Tra Vinh University (TVU) recently held its first-ever “TVU Expanded Green Innovation” competition, open to high school and university students across the Mekong Delta region, providing a valuable platform for students to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Many entries focused on practical solutions to pressing environmental issues, encompassing resource conservation, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Themes included energy efficiency, eco-friendly product creation, biodiversity conservation, waste (water, air, and solid) treatment and recycling, environmental policy and education, and technological applications in environmental management.
The contest, running from March 27th to May 31st, drew 108 teams – over 400 students – from 20 high schools and universities across several provinces in the Mekong Delta.
Following the preliminary round, judges selected 20 outstanding ideas (10 from university students and 10 from high school students) for the final round. These ideas demonstrated strong practical applications.
One standout example was “Green Energy Pellets from Bagasse,” by a team from the Mien Tay Construction University (Vinh Long). This winning university entry showcased the potential of utilizing sugarcane waste, a byproduct of the sugar industry, to create a renewable energy source, thereby minimizing waste and supporting environmental protection.
Team leader Tran Tuan Kiet highlighted the cost savings in waste disposal and the contribution to renewable energy and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. He noted its cost-effectiveness compared to fossil fuels.
Another winning idea, “Enhancing the Value of Mucuna Pruriens,” by a team from Huynh Tan Phat High School (Ben Tre province), won the high school category. This innovative approach used the often-discarded agricultural byproduct, Mucuna Pruriens, to create products with practical and artistic value, leading to economic benefits and a waste-free production model.
Ngo Vinh Khoa, a Tra Vinh University business administration student, earned second place in the university category with “Piezoelectric Pavement.” This idea integrates piezoelectric materials under pavements to convert the pressure from foot traffic into electricity for public utilities like street lighting and charging stations. The concept blends technology with sustainable materials for enhanced energy conservation and a high feasibility rate.
Winning second place in the high school category was “CococleanโClean from Green Ash for Life,” by a team from Nguyen Van Hai High School (Tra Vinh province). Their dishwashing liquid, using charcoal from coconut husks and soap nuts, offers a natural, eco-friendly alternative, reducing harmful chemicals and promoting both user and environmental health.
Team leader Nguyen Minh Trieu emphasized the product’s safety, especially for children and those with sensitive skin. The project creatively uses coconut husks, a common agricultural waste product, reducing waste and promoting a sustainable approach, aligning with increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. The project also holds the potential for economic growth in coconut-producing areas.
Further noteworthy third-place entries included “BangCircleโA Continuous Green Recycling Cycle” and “BanEcoโEnhancing the Value of Barringtonia asiatica and Mangrove Forest Development.”
The “TVU Expanded Green Innovation Ideas” contest aims to stimulate intellectual engagement and scientific research, fostering a spirit of innovation and problem-solving among students.
Lan Anh
