Vinsers Demonstrate Strong Research Capabilities And Academic Confidence At The Innovation Challenge 2025–2026 Grand Final
After nearly four months of research, experimentation, and project development through multiple rounds, the 36 most outstanding teams advanced to the system-wide Grand Final of Innovation Challenge 2025–2026 last weekend, presenting innovative scientific solutions to global and community challenges.
This year’s projects reflected the diverse ways students approached real-world issues—from technology-driven solutions applying AI and IoT, such as AI learning assistants and smart home systems, to environmental initiatives like material recycling and microplastic treatment. The competition also featured research addressing student health and school life, including topics related to mental wellbeing, sleep, academic stress, and technology-supported healthcare solutions.
In the final round, teams presented their projects, demonstrated their prototypes, and defended their research before a distinguished judging panel comprising Associate Professors, PhDs from leading universities and academic institutions, along with representatives from the Vinschool leadership team.
Many projects stood out for their effective application of advanced technologies to real-world challenges, while also demonstrating rigorous research thinking through data analysis, methodological reasoning, and strong argumentation during the defense session. Notably, several teams showed impressive improvement by refining their projects based on expert feedback from the Preliminary Round, enabling them to achieve remarkable breakthroughs in the Grand Final.
Congratulations to the three outstanding projects that won First Prize in each competition category:
Natural Sciences Category:
Isolation and Cultivation of the Red Bracket Fungus (Pycnoporus sanguineus (L.) Murrill) Collected in Luong Son, Phu Tho – Vinschool Times City students
Technology – Engineering – IT Category:
Applying Hybrid Reinforcement Learning in a Digital Twin-Based School Navigation System – Vinschool Grand Park (Standard Programme) students
Social and Behavioral Sciences Category:
Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Green Jobs Advisor Website at Vinschool Ho Chi Minh City – Vinschool Central Park students
Parents and students can view the full list of winning teams from the Innovation Challenge 2025–2026 Grand Final here.
Here are some reflections from members of the Judging Panel:
Assoc. Prof. Phó Đức Tài – Head of the Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi:
“I was particularly impressed by teams that effectively combined AI and IoT to address real-world problems. This shows that Vinschool students are not only keeping pace with technological trends but are also developing structured research approaches. With further development, many of these ideas could become strong foundations for the students’ future research journeys and career pathways.”
Dr. Kiều Phương Thùy – Lecturer, Faculty of Information Technology, School of Mathematics and Computer Science, Hanoi National University of Education:
“Through their presentations and defense sessions, Vinschool students clearly demonstrated confidence, logical thinking, and strong presentation skills—essential competencies for 21st-century digital citizens.”
Dr. Đinh Anh Tuấn – Project Director, Innovation Center, VinUni:
“I observed that many projects this year performed particularly well in Planning and Platform. Students developed structured research plans from ideation to implementation, measurement, and iteration, while also designing solutions as platforms that integrate technology and expand potential impact. Moving forward, teams could further strengthen Partnership—connecting with organizations, communities, and stakeholders with shared interests to mobilize more resources and amplify the impact of their projects.”
Let’s take a look back at some memorable and inspiring moments from the Innovation Challenge Grand Final!
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Innovation Challenge, an annual academic competition held across the Vinschool system, encourages students to view the world through the lens of innovators: asking meaningful questions, experimenting boldly, learning from failure, and creating value for the community.
Through this program, Vinschool aims to nurture innovative thinking, responsible action, and a global mindset, empowering students to become individuals capable of creating positive impact in society.
