On the afternoon of August 23, 2025, at the VKU Fintech Hub – a modern financial technology lab sponsored by Hanwha Life and ChildFund Korea – Vietnam-Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU), the University of Danang, successfully organized the 1st ACIR+ Program Incubation of Start-ups and Innovation (APISI 2025) under the theme “Towards Innovative Start-ups, Building a Sustainable Future for Southeast Asia.” Initiated by VKU in collaboration with the ACIR Community, FISU Vietnam, and with the support of KOICA, the event marked an important milestone in connecting and spreading the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation among students in the region and internationally.

Participating Teams

Attending the program were international guests including Prof. Sun Moo Kang from Kyung Hee University, South Korea, and representatives from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). From VKU, participants included Dr. Le Ha Nhu Thao – Head of Department of Science, Technology and International Cooperation, and Dr. Van Hung Trong – Vice Dean of the Faculty of Digital Economy and E-Commerce. The program also gathered representatives from universities and research institutes such as King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Thailand (KMUTNB), Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT), Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), VNU Institute of Information Technology (VNU-ITI), Thai Nguyen University of Information and Communication Technology (ICTU), Phenikaa University (PKU), The Academy of Cryptography Techniques of Vietnam (ACTVN), Can Tho University (CTU), and ESEO University (France). From the business sector, Ms. Jeong Hyelim – Head of Training, and Ms. Jung Youngah – Project Team Leader of L.LINE, Korea, also attended.

Prestigious and Qualified Board of Judges

The highlight of APISI 2025 was the showcase of innovative start-up ideas that reflected the spirit of the times, strong applicability, and the creative mindset of students across the region. Many technological solutions were introduced, notably: ShieldNet – aiming to build a comprehensive cybersecurity “shield” for the digital space; EduMate – an AI assistant supporting teachers in innovating teaching methods; Khmer Sign Language Translator – a tool that bridges communication gaps with the hearing-impaired community. In addition, ideas such as Awake Drive – a brainwave monitoring system to ensure driver alertness, Intelligent Language Learning System – a smart language-learning platform integrating VIT and GPT-2, and Zentab – an efficient multi-account coordination hub, demonstrated the students’ acumen in grasping the real demands of the digital society. Solutions such as Physical Therapy Support Solution – a rehabilitation tool integrating machine learning and interactive games, and RescueGrid – an emergency medical and logistics response network powered by data clusters, also opened up promising new approaches in healthcare and medical support. These ideas not only demonstrated the students’ aspiration for innovation and outstanding creativity, but also revealed their potential to be transformed into valuable start-up products with real impact in the future.

Beyond start-up ideas, APISI 2025 also offered opportunities for cultural exchange and hands-on experiences with international students, along with visits to famous landmarks in Da Nang and Hoi An Ancient Town. These activities helped connect knowledge with experience, spreading the spirit of integration and friendship among students from countries in the region.

As the host institution, VKU affirmed its pioneering role in building an innovative start-up ecosystem for students. APISI 2025 not only created opportunities for new ideas to be nurtured and developed, but also connected the ACIR student community on their journey of nurturing the desire for innovation, creativity and the pursuit of a sustainable future.

Center for Learning Resource and Communication

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