The Grand Finale of the annual entrepreneurship competition “NIIE Startup 2025” has officially wrapped up, spotlighting a series of breakthrough and inspiring ideas. Ten teams – ten personalities – ten entrepreneurial dreams set the stage ablaze with creativity at this highly academic and Gen Z-oriented playground hosted by the NTT Institute of International Education (NIIE).
A Stellar Panel of Judges – The Sparks Behind the Fire
The competition was honored to welcome prominent figures in the field of entrepreneurship and investment: Ms. Bui Thi Thuy Tien – CEO of Vietnam Capital Calling Platform, Director of Vietnam Startup Incubator; Mr. Nguyen Le Kha – Chairman of the IPO Sihub Club, Director of Sigma Investment and Trading Co., Ltd.; Ms. Huynh Hong Mai – Deputy Director of the Center for Innovation and Startup Incubation, Nguyen Tat Thanh University.
Joining them were Dr. Nguyen Manh Hoang, Vice Director of NIIE, along with NIIE lecturers and students who came to cheer for the top 10 finalist teams.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Nguyen Manh Hoang shared: “NIIE Startup is our annual platform to ignite students’ entrepreneurial ambitions. Through this competition, students not only pitch their ideas but also gain practical experience, sharpen their presentation and critical thinking skills, and shape clearer product roadmaps. It serves as a launchpad for students to step into the real market or enter larger startup arenas in the future.”
Top 10 Projects: A Unique Identity in Every Idea
After passing the preliminary round, the 10 most outstanding projects earned their place in the Grand Finale of NIIE Startup 2025 – a convergence of innovative ideas, inspired by real-life needs and designed for high applicability.
Among the standouts, TraceMeat utilized blockchain technology to bring transparency to the food supply chain, enabling easier traceability for consumers. Firstkits addressed young people’s struggles in navigating the overwhelming skincare market with a personalized skincare kit for every skin type. Meanwhile, Smart Shopping Cart wowed the audience by integrating checkout capabilities directly into shopping carts – eliminating long queues and enhancing shopping efficiency.
Other notable projects included: Sweet & Fresh: a fresh bakery concept offering safe, eco-friendly products; Mama’s Lunch: a personalized lunch service; G&L Digital Library: combining AI and gamification to reignite reading passion.
Health and eco-living themes also took center stage with ideas such as Scenta Detox Water, Forever Fresh Fragrance Pouches, and Vitabrew – a non-alcoholic beverage tailored for Gen Z. Notably, Fitfast Meal introduced a healthy fast-food concept designed for gym-goers, merging nutrition, technology, and user experience.
Each project offered a vivid snapshot of the times, reflecting sharp thinking and a desire to create real value from familiar experiences. More than a competition, this was a journey that celebrated innovation and the bold spirit of NIIE students
Feasibility and the Startup Flame Shine Bright
A notable strength of this year’s entries was the teams’ serious investment in their projects, with clear real-world applicability. Many groups went beyond the idea stage, presenting prototypes, demo models, and detailed financial plans – showcasing a mature business mindset.
The judges particularly praised the students’ clear, coherent presentations and confident Q&A sessions in both Vietnamese and English – a hallmark of NIIE’s international student style.
After an intense and emotional final round, the judging panel announced the winning teams:
🥇 First Prize: G&L Digital Library – Advisor: Dr. Bui Van Thoi
🥈 Second Prize: Smart Shopping Cart – Advisor: Mr. Huynh Thanh Phong, MBA
🥉 Third Prize: TraceMeat – Advisor: Mr. Ngo Viet Dung, MBA
🏅 Consolation Prizes: Awarded to the remaining seven projects – each brimming with unique identity and high growth potential.
Honoring the Mentors – The Guiding Lights Behind the Scenes
Behind every successful project are the silent heroes – the faculty mentors. At NIIE Startup 2025, the Organizing Committee paid special tribute to Dr. Bui Van Thoi, Deputy Dean of Business Administration at NTTU and Head of E-commerce at NIIE, for his unwavering dedication in guiding students through every phase of their projects. His commitment earned him the Best Advisor award – a well-deserved recognition for his significant role in empowering students to confidently step onto bigger stages.
In addition to honoring the mentors, the event also celebrated Khuat Hong Truc Vy, an exceptional student behind the Green Choice project. She will represent Nguyen Tat Thanh University at GITEX ASIA & AI Everything 2025 – Asia’s premier tech and startup expo in Singapore. Her achievement not only highlights her personal excellence but also stands as a proud symbol of NIIE’s global mindset and integration capacity. Truc Vy is a shining example for the next generation of NIIE students – inspiring them to dream big, step up, and boldly conquer new challenges.
Final Thoughts: Startups Are No Longer Just a Dream
NIIE Startup 2025 was more than a competition; it was a launchpad for entrepreneurial dreams. It proved that NIIE students are continuously innovating, embracing creativity, and stepping out of their comfort zones.
Though the contest has concluded, the journey of turning ideas into reality is just beginning. Until we meet again, young and promising NIIE startups – see you on even bigger stages in the future!
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NTT INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION – NGUYEN TAT THANH UNIVERSITY
GLOBAL LEARNING – GLOBAL SUCCESS
Address: 458/3F Nguyen Huu Tho, Tan Hung Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotline: 0934 116 244 / 0938 116 244
Email: niie@ntt.edu.vn
