Final Round of the 6th Science Innovation and Agricultural Startup Idea Contest – 2025

Attendees included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trần Thanh Đức – Rector of HUAF; Prof. Dr. Lê Đình Phùng – Executive Member of the HUAF Council and Head of the Organizing Committee; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Hữu Văn – Vice Rector of HUAF; along with leaders from various university departments and over 300 high school and university students. Representatives from nine high schools in Hue City and more than ten partner enterprises also participated in the event.

Overview of the Final Round

This year's contest attracted 21 innovative ideas from over 100 university students and 15 high school students representing nine high schools in Hue City. The projects showcased high scientific value and competitiveness, focusing on pressing and highly applicable areas such as:

• Biological products

• Nanotechnology

• Circular agriculture (utilizing by-products, weeds, etc.)

• Reduction of chemicals and antibiotics in production and livestock

• Environmentally friendly new materials

  

  Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trần Thanh Đức delivered a speech at the Final Round of the Contest

Notably, this year's contest marked the first time high school students participated, fostering stronger connections between secondary and higher education. Additionally, nearly ten enterprises accompanied the event, committing to support the development of promising projects post-contest. The prize value and opportunities for project development were significantly enhanced compared to previous years. Besides cash rewards, top-winning teams (First, Second, Third prizes) were offered contracts to implement pilot production projects, with funding ranging from 20 to 50 million VND per project.

Award-Winning Projects

• First Prize: The project "Green Concrete from Agricultural By-products (HUAF – GPC)" excelled in the competition. It utilizes rice husk ash, fly ash, blast furnace slag, and other agricultural and industrial by-products combined with sea sand to produce eco-friendly construction materials. The resulting geopolymer concrete and bricks boast high strength, resistance to corrosive environments, and eliminate the use of traditional cement, contributing to CO₂ emission reduction and aligning with Net Zero goals in agricultural construction.

• Second Prize: Awarded to the project "Production of Nano Copper Curcumin Cream for Treating Hoof Diseases in Dairy Cows"

• Third Prizes: Two projects shared this honor:

  • "Production of Herbal Preparations as Antibiotic Alternatives in Livestock"

  • "Fabrication of Carbon Quantum Dots from By-products for Use as Foliar Fertilizers in Crop Cultivation"

• Consolation Prizes: Recognized projects included:

  • "Production and Business of Hue Lotus Leaf Matcha Powder (Royal Lotus Matcha)"

  • "Production of Concentrated Feed for Broiler Chickens from Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL)"

  • "ABG – Herbal Incense Tablets for Mosquito and Pest Control"

  • "Research and Business of Herbal Pesticide OP-75 (Organic Pesticides Hue)"

  • "Âr Lang Herbal Tea – Essence of A Lưới Mountains and Forests"

  • "Nutra-Cycle Extract as a Chemical Substitute in Algae Cultivation"

    

    Awarding Certificates of Participation to High School Students in the Contest
    
     

    

    Awarding Certificates of Participation to High School Students in the Contest

Pre-Final Round Activities

Prior to the final round, participating teams underwent two preliminary rounds and a training course to enhance their skills and refine their ideas. Many projects demonstrated significant improvements, showcasing maturity in content and presentation skills. The quality of the projects was elevated thanks to dedicated mentorship from faculty members and active support from specialized departments, aligning with the university's direction of integrating scientific research with innovation.

HUAF's Commitment to Innovation and Entrepreneurship

HUAF has consistently excelled in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The university has participated in the National Startup Day three times, with a student team recently securing the Third Prize nationwide. For the past three years, HUAF has incorporated an official course on Innovation and Entrepreneurship into its curriculum. Beyond university students, HUAF has supported two high school student teams in developing ideas that won national competitions in 2024 and 2025. These achievements not only affirm the university's reputation but also positively influence the secondary education sector, attracting more high school students to participate in this year's contest.

This contest serves as a testament to the dedication and creativity of the participating teams and represents a practical step forward in bringing innovative startup ideas closer to real-world application. It provides a platform for young individuals to experience, challenge themselves, and grow alongside their passion for innovation.

Awarding certificates and gifts to the First Prize team: "Green Concrete from Agricultural By-products (HUAF – GPC)"

 

Awarding Certificates and Gifts to the Second Prize Team: Production of Nano Copper Curcumin Cream for Treating Hoof Diseases in Dairy Cows

 

Awarding Certificates and Gifts to the Two Third Prize Teams: “Production of Herbal Preparations as Antibiotic Alternatives in Livestock" and "Fabrication of Carbon Quantum Dots from By-products for Use as Foliar Fertilizers in Crop Cultivation"