Recently, the Final Round of the UEB Business Challenges Season 7 concluded successfully at the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park, marking the end of a journey spanning over six months with the participation of more than 900 students, faculty members, enterprises, and domestic and international experts. Under the theme “Breakthrough Thinking – Guiding the Path to Success”, the competition served not only as a platform for entrepreneurial ideas but also as a bridge between academic knowledge and real-world practice, fostering a spirit of innovation among the youth.

The event was honored by the presence of: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Thanh Truong – Vice President, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh – Rector, University of Economics and Business – VNU (UEB); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Thu – Vice Rector, Head of the Organizing Committee.

Strategic partners and esteemed sponsors accompanied the competition, including: Prof. Dr. Tran Van Le – Chairman of the Board, Phuong Linh Group (Platinum Sponsor); Ms. Le Bich Ngoc – Representative of Friedrich Naumann Foundation Vietnam (Diamond Sponsor); Mr. Tran Dac Trung – Deputy Head, Management Board of Hanoi Hi-Tech and Industrial Zones.

The judging panel consisted of leading experts: Mr. Steven Derek Brown – Vice President, BRITCHAM Vietnam; Dr. Naheem Mahtab – Founder & CEO, Synergy Group Bangladesh; Shark Nguyen Xuan Phu – Chairman, SUNHOUSE Group; Investor, Shark Tank Vietnam; Mr. Bui Tung Lam – CEO, SOLARI Company; Mr. Ha Anh Tuan – Chairman, VINALINK; Shark Tank Advisor; Founder, The Vuon; Ms. Phan Minh Thu – Head of Content, CSMO Northern Vietnam; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Quoc Nguyen – Lecturer, UEB – VNU; Ms. Nguyen Cam Chi – Member, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA); Mr. Nguyen Duc Long – Director, Center for High Technology Incubation and Training, Ministry of Science and Technology; Dr. Dao Cam Thuy – Vice Director, Institute of Business Administration, UEB – VNU; Dr. Hoang Thi Bao Thoa – Lecturer, Institute of Business Administration, UEB – VNU.

The event also welcomed all sponsors, mentors, competing teams, faculty members, and students interested in the competition.

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Thanh Truong emphasized:
“Business Challenges is a deep academic initiative with broad influence. VNU is committed to supporting and guiding the competition to become a cradle for nurturing entrepreneurial thinking and contributing to the development of a knowledge-based generation of entrepreneurs, effectively linking education, research, and socio-economic advancement.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Rector of UEB – VNU, shared:
“As a longstanding competition organized by UEB – VNU, Business Challenges serves as a powerful declaration reaffirming the foundation for the development of the private economic sector in Vietnam, in alignment with the directives of the Party and Government. It is a nurturing ground for students' entrepreneurial ideas, contributing to the creation of a new generation of entrepreneurs who will play pivotal roles in national economic development and elevate the nation in the new era.”

Honoring the Sponsors – Igniting the Entrepreneurial Spirit of Students

Over the past seven seasons, UEB Business Challenges has steadily grown to become one of the most reputable innovation ecosystems for students nationwide. This growth has been made possible thanks to the steadfast and passionate support from sponsors – individuals who continue to inspire and help turn the entrepreneurial dreams of the younger generation into reality. At the final round, the Organizing Committee presented Certificates of Appreciation to sponsors, media partners, and mentors – key contributors to the sustainable foundation of this academic platform.

Prof. Dr. Tran Van Le, Chairman of Phuong Linh Group and Platinum Sponsor, expressed:
“I am not merely a sponsor, but a companion walking alongside students on their entrepreneurial journey. Dare to think, dare to act, and dare to change – because entrepreneurship requires courage, critical thinking, and resilience. Phuong Linh is committed to empowering Vietnam’s future entrepreneurs and continuing to support Business Challenges in the seasons ahead.”

Ms. Le Bich Ngoc, representative of FNF Vietnam and Diamond Sponsor, stated:
“We believe that innovation and entrepreneurship are not mere concepts but practical actions that must be nurtured within educational environments. Having accompanied Business Challenges for many years, FNF is proud to witness the maturation and growing influence of student startup ideas through each season.”

UEB Business Challenges – A Launchpad for Aspirations

Throughout the various rounds – Orientation, Matching, Intensive Training, and Semi-Finals – 15 carefully selected teams from over 40 domestic and international universities advanced to the Final Round. The competition was divided into two tracks: Startups and Business Problem Solving. In the Startup Track, students developed innovative business models and product concepts. In the Business Problem Solving Track, teams proposed practical solutions to real-world problems faced by enterprises. In the final round, each team had 5 minutes to present and 8 minutes for Q&A with the judges – a demanding challenge that tested their courage, expertise, and strategic thinking.

Final Results:

Startup Track: First Prize: Team Llamas from BTEC FPT British College with the project VR Education; Second Prize: Team Chillguys from Foreign Trade University with a project on Technological Solutions in the Culinary Industry

Additional awards included Third Prize, Potential Award, Most Favorite Team, Global Startup Explorer Award, and Global Young Innovator Award – the latter two designated for international teams.

Strategic Partnership Signing – Bridging Academia and Industry

Within the framework of the event, UEB – VNU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the High-tech Incubation & Training Center – under the Management Board of Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park & Hanoi Industrial Parks. The agreement aims to: Enhance resource connectivity between academia and enterprises; Promote innovation and commercialization of research products; Expand internship, employment, and practical experience opportunities for students

More than just a competition, Business Challenges is a journey that awakens the spirit of bold thinking and action. It is where young individuals begin to write the first chapter of their entrepreneurial and leadership journeys. See you at UEB Business Challenges Season 8 – where bold ideas will once again take flight, the entrepreneurial journey reaches new heights, and positive values continue to spread with greater intensity!