Brac yesterday announced five enterprises as winners of this year's “Urban Innovation Challenge”, a competition for young entrepreneurs, which is focused on solving urban problems through innovative ideas.

A total of 18 entrepreneurs, divided in five groups, won the award under four categories -- healthcare, low-cost urban housing, renewable energy, and water, sanitation and hygiene.

On the occasion, Brac organised a ceremony at its office in Dhaka, where the winners were awarded crests and certificates.

Dr Atiq Rahman, executive director of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies, and Ainun Nishat, professor emeritus of Brac University, spoke at the event.

The winning groups are Nirvana and City Bird in renewable energy category; Jotno Healthcare in healthcare; Onushongo in low-cost housing; and Drinkwell in water sanitation and hygiene.