DTU students once again made a remarkable achievement by winning First prize at the final round of the Science and Technology Innovation Competition - Innovation Tech Challenge 2025, organised by Samsung Vietnam on September 11, 2025, in Hanoi. This marks the third consecutive year that DTU students have claimed the top award in this competition. Previously, students from the University won First Prize in 2024 and both First and Second Prizes in 2023.
The DTU-TT team win First prize at the Innovation Tech Challenge 2025
Innovation Tech Challenge 2025 is part of the Talent Development Project - Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) for the 2024 - 2025 academic year. The project aims to train a generation of Vietnamese youth with high technological competence, preparing them to successfully lead Vietnam’s Industry 4.0 revolution. Three technology capability development courses for young people aged 13 -22 were implemented across 69 schools (including secondary and high schools) and universities in 10 out of 34 provinces nationwide. After one year, the project achieved breakthrough results, with nearly 7,000 students, university students, and teachers participating in these courses:
- Internet of Things - IoT,
- (Artificial Intelligence - AI,
- Big Data
- Coding & Programming - C&P).
To ensure the project’s success, Samsung Vietnam set up two “SIC Labs” at DTU and the National Innovation Center. These modern training spaces, equipped with high-performance computers, laptops, and smart TVs, provide SIC participants with optimal conditions for study, practice, and research. Courses are delivered through a combination of online (E-Learning) and in-person training, enabling access to students across multiple provinces and regions, while supporting and enhancing learners’ capabilities throughout the program.
The DTU-TT team of DTU at the competition
As part of the project, the organizing committee held the science & technology innovation competition “Innovation Tech Challenge 2025” for SIC participants, in the format of a “Robot Cup - Robot Soccer” contest. This year’s contest brought together 10 university teams and 15 high school teams from various provinces across Vietnam. The teams researched and developed design and programming solutions for two intelligent robots, applying advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), image processing, sensors, and automated control. The robots were programmed to be capable of moving, coordinating strategies, and responding flexibly in order to compete in head-to-head challenges on a simulated soccer field. The highlight of the competition was the head-to-head soccer match. Two teams competed directly against each other, using their two robots to score goals as quickly and as often as possible. In particular, the team that managed to score in three different goals, with both robots scoring at least once, would achieve an absolute victory. The contest was divided into two groups: one for universities and one for high schools.
In Group B (the university division), the DTU-TT team of DTU competed and achieved an absolute victory, scoring three goals within three minutes against the following teams: UTC-RAI from University of Transport and Communications, PTIT-Golden Compass from Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology, Blueeyes from University of Engineering and Technology, Vietnam National University Hanoi, and ACT-02 from the Academy of Cryptography Techniques, securing first place in the group.
Next, the DTU-TT team:
- defeated the HUROS team from Hanoi University of Science and Technology in the semifinals, and
- overcame the UTC-RAI team from the University of Transport and Communications in the final in just 18 seconds to claim first place.
- The 18-second victory also set a new record for this year's competition.
DTU students are always confident in technological competitions
Bui Thi Bich Hieu, team captain of DTU-TT, majoring in Big Data & Machine Learning at the DTU School of Computer Science (SCS), shared: "DTU students had already won First Prize in 2024 and 2023, so participating in this meaningful competition, we aspired to continue the legacy of previous cohorts by reaching the top position. The award we receive today is a highly significant milestone, resulting from meticulous preparation, excellent teamwork, and the solid knowledge foundation enthusiastically imparted by our lecturers at DTU. Besides designing modern hardware, the DTU-TT team focused on developing AI and Machine Learning algorithms to enhance the automation and intelligent decision-making capabilities of the two robots. Conducting trials in the University’s Computer, IoT, STEM, and FAB Labs enabled the team to stay closely aligned with practical realities, verify performance, and quickly adjust strategies. This provided a decisive advantage, contributing to a convincing victory in just 18 seconds against the competitors. The First prize we achieved is not only a source of pride for DTU-TT but also a confirmation of the skills and aspirations of DTU students on the technological stage."
After thrilling matches marked by skill and well-performing robots, two teams received the championship title: DTU-TT from DTU (Danang) and LQD-Pioneers from Le Quy Don high school for the gifted (Danang).
Dr. Vo Nhan Van, Head of the Information Technology Faculty at the DTU School of Computer Science (SCS), said: The Innovation Tech Challenge 2025 is a highly valuable academic and technological competition that challenges teams with problems requiring both creativity and high practical application. This year's participating teams were determined and well-prepared, with some teams scoring 3 goals in just 22-23 seconds during the round-robin stage.
The DTU-TT team from DTU demonstrated confidence and creativity in designing their robots, incorporating several standout features. They equipped both the Assist and Stricker robots with mecanum wheels, enabling multi-directional movement without the need to turn. Additionally, they integrated encoders with IMUs to ensure precise navigation and movement. The robots' accurate kicking mechanism, along with their smart ball retrieval and passing system, provided a significant technical advantage over the competition. While speed was a priority, the DTU-TT team also emphasized operational stability, which led to their undefeated performance in every match, with impressive results. This clearly showcases the creativity, technical expertise, and competitive spirit of DTU students.
Samsung awards scholarships to many of the most outstanding students
In the university category, Samsung awarded the following prizes:
• First prize: DTU-TT team from DTU,
• Second prize: UTC-RAI team from the University of Transport and Communications,
• Third prize:
- ICTU Robotics team from the University of Information and Communication Technology, Thai Nguyen University, and
- HUROS team from Hanoi University of Science and Technology.
At the event, Samsung also awarded scholarships to many of the most outstanding students in the SIC 2024 - 2025 program. Three DTU students - Bui Thi Bich Hieu, Vo Ngoc Trung, and Nguyen Dang Thinh - received Samsung Scholarships in recognition of their exceptional efforts and achievements in their studies.
Samsung Innovation Campus was officially launched worldwide in 2019. It is one of Samsung’s flagship social responsibility programs and has expanded to forty countries, including the US, Germany, Spain, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.
(Media Center)