AI Disaster Risk Mapping and Early Warning Innovations Showcased at Dhaka Mapathon 2026
Dhaka, 30 March 2026 - Innovative solutions to strengthen disaster risk mapping and early warning systems were showcased at Mapathon 2026: Multi-Hazard Early Warning Innovation Challenge, held in a hotel in Dhaka.
The event was organised by the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) in collaboration with Save the Children, under the project “Child-Centred Anticipatory Action for Better Preparedness of Communities and Local Institutions in Northern and Coastal Areas of Bangladesh,” funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO).
Bangladesh remains highly exposed to climate-related hazards such as floods, cyclones, landslides, and heatwaves. While forecasting systems have significantly improved, a key challenge persists in ensuring that early warning information reaches vulnerable communities in a timely and actionable manner. Against this backdrop, the Mapathon brought together young innovators to develop practical, technology-driven solutions for multi-hazard disaster risk reduction.
The Mapathon 2026 was conducted in two rounds, engaging teams from different universities across the country. In the first round, participants submitted proposals leveraging artificial intelligence to address challenges in disaster risk mapping and the rapid dissemination of early warning information. Following a competitive selection process, 11 teams were shortlisted for the grand finale.
During the final round, the selected teams showcased their cutting-edge innovations, which were evaluated by a distinguished panel of jury members comprising experts from government organisations, humanitarian practitioners, and academia. The jury panel included S M Quamrul Hasan (Meteorologist, BMD), Dr. Golam Mahboob (Chief Scientific Officer, BARC), Md. Sazzad Hossain (Superintending Engineer, BWDB), Tanzim Hayat (Assistant Professor, University of Dhaka), Sajib Hasan (Climate Intelligence Expert, RIMES), Nazat Chowdhury (Head of TechHub Bangladesh, Save the Children), Raihanul Haque Khan (Bangladesh Country Program Lead, RIMES), and Nazmul Ahasan (Bangladesh Country IT Lead, RIMES).
Following a rigorous evaluation process based on defined criteria, the jury announced the top three teams during the award-giving ceremony. Md. Saidur Rahman Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, attended the event as Chief Guest and Ms. Nahid Sultana Mallik, Director (Training & Research) at the Department of Disaster Management, was present as Special Guest and presented crests, certificates, and prize money to the winning teams.
The champion, Team Nirapotta (BRAC University), developed a real-time disaster operating system designed to support rapid response through integrated risk analysis, communication tools, and operational dashboards. The first runner-up, Team BARTA (Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, University of Dhaka), introduced an AI-based voice communication system linked to a call centre model, enabling two-way engagement with communities using basic mobile phones. The second runner-up, Team InstaWarn (IBA, University of Rajshahi), presented a system that converts hazard forecasts into clear, actionable warning messages to enhance the timeliness and effectiveness of alerts. Other finalist teams included RescueAI, Team Risk Detectives, AgamBarta AI, Team ChocoChip, Innoviverse, Fermium, RescueNet, and AUB_Hydra.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Chief Guest, Md. Saidur Rahman Khan, commended the finalists and emphasised the importance of translating such innovations into practical applications for disaster risk management. He also highlighted the unique ability of young minds to approach complex challenges with fresh perspectives and creativity. Unconstrained by conventional approaches, students and early-career innovators are often able to identify novel, technology-driven solutions that may not emerge through traditional practice alone. Their willingness to experiment, combine interdisciplinary knowledge, and challenge existing systems plays a vital role in advancing innovation in disaster risk management.
Ms. Nahid Sultana Mallik also praised the teams, particularly highlighting their efforts to address last-mile communication challenges.
Raihanul Haque Khan, Country Program Lead, RIMES Bangladesh, noted that the finalists were selected from a highly competitive pool and expressed appreciation to all participants, partners, and stakeholders for their contributions.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by ASM Rahmat Ullah, Deputy Country Director of Save the Children. The competition highlighted the strong potential of young innovators, whose ideas can contribute to shaping future solutions for strengthening multi-hazard early warning systems and anticipatory action in Bangladesh.