Global Hackathon 2025: Creative Solutions for Sustainable Development

From September 10 to September 13, 2025, the Institute of Innovation (UII) under the College of Technology and Design, UEH University, in collaboration with its international partner, Ngee Ann Polytechnic (Singapore), successfully organized the Global Hackathon 2025. Themed “Greenovation: Green Growth & Inclusive Innovation – Building Solutions for Better Living,” the program served as a significant highlight after four days of inspiring exchange, learning, and intensive work. Here, the global youth converged to actualize innovative technological solutions aimed at addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Commemorative photo between UEH and Ngee Ann Polytechnic at the Opening Ceremony of Global Hackathon 2025.

Greenovation: Aiming for Global Goals

Under the “Greenovation” theme, the competition encouraged the younger generation to seek creative solutions for sustainability. The event was designed as a journey of “Learning – Experiencing – Creating,” where students collaborated to build ideas, develop prototypes, and generate solutions that possess both commercial value and positive social impact. By fostering multicultural and multidisciplinary connections between UEH and Ngee Ann Polytechnic students, the program contributed to the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Experts in discussion

Group activities for idea development.

Intensive Training Series: Equipping Skills and Fostering Innovation

The competing teams at Global Hackathon 2025 were equipped with a solid foundation through a series of specialized workshops, inspiring fireside chats with experts, and opportunities to learn directly from startup founders. This was not only an occasion to accumulate knowledge and refine skills but also a valuable experience to spark creativity and nurture an innovation mindset.

Specialized Workshops:

Design Thinking 101 & Business Model Design – Mr. Huynh Ngoc Quang Anh, Lecturer at UEH Institute of Innovation.
Ideation and Solution Development – Ms. Vu Thi Minh Giang, Lecturer at UEH Institute of Innovation.
Value Proposition for Business – Mr. Vuong Khiet, Lecturer at UEH Institute of Innovation.
Pitching Skills – Ms. Doan Thao Nhi, Manager at ISCHCMC, Cognita Group.

MSc. Huynh Ngoc Quang Anh – Lecturer at the UEH Institute of Innovation, hosting the workshop: “Design Thinking 101 & Business Model Design.”

Students actively listening and engaging in insightful discussions with the speakers.

Inspiring Fireside Chats:

Two pivotal topics were shared by guest speakers to provide real-world insights into the startup landscape:

Startup & Innovation Landscape in Vietnam – Mr. Giang Buu Chau, Manager at Endeavor Vietnam.
Impact Entrepreneurship – Ms. Pham Thu Trang, National Youth Coordinator at UNDP Vietnam.

Mr. Giang Buu Chau – Manager at Endeavor Vietnam, sharing insights on the topic: “Startup & Innovation Landscape in Vietnam.”

Ms. Pham Thu Trang – National Youth Coordinator at UNDP Vietnam, sharing insights on the topic: “Impact Entrepreneurship.”

Learning from Founders (Founder Talk):

Mr. Ho Thai Binh – Co-Founder & CEO of SSVN Survival Skills.
Ms. Quinn Nguyen – Founder of CyberPurify, LiveChatWithUs, and RealwithAthena.
Mr. Mark Anthony Marquez – Co-Founder of SkinMatch.
Mr. Zachary – Founder of Coqni.

Founders sharing their entrepreneurial journeys during the “Founder Talk” session, providing young participants with practical stories and invaluable lessons learned.

The Organizing Committee taking a commemorative photo with the speakers following the “Founder Talk” session within the framework of Global Hackathon 2025.

A Journey of Knowledge Connection and International Collaboration

Global Hackathon 2025 attracted over 30 participants, including 15 students from UEH and 20 students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic (Singapore). Divided into multinational teams, they worked under the guidance of professional mentors and experienced judges. This provided an authentic working environment where ideas were continuously debated, tested, and refined.

During the four-day sprint, teams developed their solutions through intense yet exhilarating teamwork. The Grand Finale on September 13 witnessed these efforts culminate in persuasive and highly applicable presentations, offering the jury and audience fresh perspectives on sustainable growth.

Participating teams engaging in lively group discussions during the intensive workshop series.

Results and Recognition

Following the energetic pitching sessions, the teams presented their solutions before a distinguished jury comprising experts in the fields of startups, investment, and sustainability:

Ms. Pham Thu Trang – National Youth Coordinator, UNDP Vietnam.
Mr. Suresh G Kumar – Investor & Board Member, Co-founder of ESG Network Vietnam.
Mr. Giang Buu Chau – Manager, Endeavor Vietnam.
Mr. Khuong Nguyen (Tommy) Cong Thanh – Investment Associate at Capital JDI.

With rigorous and professional evaluation, the jury selected the following winners:

First Prize: Team “Bai Bien” (The Beach)

Second Prize: Team “Innosphere”

Third Prize: Team “CrossZ”

The Top 3 outstanding teams of the Grand Finale in Vietnam.

In addition to receiving the top honor in Vietnam, Team “Bai Bien” will proceed to the Global Round, where they will compete against students from various countries in the region, including Indonesia, Thailand, and China. This is an exceptional opportunity for students to affirm their capabilities, broaden their international perspective, and spread the “Greenovation” spirit globally.

Global Hackathon 2025: A Legacy of Connection and Creativity

Global Hackathon 2025 was more than just a competition for technological solutions; it was a journey of connecting international students and honing essential skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and practical problem-solving. The success of the event is reflected in the growth of the participants and the promotion of multicultural cooperation.

This success sets a precedent for future seasons, reaffirming the role of Global Hackathon as an international bridge for the younger generation to join hands in creating a greener, more creative, and more inclusive future.