U-Invent 2024: A Nationwide Innovation Playground for High School Students
Da Nang, January 5, 2025 – The grand finale of the 7th National High School Science and Technology Innovation Competition (U-Invent 2024) concluded successfully. This prominent event is part of the Healthy Cities for Adolescents Phase II (HCA-II) project in Da Nang (2023–2026), co-organized by the Vietnam–UK Research and Training Institute (VNUK), University of Da Nang, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of Da Nang, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Over Three Months of Discovering Young Science Talents
With rounds spanning from the Kick-off (October 13), Solution Development (November 3), Prototype Creation (November 17), Semi-finals (December 8), to the Grand Finale (January 5, 2025), the competition attracted 39 teams comprising nearly 160 students from 21 high schools nationwide. Among them, seven outstanding teams advanced to the final round, showcasing their unique and highly applicable innovations.
A Leap Forward with Professional Mentorship
The participants were guided by nearly 40 experts, coaches, and mentors from VNUK, universities, businesses, and partner organizations. This specialized support enabled the teams to refine their ideas, transforming them into concrete projects with practical, impactful products and services.
An Impressive Grand Finale
In the final round, teams presented their projects through comprehensive reports, illustrative posters, and prototypes, followed by a Q&A session with the judges. The confident and innovative presentations highlighted this year’s theme: “Innovating for a Safer Future.”
Remarkable Outcomes of U-Invent 2024
- First Prize: Team C.A.C (Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted, Da Nang) with the project “Landslide Detection and Warning System.” Their prize package included 20 million VND, support to attend the Invent for the Planet (IFTP) 2024 competition in the U.S. worth $1,500 (36 million VND), and a full scholarship for the IRIS Program worth over 100 million VND.
- Second Prize: Team Bright Spark (Phan Chau Trinh High School and Hermann Gmeiner High School, Da Nang) with the project “Sign Language Website.” They received a prize of 15 million VND and scholarships from VNUK.
- Third Prize: Team Arise Force (Hoa Vang High School and Nguyen Van Thoai High School, Da Nang) with the project “Residential Firefighting Robot.” They were awarded 10 million VND.
- Additionally, two Consolation Prizes and one Creativity Award were granted to other teams.
A Platform for Youth to Thrive
According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh An, Social Policy and Public Governance Specialist of UNICEF Vietnam: “This is an inspiring journey that ignites the creativity of young people, leveraging knowledge to help transform lives. This year, with the theme ‘Innovation for a Safer Future,’ all 159 participants are winners! Not because of the awards, but because of their courage to step out of their comfort zones, their relentless creativity, and their readiness to contribute to the community. UNICEF Vietnam hopes that the lessons, experiences, and skills you have gained on this journey will become invaluable assets on your path to maturity.”
U-Invent 2024 not only inspired innovation but also bridged STEM education with real-world applications. The competition connected high school and university environments, creating opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to engage in a creative playground alongside city schools and expanding collaboration with businesses.
The ideas generated through this competition are expected to propel young talents to participate in larger platforms such as the National Science and Technology Fair (ViSEF) and Invent for the Planet (IFTP) in the U.S., ultimately contributing knowledge to serve communities.
