Vietnam Swiss Innovation Challenge 2025: An International Initiative to Foster Innovation

On September 20, 2025, the Faculty of Commerce at Van Lang University collaborated with the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) to organize the Final Round of the Vietnam Swiss Innovation Challenge 2025. The competition gathered over 400 students from 25 universities, establishing itself as a prestigious international platform where creative ideas are nurtured and oriented toward sustainable development.

In his remarks, Dr. Ngo Quang Trung, Vice President of Van Lang University and Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, affirmed that innovation is a crucial factor for the progress of enterprises and communities amid today’s rapidly volatile global context. Van Lang University remains committed to accompanying students in developing solutions aligned with sustainable development.

Representing FHNW, Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Al-Kilani, Professor in International Entrepreneurship (FHNW), praised the competition as an internationally significant initiative that links Vietnamese startups with the European ecosystem. He noted that in the face of global challenges such as climate change and social inequality, innovative ideas from young Vietnamese have the potential to create global impact beyond national boundaries.

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Teams confidently presented their projects in front of the judging panel, showcasing their professionalism, dedication, and aspiration to generate meaningful value for the community.

After multiple rounds of competition, the Champion title was awarded to Team WOLAD from the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City with their project “Green Warriors,” which impressed the judges with its creativity, applicability, and well-defined development plan. The First Runner-up and Second Runner-up prizes went to Team Y-Not Trio from Van Lang University and Team NHIEN from RMIT Vietnam, respectively.

Specifically, the “Green Warriors” project targets sustainable education for primary school students through a model integrating a mobile app, a smart board placed beside waste bins, and educational content embedded with Vietnamese culture. The solution helps children practice waste sorting and build environmentally friendly habits from an early age. The project’s business plan aims to break even after three years, expand nationwide within five years, and attract funding from social impact investment funds. Its impact will be measured through behavioral and awareness changes among students, contributing to sustainable development for future generations.

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The judging panel highly appreciated the students’ projects, which opened a new journey for a new generation of innovators contributing to positive social change.

The Final Round of the Vietnam Swiss Innovation Challenge 2025 created immense value: from nurturing outstanding projects and fostering international connections to opening opportunities for collaboration with the business community. The competition honored creativity while reaffirming Van Lang University’s role in building an internationally connected educational environment that promotes Vietnam’s startup and innovation ecosystem.

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The Final Round came alive with vibrant art performances, adding energy and excitement to the journey of innovation and entrepreneurship.

News: Bich Ngoc
Photos: Dang Anh – Gia Thuan