EcoWarriors Project by UII Students Crowned Champion at Bách Khoa Innovation 2025

Ho Chi Minh City, August 9, 2025 – The grand finale of the Bách Khoa Innovation 2025 (BKI 2025) competition concluded at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology – Vietnam National University (HCMUT) with the announcement of the top prize in the Student Category. The EcoWarriors project, developed by a team of students from the Institute of Innovation (UII), University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), was officially named the Champion of the Student Category, affirming the strong innovation capabilities and entrepreneurial mindset of the UII student community.

BKI 2025 – An International Platform for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

BKI 2025 marked its eighth season, setting a record-breaking milestone with 189 projects registered, nearly three times higher than the average of previous years.

The competition brought together 50 outstanding teams competing in four categories: Student, High School, Startup, and the newly introduced University-Industry (U-I) category.

Notably, this year’s competition underscored international collaboration, featuring 18 teams from countries such as India, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and the United States.

The introduction of the University-Industry category highlighted BKI’s strategic goal of bridging the gap between academic theory and practical business needs, fostering a robust innovation and startup ecosystem in Vietnam.

EcoWarriors – A Multi-Intelligence Educational Solution Through Technology

The EcoWarriors project, representing the Student Category, stood out for its practicality and social impact. Designed for preschool and elementary-aged children, the system integrates physical and digital play (phygital) to create a dynamic, engaging learning environment.

Through this model, children can develop multiple intelligences by seamlessly connecting real-world activities with virtual experiences, combining education and entertainment while fostering social interaction and creativity.

EcoWarriors triumphed over a wide range of innovative ideas in EdTech, AI, digital technology, and environmental sustainability, ultimately being named Champion of the Student Category at BKI 2025.

As part of BKI 2025, Bumi Armada Berhad also awarded 38 scholarships totaling USD 23,800 to outstanding students at HCMUT, underscoring the company’s commitment to nurturing young innovators and fostering collaboration between academia and industry.

Significance of EcoWarriors’ Victory

The victory of EcoWarriors carries profound implications, not only for the student team but also for UII, UEH, and the broader startup and innovation ecosystem:

1. Strengthening Competitiveness in Innovation and EdTech

EcoWarriors demonstrated that UII students possess the ability to transform innovative ideas into practical, scalable products that meet real-world community and market needs.

2. Creating Opportunities for Development and Industry Partnerships

With the Innovation Award and attention from potential investors and corporate partners, the team now has resources to enhance the product, conduct pilot programs, and build strategic collaborations within the EdTech and Startup sectors.

3. Inspiring Entrepreneurship and Innovation

This victory serves as a powerful source of motivation, encouraging students at UII and UEH to take bold steps in entrepreneurship and innovation, thereby contributing to the development of Vietnam’s growing startup ecosystem.

4. Connecting Social Responsibility with Education

EcoWarriors represents not just a technology product but also a community-focused educational solution, improving early childhood learning experiences and reflecting the social responsibility of students and institutions.

The crowning of EcoWarriors as Champion of BKI 2025 marks a significant milestone for UII and UEH students. This achievement highlights their maturity in innovative thinking, real-world problem-solving, and entrepreneurial spirit, while reinforcing UII’s growing reputation in Innovation, EdTech, Startup, and FinTech.

More than just a prestigious award, this victory is a testament to UEH and UII’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs, shaping a future of modern, sustainable, and creative education.