By celebrating Zabeer and Twashin’s success, Bangladesh shines a light on the potential of its next generation to innovate and solve pressing global challenges.
