On May 10th, the National Innovation Center (NIC) in Hoa Lac High-Tech Park, Hanoi, became a battleground of intellect, creativity, and technology as it welcomed nearly 3,000 contestants from 29 provinces and cities nationwide to compete in the National Finals of the Vietnam STEM, AI, and Robotics Championship (VSAR) for the 2025-2026 academic year, the largest nationwide school technology competition.
Launched in November 2025, VSAR 2025–2026 quickly became a phenomenon in technology education this academic year. Through a rigorous technical dossier review and evaluation by the Expert Council, 2,930 outstanding contestants were selected to advance to the National Finals. The National STEM, AI, and Robotics Championship alone attracted 1,288 participants, divided into 335 teams, representing the best of high school students in the fields of robotics, artificial intelligence, and space science from across 29 provinces and cities nationwide.
From early morning, the atmosphere at the National Innovation Center (NIC) in Hoa Lac High-Tech Park was vibrant and bustling with the presence of numerous contestants and their families. All contestants were ready to compete with high determination to achieve the best possible results.
From Phu Tho - The 4 AM bus ride and the dream of VEX Robotics
Representing the youthful energy of the Northwest gateway region, the team from Ly Tu Trong Secondary School (Hoa Binh ward, Phu Tho province) arrived at the competition site in high spirits. Team captain Nguyen Tran Bao Yen (class 6A1) proudly shared about the arduous yet exciting preparation journey.
"To be present on the day of the competition, the whole team woke up at 4 a.m. to travel. Throughout this time, the team members have been actively training, four times a week, each session lasting 2-3 hours," Bao Yen said.
Bao Yen and her teammates are confident that with thorough preparation, skill training, and the robot's flexible and precise operation, the team will successfully complete the mission.
"Even though this is our first time participating in a major tournament, we are determined to make it to the finals. Competing with other players is a great opportunity for us to interact and learn," Bao Yen said.
From Dak Lak: Self-learning to code to master technology.
Traveling hundreds of kilometers from the sun-drenched and windy Central Highlands, the group of contestants from Luong The Vinh Primary and Secondary School (Dak Lak) arrived early in Hanoi. The group consisted of two main teams, Luong The Vinh 1 and 2.
Speaking on behalf of the contestants, Hoang Phan Trung Quan (class 9A2) said: "We started assembling the model and writing the code in February. The most difficult part wasn't the hardware, but the code. We constantly researched and experimented to perfect it."
Trung Quân added that participating in VSAR in the 2025-2026 school year is the first time he and his team members will compete in robotics. Mixed with the joy is a little nervousness, but above all, a determination to win.
The teacher guiding the team from Luong The Vinh Secondary School shared that the team's goal was to participate in the exchange and learning, but they also showed determination: "Learning is the main goal, winning prizes is even better." This eagerness to learn and determination created a unique image for the students from the Central Highlands.
From Lao Cai: Water rockets and a message about environmental protection.
Heading towards the rocket competition area, three members of the team from Van Hoa Secondary School (Lao Cai Ward) – Nguyen Duc Manh, Nguyen Anh Huy (both in grade 8) and Tran Gia Thien (grade 6) – brought with them the spirit of applying scientific knowledge and protecting the environment.
Nguyen Duc Manh (class 8A2) said that the whole team practiced a lot before the competition. One of the most unforgettable memories from practice was when the rockets were fired into the river.
"The most interesting thing about building water rockets is that it's not only about learning and practicing a lot of scientific knowledge, but also about contributing to conveying the spirit of innovation in environmental protection and combating plastic waste."
Despite participating in a national-scale competition for the first time, Nguyen Duc Manh, Nguyen Anh Huy, and Tran Gia Thien all showed determination to achieve the best possible results. Anh Huy expressed: "Seeing the other teams so strong makes us even more determined to try harder. Our team's goal is to stand on the highest podium and win the championship."
The National STEM, AI, and Robotics Championship for the 2025-2026 academic year is organized by Tien Phong Newspaper, the National Innovation Center (NIC), the Central Youth Union Council, and Hanoi University of Science and Technology, under the direction of the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union. Co-organizing units include Tien Phong Joint Stock Company, the Vietnam Science and Technology Enterprise Startup Fund, the Youth Union of the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the publications Hoa Hoc Tro and Thien Than Nho.
VSAR is a practical activity that contributes to the implementation of Resolution 57 and Resolution 71 of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, national digital transformation, and breakthroughs in education and training, creating high-quality human resources in the digital age.
The VSAR competition for the 2025-2026 school year is organized in the vibrant atmosphere of nationwide children's emulation, practically celebrating the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneers Organization (May 15, 1941 – May 15, 2026), and also looking forward to the 136th anniversary of the birth of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890 – May 19, 2026).
Source: https://tienphong.vn/chuyen-xe-4-gio-sang-and-giac-mo-vo-dich-robotics-post1842059.tpo
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