In an impressive achievement, 16-year-old Shahi Al Sadat, founder of Teen-X Bangladesh, has been honored with the PBIF International Digital Business Award 2025. The award ceremony was held in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, recognizing Sadat’s innovative AI-powered initiative, “What”, an SOS Alert Mechanism within the Teen-X Bangladesh app. This feature is designed to provide immediate support to teenagers facing digital threats, promoting a safer online environment.
Pioneering Digital Safety Through Innovation
Shahi Al Sadat began his journey in digital entrepreneurship at just 13, when he founded The Startup IO Foundation. Under this platform, he launched several initiatives, including Kids Helplink, Teen-X, and Girls TeenSafe, focusing on cyberbullying prevention, online harassment, and child marriage awareness.
Through these programs, Sadat and his team have directly assisted over 1,300 students and reached more than 45 million people through awareness campaigns. His recent project, “What”, leverages AI to generate funds for developing the SOS Alert Mechanism, ensuring rapid assistance for teens encountering digital threats.
Recognition and Future Plans
Sadat’s dedication to digital safety earned him a nomination for the International Children’s Peace Prize 2024, widely known as the “Nobel Prize for Children,” endorsed by the Deputy Commissioner of Meherpur.
He also received the National Tech Award 2024 for his contributions to cybersecurity and the protection of children and teens online.
Looking ahead, Sadat has been invited to TEDx Daffodil International University 2025 to share his journey and insights with a global audience. He has also been awarded a fully funded scholarship to study Women, Gender, and Sexuality at Rice University, starting in Fall 2027.
Inspiration and Vision
Sadat credits his success to the support of his father, Md Shafikul Islam, and the encouragement from Shameem Hasan, former Deputy Commissioner of Meherpur.
Asmaul Husna Zeem, Teen-X Bangladesh’s public relations officer, said:
“After establishing The Startup IO, Shahi and I aimed to focus on women’s and children’s rights. That vision led to Teen-X. Together, with our dedicated team, we strive to build a better Bangladesh.”
With the PBIF International Digital Business Award 2025, Shahi Al Sadat continues to demonstrate the power of youth-led innovation and advocacy in creating meaningful social change.
[Collected from internet]
