8 TEAMS COMPETE ENTHUSIASTICALLY AT IU STARTUP DEMO DAY 2025

On the morning of May 24, 2025, International University – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (IU – VNU-HCM) hosted the final round of the “Startup with IU – IU Startup Demo Day 2025” competition, where eight outstanding teams presented with highly applicable and promising business models. These teams impressed audiences with creative innovations and wonderful product demonstrations.

This marked the 7 consecutive year that the “Startup with IU – IU Startup Demo Day” competition has been organised by International University (IU). The competition aims to provide a platform for students passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship. It is a place for learning and development – and a springboard for future dreams and ambitions.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đinh Đức Anh Vũ – Vice President of IU – delivered the opening speech at the final round of the “IU Startup Demo Day 2025” competition.

Mr. Quách Anh Sen – Deputy Director in charge of the Saigon Hi-Tech Park Incubation Centre (SHTP-IC) – gave an encouraging message to the students before the presentation and product introduction segment.

The “IU Startup Demo Day 2025” competition attracted 23 projects from 8 faculties and departments of IU, in collaboration with students from 6 other universities across Ho Chi Minh City. After three months of competition, eight outstanding startup projects were selected by the jury panel based on their product or service, business model, and future development plans. The finalists competed in two main segments, Part 1 – Presentation, product display and Part 2 – Q&A with the jury panel.

In Part 1, all 8 projects showcased a variety of business ideas in the fields of medical, industrial, food, chemical, etc. with high real-world applicability.

Project: Sugar-free cactus jam combined with dragon fruit and passion fruit – attracted attention at the booth with free tastings.

Project: Nutritional snack using MD2 pineapple byproducts – introduced to the jury panel.

After Part 1, the teams participated in direct discussions with the jury and potential investors. Despite their young age, the students showed confidence and resilience, boldly responding a series of tough questions from a panel of investors and experts in business.

The teams analysed the projects and answered questions from the jury panel.

After more than six hours of competition, the jury selected the top three leading teams based on the well-prepared manner, business insights, understanding of market potential and customer needs. These projects will continue to receive incubation support to refine products, seek investment, and access market opportunities.

Dr. Trần Thị Ngọc Diệp – Director of the Centre for Innovation and Technology Transfer (CITT), Head of the Organising Committee – and Ms. Nguyễn Thị Thái Bình – Sale Manager at Tui Xach Viet Production Joint Stock Company – presented the first prize for the project “IntuitPump™ by bmX-robotics”.

Mr. Trần Ninh Đông – Acting Head of the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer – Department of Science and Technology HCMC – presented second prize for the project ““VEG&VEG”

Mr. An Khương – Eastern Regional Sale Manager, AirCity Vietnam Company Limited (Silver Sponsor)  – presented third prize for the project “BEACON”

The organising committee took commemorative photos with the participating teams of IU Startup Demo Day 2025.