The 2018 Vietnam Social Innovation Challenge (VSIC) was launched in Ho Chi Minh City on August 18, attracting many students across the country.

The 2018 Vietnam Social Innovation Challenge (VSIC) was launched in Ho Chi Minh City on August 18, attracting many students across the country (Photo: VNA)

The competition aims to encourage youths’ start-ups and career development. It is jointly held by the Information Technology Park of the Vietnam National University HCM City, the Innovation and Incubation Space and the Enactus FTU Hanoi of the Foreign Trade University and the Hue Industrial College.

The event is to support start-up ideas to address social, environmental and economic issues of Vietnam, as well as encourage the start-up passion of Vietnamese youths amid economic integration.

A seminar on innovative start-ups was held after the launching ceremony with the participation of experts, leaders of start-up firms and more than 300 students.

As many as 24 best teams will be selected to compete in the second round. Afterward, contestants will join in-depth refresher training courses in Hanoi, Thua Thien-Hue and HCM City.

The third round, with 12 participating teams, will evaluate social impacts of projects and build financial and human resources plans.

Six teams will enter the final round of the competition, which will run until December.

The winner will walk home with a prize worth VND500 million (US$21,460)./.

( VNF/VNA )