TVU – In a showcase of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, Tra Vinh University students have secured a prestigious second-place finish in the “Students with Innovative Startup Ideas 2024” competition. The event, organized by Nguyen Tat Thanh University in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Student Cultural House, takes place on August 30, 2024.
This year’s “Open Innovation Startup Challenge towards Sustainable Development Goals” competition attracts over 156 ideas from more than 33 universities and colleges nationwide. The contest aims to foster creative startup concepts that align with sustainable development criteria, including environmental protection, sustainable economic growth, social responsibility, and technological innovation.
TVU is strong in the competition, with four out of 72 ideas advancing to the final round. These innovative projects include:
(1) Production of artificial wood from straw
(2) LucbinhGauze – Biological bandage from water hyacinth
(3) Natlife – Green fiber from microplastic
(4) Production of bioplastic from durian peel
The competition unfolds over three months, with 72 teams competing in two rounds. In the first final round, teams showcase their products, present their projects, and field questions from the judges. The top seven projects then advance to the second final round, where teams have five minutes to present and another five minutes for a Q&A session with the judges.
Emerging victorious, the “LucbinhGauze – Biological bandage from water hyacinth” project, developed by Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, Duong Chi Linh, Pham Quoc Huy, Truong Minh Loc, and Nguyen Thi Bich Tram, secures the second prize. The “Producing bioplastic from durian peel” project by Luu Thao Nguyen, Do Thi Thao Tien, Nguyen Thi Thanh Ngan, and Trang Phuong Diem receive a consolation prize.
Nguyen Thi Bich Tram, a team member of the LucbinhGauze project, describes the competition as a “memorable and meaningful experience.” She expresses pride in their achievement and hopes their idea will “continue to be perfected and applied in practice, bringing practical value to society.”
The LucbinhGauze project uses hydrogel materials to develop medical bandages from water hyacinth cellulose fibers. This innovative approach addresses environmental issues caused by water hyacinths in the Mekong Delta while providing a safe, naturally antibacterial, and eco-friendly medical product. The team also envisions LucbinhGauze becoming an OCOP (One Commune One Product) item, potentially creating local job opportunities.
The Bioplastic from durian peel project uses agricultural waste to produce environmentally friendly plastics. This concept reduces waste, adds value to farmers’ produce, and creates sustainable packaging and construction materials.
TVU’s success in this competition underscores its commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable development among its student body. These achievements highlight the potential of young minds in addressing global challenges through creative and environmentally conscious solutions.
By My Nhien
TD-ĐL
