Van Lang Students Shine at I-STAR 2024 Awards with Promising Innovation Projects

On December 18, 2024, Van Lang University students made an outstanding mark at the 2024 Ho Chi Minh City Innovation and Startup Awards (I-STAR), hosted by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology.

The competition is a part of the Week for Ho Chi Minh City Innovation, Startup and Entrepreneurship (WHISE 2024), which aims to honor individuals and organizations that have made remarkable contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship activities. This year’s competition attracted over 320 entries and more than 40,000 social media interactions.

Van Lang University proudly congratulates two outstanding student projects that advanced to the important rounds of the competition and earned prestigious awards: Mindvivo by Diep Gia Bao (Faculty of Commerce, Class 24) and Household Waste Oil Filter Bag by the Will team (Faculty of Business Administration, Class 28).

Mindvivo, developed by Diep Gia Bao from the Faculty of Commerce, successfully progressed through the acceleration stage and secured 400 million VND in funding for a 12-month pilot. Drawing from personal challenges faced while living away from home, such as loneliness, homesickness, and everyday pressure, Bao created a mental health support app that offers holistic psychological care. The project not only comprehensively solves psychological problems but also aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Mindvivo is an advanced digital mental wellness platform that delivers accessible, all-in-one solutions for users worldwide. Officially launched on the App Store and Google Play Store, the app has received international support, including $150,000 USD in funding from Microsoft and strategic mentorship from Seedstars and EY Singapore. Equipped with standout features like a specialized AI chatbot, integrated mental health support tools, and multilingual support, Mindvivo has positioned itself as a strong contender in the field of global innovation and sustainability.

Household Waste Oil Filter Bag project by the Will group, consists of Vo Thao My, Pham Thuy Hong, Nguyen Linh Ngan and Bui Mai Minh Nhat, secured a place in the Top 35 Incubation round and was named among the Top 20 Most Excellent Projects in the Ideas group, bringing home a 40 million VND prize over six months of development.

Vo Thao My, the team representative, shared that the idea stemmed from real-world needs in Ho Chi Minh City, where clogged drains are often caused by accumulated kitchen grease, especially during the rainy season, leading to severe flooding. Through a community survey, the local community has been highly supportive of the idea, with many expressing a strong desire for the product to be implemented to improve public sanitation and reduce clogged drains.

The waste oil filter bag is designed using durable, heat-resistant materials and is easy to use. Its compact size allows it to separate grease from domestic wastewater before disposal. Due to its effective filtering ability, the product is reusable after cleaning, which helps reduce costs and domestic waste. This project aligns with three key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Life Below Water (SDG 14), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12).

These achievements reflect more than individual success, they showcase the entrepreneurial mindset and creative drive nurtured at Van Lang University. The university remains committed to encouraging and empowering students to pursue groundbreaking ideas, contributing to a creative and sustainable community.

News: Thien Phuc
Photos: Gia Thuan