Impressive Finale of the “UFM Student Startup & Innovation Contest – UFM Startup 2025”
On the morning of October 5, 2025, the “UFM Student Startup & Innovation Contest – UFM Startup 2025”, organized by the University of Finance – Marketing (UFM), officially concluded with remarkable highlights, once again affirming UFM’s position as a trusted launching pad for young entrepreneurs in the digital era.
This year’s Final Round featured 11 outstanding teams from various universities across Ho Chi Minh City, presenting smart digital transformation solutions with strong applicability and scalability across multiple fields.
After an intense and inspiring competition, the First Prize went to Team Bio Pot from the University of Finance – Marketing with the project “Biodegradable Soft Pots and Nutrient Tablets”, an eco-friendly idea promoting sustainable development.
The Second Prize was awarded to Team Shoda, comprising members from the University of Business and Technology, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, University of Transport Ho Chi Minh City, and VNU University of Engineering and Technology, for their project “E-Marketplace for Short-Shelf-Life Food” – a digital platform connecting agricultural products under the circular economy model.
The Third Prize was presented to Team QuailCare AI, a collaboration between the University of Finance – Marketing, the Academy of Finance, and the University of Science, for their project “AI + IoT Integrated Solutions for Quail Farming”, contributing to automation and efficiency in high-tech agriculture.
In addition, two Consolation Prizes were awarded to Team Canex (Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade – UFM) with the project “Mimi Carbon Credit Wallet”, which aims to commercialize individual carbon credits, and Team Rebirth (UFM – University of Transport Ho Chi Minh City) with the project “Commercializing Coral Restoration Services”, contributing to marine ecosystem conservation. In the special award category, Team Shoda continued to shine by winning both the Most Creative Award and the Most Favorite Award for their project “E-Marketplace for Short-Shelf-Life Food”, showcasing the social value and practical potential of their innovative idea.
These achievements not only honor the teams’ efforts and entrepreneurial spirit but also reflect the innovative mindset, market awareness, and commercialization potential of the projects. Congratulations to all the winning teams — may your projects continue to be nurtured, connected with businesses, and soon launched into the market.
UFM Startup 2025 truly made its mark with impressive growth in both quality and scale. From preliminary rounds to the grand finale, participating teams experienced a diverse range of activities — intensive training sessions, personalized mentoring from leading experts, inspirational Startup–Innovation Talkshows, online engagement events, practical skill workshops, MOU signing ceremonies with strategic partners, and the vibrant UFM Techfest bringing together startups and businesses.
From 61 teams in the Preliminary Round, the Judging Panel meticulously selected 20 semifinalists, and finally 11 outstanding finalists advanced to the Grand Finale after demonstrating strong analytical, problem-solving, and execution capabilities. With its outstanding outcomes, UFM Startup 2025 has transcended the boundary of a mere competition — it has become a symbol of innovation and entrepreneurial aspiration among UFM students and the broader startup ecosystem of Ho Chi Minh City.
The competition’s effectiveness, practicality, and connectivity have reached a new level, opening a “runway” for projects to soar further through incubation, acceleration, and fundraising programs. This marks a solid foundation for UFM to continue expanding its scale, deepening mentorship programs, and amplifying its positive impact on the community — thereby contributing meaningfully to the city’s and nation’s goal of developing a dynamic, innovation-driven human resource.
Thu Hang, Sy Luan