HaUI Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day 2026 showcases student innovation with Real-World impact

Innovation is no longer confined to laboratories or classrooms. At HaUI Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day 2026, students demonstrated how research can be transformed into technologies that address real-world challenges. From intelligent assistive devices and AI-powered applications to sustainable engineering solutions and community-focused innovations, the event highlighted the growing impact of student-led research while creating valuable opportunities for aspiring innovators to connect with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and investors.

Opening the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dong, Vice President of Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI), emphasized that higher education institutions have a responsibility that extends beyond knowledge creation. As scientific and technological innovation becomes an increasingly important driver of economic and social development, universities must also foster the capacity to transform research into practical solutions, market-ready technologies, and sustainable value for society. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, and emerging digital industries, he noted, is redefining expectations for the next generation of talent.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dong, Vice President of Hanoi University of Industry, delivered opening remarks at the event.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dong reaffirmed that research, innovation, and entrepreneurship are integral to HaUI's educational philosophy rather than activities pursued alongside academic study. The University's goal is to cultivate graduates who can think creatively, generate new knowledge, and develop technologies that address societal needs. Beyond preparing students for employment, HaUI seeks to empower them to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and future job creators capable of contributing to national development and global technological advancement.

A key highlight of the programme was a series of expert presentations exploring innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization. Drawing on their experiences in product development, startup creation, and business management, speakers shared practical insights into transforming academic ideas into viable products and sustainable enterprises. The discussions also provided students with a broader understanding of emerging technology trends and the increasingly important role of innovation in the era of digital transformation.

Mr. Nguyen Tien Trung, Vice Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Vietnam Startup Mentors Alliance (VSMA), delivers a presentation titled From Idea to Product: Turning Student Startup Ideas into Reality.

Mr. Bui Tien Dung, representative of the Department of Students Affairs, Ministry of Education and Training, delivers a presentation titled Strengthening Support Mechanisms for Student Entrepreneurship in Higher Education.

Mr. Hoang Manh Trung, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Fumee Tech, shares insights in a presentation titled Entrepreneurship: Successes and Lessons Learned from the Startup Journey.

The event continued with a panel discussion bringing together academics, entrepreneurs, industry representatives, and startup founders to examine the journey from research to commercialization. Discussions focused on identifying opportunities from real-world challenges, developing technology-driven ventures, and translating research outcomes into products capable of creating economic and social value. Through these conversations, students gained valuable perspectives on entrepreneurship while developing a clearer understanding of the skills, resilience, and strategic thinking required to turn innovative ideas into successful ventures.

Speakers exchange insights during the panel discussion Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship: From Knowledge to Real-World Impact.

The exhibition provided a compelling demonstration of HaUI's commitment to fostering innovation through education and research. Featuring projects in artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, education, community development, and sustainable technologies, the showcase highlighted the University's growing capacity to translate academic research into practical solutions with the potential to address contemporary societal and industrial challenges. The diversity of the projects reflected not only students' technical competence but also their ability to identify real-world needs and develop innovative responses through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dong, Vice President of Hanoi University of Industry, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luu Thi Tho, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Garment-Textile Technology and Fashion Design, tour the exhibition and discuss student startup projects showcased at the event.

A key feature of the programme was the Mock Investment Pitch Competition, where student teams presented their technologies, business models, and development strategies before a panel of academics, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. Through professional evaluation and constructive feedback, participants gained valuable insights into project development, commercialization pathways, and market readiness while further strengthening their entrepreneurial and presentation skills.

The judging panel listens to project pitches and evaluates teams competing in the Mock Investment Pitch Competition.

The First Prize was awarded to LumiR, an intelligent robotic assistant developed to support people with visual impairments. The project was recognized for its strong social relevance, practical applicability, and promising potential for further development. By addressing the needs of a vulnerable community through technological innovation, LumiR exemplifies the University's emphasis on research that delivers meaningful benefits to society while creating opportunities for future technology transfer and product development.

LumiR, an assistive robotic solution for people with visual impairments developed by students from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, is awarded First Prize in the Mock Investment Pitch Competition.

Beyond showcasing innovative projects, the event reflected HaUI's continuing efforts to cultivate an integrated innovation ecosystem in which education, scientific research, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration reinforce one another. Increasingly, student research is progressing beyond academic achievement to generate technologies with practical applications and commercial potential, supported through close engagement with enterprises and innovation partners.

HaUI Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day 2026 reaffirmed the University's strategic commitment to creating an environment where creativity is encouraged, research is application-oriented, and innovation is translated into tangible value. By equipping students with opportunities to develop technological solutions, engage with industry, and explore entrepreneurial pathways, HaUI continues to nurture graduates capable of contributing to technological advancement, sustainable development, and the knowledge-based economy.