Vietnamese students offer ideas to create 'Sustainable City of the Future'

Innovation Challenge is an annual initiative organized by Launch Pad - the startup incubator of Western Sydney University (Australia), to promote the spirit of innovation and sustainable development among Vietnamese youth.

The 2025 competition brings together more than 130 teams from more than 60 high schools nationwide, undergoing training rounds, intensive mentoring and presentations before a panel of experts. Not only is it a place to compete, it is also an opportunity for students to practice critical thinking, communication skills, collaboration and understanding the role of technology in social development.

The North: When technology moves towards safe and humane cities

Innovation Challenge 2025 has just concluded with the First Prize in the Northern region belonging to Alpha School team with the project "No one is left vulnerable to disaster impacts" - an early warning and disaster management system using AI.

The team's solution allows for the collection of weather data, water levels, population density and urban infrastructure, thereby predicting flood risks and suggesting evacuation plans in real time. The jury assessed this project as having both social value and the ability to be practically implemented, especially in areas frequently affected by storms and high tides.

Second prize was awarded to Edison team, with the idea of “AI-powered public transport system” - a smart public transport system that regulates vehicles based on user travel data. The application suggests routes, car sharing and suggests the most energy-efficient vehicle for each trip.

The project is highly appreciated for its applicability in the context of large urban areas like Hanoi , where traffic congestion and emissions are major challenges.

The People's Choice Award went to The F Students, with their “AI tracking housing prices” model - a system that tracks real-time housing price fluctuations to buy them back when prices are low and lend them to homeless people with vocational training programs. When the recipients have stable jobs, they gradually return the houses through social capital.

The judges commented that this is a breakthrough idea, combining technology and humanity, clearly demonstrating the spirit of "a city where no one is left behind".

South: Innovation for community and environment

In the Ho Chi Minh City area, Vanta team won first place with the project “A wall/barrier that prevents erosion and filters water in riverside communities.” The project uses AI sensors and biomaterials to detect, prevent erosion and filter water in riverside communities. The jury highly appreciated the ability to combine technology and the environment, as well as the potential for practical implementation in the Mekong Delta, which is heavily affected by climate change.

Second prize went to Synergy team, with the idea of “Smart glasses that turn visuals into audio” - smart glasses that convert images into sound to help the visually impaired navigate and communicate in public spaces. The judges assessed the project as having profound humanity and high commercial potential, which can be applied in education , health care and social support.

The Audience Favorite Award went to Team Macbook with their idea of “AI-integrated life jacket” - an AI-integrated life jacket with sensors that detect people falling into the water and automatically send location signals to the rescue team. The product is considered simple but extremely practical, with great significance in rescue work, especially in areas at risk of natural disasters.

Where young ideas spread sustainable values

These initiatives not only demonstrate sharp technological thinking but also show Vietnamese students’ deep understanding of social, environmental and human issues. From transportation, housing, natural disasters to accessibility for the disadvantaged, all aim at the common goal - building sustainable cities where technology serves people.

Innovation Challenge - a journey to nurture future innovators

Western Sydney University is known as one of Australia's leading universities in the field of innovation and sustainable development education. Through Launch Pad, the university offers many training programs and collaborations to develop innovative businesses, where students can experience, practice and turn ideas into practical solutions.

The “Innovation Challenge - Sustainable City of the Future” competition is a clear demonstration of that commitment: connecting knowledge, nurturing creative thinking and inspiring action for a sustainable future for Vietnam and the world .

Bich Dao

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/hoc-sinh-viet-nam-hien-ke-kien-tao-thanh-pho-ben-vung-cua-tuong-lai-2456230.html