In a remarkable display of innovation and technical prowess, three students from St. Joseph Higher Secondary School in Dhaka have brought pride to Bangladesh by winning the gold medal in the IT and Robotics category at the 17th World Invention Competition and Exhibition (WICE) 2025, held at UCSI University in Malaysia.
A Journey from National to International Glory
Team “Akash Pathabo” first proved their mettle by defeating over 150 competing teams to win the gold medal in the IT and Robotics category at the national level competition in Dhaka. This victory earned them the honor of representing Bangladesh at the international stage, where they competed against approximately 200 teams from 15 countries including South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand, Mexico, Turkey, Tunisia, Algeria, and host nation Malaysia.
Achieving gold at both the national and international levels is a rare accomplishment that marks a new milestone for Bangladesh’s technology education sector.
Introducing Zephyron: The Multi-Purpose Smart Rover
The team’s winning project, “Zephyron V3 – ‘Bhoboghure” is a versatile autonomous rover designed for disaster response, environmental monitoring, and research applications. This mobile laboratory showcases an impressive array of features:
Environmental and Safety Monitoring:
- Water quality testing through TDS and turbidity sensors for rapid detection of contaminated water following floods
- Gas detection capabilities using MQ-2 sensors to identify harmful gases like LPG and carbon monoxide
- Radiation measurement via a Geiger counter
- UV sensing for ultraviolet radiation warnings
Mobility and Power:
- Four-wheel, powerful motor with a 4WD system capable of navigating steep slopes and debris
- Solar-powered operation enabling 6-8 hours of continuous use without external charging
Advanced Technology:
- GPS and IoT dashboard for real-time data and live video streaming
- Remote monitoring capabilities
- AI-based object detection to identify human presence, vehicles, or animals—crucial for rescue operations
The judges praised Zephyron for its cost-effectiveness, practical applicability, and technological innovation, recognizing it as a tool that could genuinely save lives during emergencies.
The Team Behind the Success
The three talented students each played crucial roles in bringing Zephyron to life:
- Hafi Bin Sultan – Team Leader and System Integrator
- Sabik Bin Sultan – Electrical Lead
- Safwan Sahad – Mechanical Lead
The team received mentorship and guidance from M. Sadequl Islam and M. Mosaddek Hossen (CEO, Kidzania) throughout their journey to Malaysia. Kidzania is committed to providing quality educational programs in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) to help young innovators develop creativity, leadership, and essential skills for future success.
A Testament to Bangladeshi Ingenuity
Team leader Hafi Bin Sultan expressed the team’s vision: “We didn’t build Zephyron just to win competitions, but to create technology that can be used in real life. This medal belongs to Bangladesh—it proves that even with limited resources, we can create world-class innovations.”
Looking Forward
This gold medal victory at WICE 2025 will undoubtedly boost the confidence of young innovators across Bangladesh. Team Akash Pathabo’s success has demonstrated that with proper guidance, dedication, and focused effort, Bangladeshi students can build a bright future in global technology and compete successfully on the world stage.
The achievement serves as an inspiration for aspiring young engineers and inventors throughout the country, proving that creativity and technical excellence know no boundaries when combined with determination and proper mentorship.
