UEH Biztech Hackathon 2023 – Grand Finale: 13 outstanding teams are ready to take on the 28-hour challenge with innovative ideas!

As part of the UEH Mekong Summer Camp 2023, the UEH BizTech Hackathon competition has officially returned, catering to students from domestic and international universities in the fields of economics, technology, and engineering who have a passion for technology and innovation.

This year’s UEH BizTech Hackathon, themed “Revolutionizing Agriculture“, seeks innovative ideas with technological solutions to create new valuable products and services for the sustainable development of agriculture. This is an opportunity for participants to exchange knowledge, personal growth, connect with experts and businesses, and serve as a launching pad for future success.

After nearly a month since the program’s launch, UEH BizTech Hackathon 2023 is entering its final stage. With 70 domestic and international students participating from 7 universities and 3 academies across the country, this number marks the enthusiastic interest of the participants in the competition.

The final round is taking place at UEH Vinh Long Campus with the participation of the top 13 outstanding teams who have successfully passed the qualifying round. The final round consists of two parts: the 28-hour Hackathon Challenge (from 6:30 AM on July 22nd to 12:00 PM on July 23rd) and the Idea Presentation (from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM on July 23rd) where teams present their solutions before the Judges to find the best-fit solution for the given challenge set by the organizing committee.

To equip the necessary knowledge and skills, the teams have participated in 7 workshops/training sessions, held from July 11 to July 21, led by experts in relevant fields. The workshops covered various topics, including Innovation & Design Thinking 101, Industry Knowledge, Value Proposition, Proof of Concept/MVP Development, Knowledge of Agritech Industry, Strategy to Conquer a Hackathon, and Pitching skills for Hackathon. Through these workshops, the participants will enhance and refine their knowledge and experience, gaining the confidence to embark on the thrilling journey of conquering the final round.

To impress the discerning panel of judges, all leading experts in Agriculture, Technology, and Innovation, the participants should seek guidance from the mentors in order to develop their ideas. These mentors are seasoned professionals from various backgrounds, including Business, Innovation, Agriculture, and Technology. They are dedicated and enthusiastic educators who wholeheartedly guide all students in identifying critical issues and devising solutions to overcome them.

UEH BizTech Hackathon 2023 is heating up like never before, and the teams’ presentations promise to be thrilling and fiery, contributing to the creation of breakthrough ideas and fully tapping into the potential of this prosperous Mekong Delta region. The organizers hope the participants will not let pressure and tension hold them back. They wish all the competing teams to be full of enthusiasm and confidence, devising effective strategies and managing their time wisely. At the same time, they encourage everyone to stay relaxed and composed, so they can give their all, excel in the competition, and conquer the well-deserved top spot, reflecting their dedicated efforts throughout these months.

Workshop #1: 13 teams were enlightened with fundamental Innovation knowledge and practical exercises. They learned and applied the steps of Design Thinking and various tools to identify problems from Mr. Huynh Ngoc Quang Anh – Ph.D. Student and Lecturer at UEH Institute of Innovation.

Workshop #2: Teams explored an overview of the Agricultural market in Vietnam and the Mekong Delta region, technology applications, and successful lessons on entrepreneurship Innovation in the Agricultural sector. Activities included listening and exchanging ideas with three speakers who are experts in the field: Dr. Tran Minh Hai – Deputy Rector of the School of Agriculture and Rural Development Management II, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Vietnam; Prof. Lesly – Senior Technology Advisor at the World Bank, Mr. Dhruv Sawhney – CEO of RIZE.

Workshop #3: Participants practiced building a Value Proposition following the Value Proposition Canvas model, identifying and validating the fit between the problem – the solution under the guidance of Mr. Kevin Vuong – UII Startup Incubator Manager.

Workshop #4: Teams learned about developing Proof of Concept (POC) / Minimum Viable Product (MVP), followed by direct pitching and received feedback based on the provided MVP scenario, coordinated by Ms. Paula Fajardo – Project and Operations Manager at Schoolab.

Workshop #5: Participants engaged in the practice of designing a basic prototype using prepared tools introduced in the Workshop by guest speaker Danz Ngo – Startup Growth Supervisor at UII Startup Incubator.

Workshop #6: Participants learned techniques for developing work strategies, task allocation, time management, and resource optimization to achieve success in the UEH BizTech Hackathon under the guidance of Mr Vuong Khiet – UII Startup Incubator Manager.

Workshop #7: Finally, participants learned to create a powerful, impressive presentation that captured the attention of the judges and the audience. They practiced conveying ideas creatively, clearly, and persuasively within the framework of the Hackathon, assessed and critiqued by Mr. Vuong Khiet – UII Startup Incubator Manager.

At this very moment, 13 teams are working diligently to find technological and innovative solutions for the agriculture sector. Many great and feasible ideas have been guided and refined by in-person and online mentors to be at their best for the final pitching session. The hot seats of the judging panel are ready to witness the most exciting and explosive phase. And for our participants, are you ready to become the new champions of the thrilling race of BizTech Hackathon 2023?

Board of Judges – UEH BizTech Hackathon 2023

Board of Mentors – UEH BizTech Hackathon 2023