BRAC University team bags Bard “Disrupt to Sustain” prize

A Bangladeshi team comprised of EMBA students from BRAC University has bagged the first prize in Bard MBA's annual "Disrupt to Sustain" pitch competition, held virtually on December 15 this year. Team Roots from BRAC University won the first prize worth USD 1500 for their idea of improving the quality and proper utilisation of childcare services in Dhaka.

Bard MBA's annual Disrupt to Sustain Business Competition awards social business that is most likely to achieve impact at scale and affect social, environmental gains. This year, Team Roots proposed that childhood education for children in Dhaka can be improved and upgraded through a branded training model for home child-care providers by advancing their skills and certifying them. The business model argues that it would incentivise parents to move their children into education-focused care, leading to higher incomes for child-care workers and a better outcome for the children.

Other winners this year include a company producing environmentally sustainable algae-based textile fibres and a business proposing a model for green retrofits for houses in low-income neighbourhoods.