Launching UAV Innovation Contest exclusively for students

On September 9, in Hanoi, the Institute of Space and Underwater Technology (Hanoi University of Science and Technology) and PetroVietnam Gas Corporation (PV GAS) officially launched the PV GAS 2025 UAV Cup Innovation Contest with the theme "Homeland's Sky".

Sharing at the press conference launching the Competition, Associate Professor Dr. Han Trong Thanh, Deputy Director of the Institute of Space and Underwater Technology Research ( Hanoi University of Science and Technology) said that in recent years, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology has been developing strongly, becoming one of the fields with the most potential for wide application in the era of industry 4.0.

Associate Professor Dr. Han Trong Thanh, Deputy Director of the Institute of Space and Underwater Technology Research (Hanoi University of Science and Technology) spoke at the launching press conference. (Photo: Hong Anh)

UAVs not only serve entertainment purposes but also have wide applications in many fields: Smart agriculture , environmental monitoring, energy, logistics, search and rescue, defense - security and especially in green technology solutions for sustainable development.

Around the world, many countries have been investing on a large scale in developing the low-altitude economy – an emerging concept based on the application of UAVs and smart technology in the space environment. Many countries have identified this field as an important part of their economic and defense development strategy and response to climate change, natural disasters, epidemics, etc.

In Vietnam, Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 of the Politburo has identified the development of science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation as the top important breakthrough. Through many resolutions and socio-economic development strategies, the State has emphasized the importance of mastering core technology for strategic products such as UAVs, robots, AI cameras, etc.

Introducing the jury members of the Competition. (Photo: Hong Anh)

With the theme “Homeland Sky”, UAV Cup PV GAS 2025 is designed as a highly applicable academic and creative playground for students from high school, technical secondary school, college to university nationwide.

“The competition aims to create opportunities for students to apply their knowledge to design, assemble, program and operate UAVs in a competitive environment. Develop systematic thinking, the ability to handle real-life situations, team spirit and tactical skills. At the same time, encourage safe and smart UAV models that can be applied in agriculture, logistics, environmental monitoring, and search and rescue. Orient, discover and nurture high-quality human resources in the field of UAV technology, serving the strategic goals of green technology and national digital transformation”, Associate Professor, Dr. Han Trong Thanh informed.

According to the Organizing Committee, the participants of the Competition are students with a passion for UAV technology; a maximum of 32 teams nationwide, each team has 3-5 members and 1 instructor. The Competition consists of 4 stages: Preliminary selection, technical assessment, qualifying round and national final (held directly in Hanoi in December 2025).

The team must use a combination of two types of UAVs in the same competition system: an automatic reconnaissance UAV (detection, data collection) and an operating UAV (overcoming obstacles, recharging, transporting to the correct simulation location).

This UAV innovation contest is exclusively for students. (Photo: Hong Anh)

The competition format simulates real-life tasks such as refueling, emergency transportation and clean energy supply in smart cities, requiring a combination of engineering design, control tactics and teamwork.

The jury consists of prestigious scientists, lecturers and experts from many leading universities and research institutes.

The prize structure of the Contest includes 1 First prize worth 200 million VND; 1 Second prize worth 100 million VND; 1 Third prize worth 80 million VND and 5 Consolation prizes, each worth 30 million VND.

In addition to the material value, the Competition is also an opportunity for students to approach businesses, researchers and investors, contributing to promoting the "Made in Vietnam" UAV ecosystem.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/phat-dong-cuoc-thi-sang-tao-uav-danh-rieng-cho-hoc-sinh-sinh-vien-327118.html