As part of Da Nang Business, Finance and Technology Week 2026 (DBFTW 2026), Vietnam – Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU), The University of Danang, hosted a series of international events, including The 3rd ACIR+ Workshop of Research and Innovation for Students (AWRIS 2026) and the ACIR+ Program Incubation of Start-ups and Innovation (APISI 2026). The events were jointly organized by VKU, the ASEAN Consortium for Innovation and Research (ACIR+), and Vietnam Association of Faculties-Institutes-Schools-Universities of ICT (FISU).

Overview of the Opening Ceremony

Attending the events from VKU were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Cong Phap, Rector of VKU and Head of the Organizing Committee; Dr. Tran The Son, Vice Rector; together with leaders of the University’s departments and faculties. Distinguished guests included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phung Trung Nghia, Rector of the University of Information and Communication Technology, Thai Nguyen University; Prof. Harald Kuhn, Director of Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nano Systems (ENAS), Germany; Prof. Kwak Je Sung, Project Manager of KOICA ODA Project (PMC); Mr. Cho Yong Suk, Project Leader of the KOICA ODA Project (PMC) at VKU; Mr. Nguyen Van Chuong, Vice President of the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Da Nang City and Program Manager for the Swiss Entrepreneurship Program in Da Nang; Mr. Bao Nguyen, CEO of BiT-Madison; Ms. Tran Hanh Trang, CEO of Enosta Group; along with members of the nine research teams participating in AWRIS, six startup teams competing in APISI, representatives from universities in Vietnam, South Korea, France, Thailand, and Cambodia, and a large number of students.

Dr. Tran The Son, Vice Rector of VKU, delivers the opening remarks

In his opening speech, Dr. Tran The Son congratulated all participating teams and emphasized that AWRIS and APISI are not simply annual academic events but strategic initiatives launched by VKU with the vision of building an ASEAN-wide ecosystem for student research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He stated that VKU aims to create a platform where research ideas can be shared, scientific achievements disseminated, and promising startup projects connected with experts, enterprises, and investors for further development. The research projects and startup ideas presented at AWRIS – APISI 2026, he noted, should go beyond competitions and conferences to become practical technologies and innovative solutions that contribute to digital transformation, the knowledge economy, and sustainable innovation in Vietnam and across ASEAN.

Prestigious Organizing Committee and Judging Panel

AWRIS and APISI are two initiatives founded by VKU, demonstrating the University’s pioneering role in establishing a regional network for student research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Launched in 2024, AWRIS was created as an international academic forum where students can present research results, connect with young researchers, and promote a strong research culture in digital technologies.

Building on that success, VKU introduced APISI in 2025 to provide an incubation platform for innovative ideas, support technology startup projects, and connect students with businesses and investors, helping transform research outcomes into practical and commercialized products. After three years of development, AWRIS and APISI have gradually become respected regional platforms, connecting universities, research institutes, enterprises, and international organizations while promoting research collaboration, knowledge exchange, and high-quality human resource development for the ASEAN digital economy.

AWRIS 2026 received nearly 60 research papers and project submissions from undergraduate and postgraduate students. Following the peer-review process, 23 papers were selected for presentation and recommended for revision before publication in the AWRIS 2026 Proceedings (ISBN). Outstanding papers will also be nominated for further review and publication in the DEFI 2026 Conference Proceedings on IEEE Xplore. For APISI 2026, the Organizing Committee received 50 startup projects and innovative products. After several evaluation rounds, six outstanding projects advanced to the final pitching competition before an international judging panel comprising Dr. Tran The Son; Mr. Cho Yong Suk; Mr. Nguyen Van Chuong; Mr. Bao Nguyen; Ms. Tran Hanh Trang; and Dr. Dang Van Cuong, CEO of iTitan Group—leading experts in innovation and entrepreneurship from Vietnam and abroad.

The conference gathered outstanding research and innovation ideas from universities across Southeast Asia

AWRIS – APISI 2026 brought together outstanding research and innovation ideas, reflecting emerging trends in science and technology in the digital era. At AWRIS 2026, nine outstanding research papers from universities in Vietnam, South Korea, France, Thailand, and Cambodia were selected for oral presentations, while 15 additional papers were presented in poster format. Research topics covered strategic technology fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Computer Vision, Large Language Models (LLMs), Multi-Agent AI, Cybersecurity, Digital Healthcare, Intelligent Systems, Semiconductor IC Design, Digital Economy, Digital Finance, and Smart Agriculture. Many studies addressed practical challenges, including healthcare, sustainable agriculture, cybersecurity, financial optimization, and quality of life, highlighting the important role of scientific research in driving digital transformation and sustainable development. Alongside the workshop, APISI 2026 continued to serve as a launchpad for ASEAN student technology startups. Six finalist teams delivered their project pitches in English before an international panel of experts and investors. Outstanding projects in EdTech, HealthTech, AI, smart e-commerce, and green technology, including EduMate, EVIRA, Q-Med, OMNIREC AI, ByteLab, and a Computer Vision-based solution for estimating mangrove forest carbon stocks, demonstrated the strong potential to transform research into commercially valuable products. In addition, the scientific poster exhibition, technology showcase, and 3DMA Showcase featuring 3D design applications in the Metaverse created a vibrant ecosystem connecting research, innovation, enterprises, and investors, while promoting creativity, international collaboration, and the development of high-quality digital talent across ASEAN.

The project “Improving ASD Gait Recognition by Combining Normalized Skeleton Data with Dynamic Motion Features” won the First Prize of AWRIS 2026

The startup project “EVIRA – An Artificial Intelligence Platform for E-commerce Video Analytics” won the First Prize of APISI 2026

During the closing and award ceremony, the Organizing Committee presented prizes totaling nearly VND 40 million.

– AWRIS 2026 Awards:

+ First Prize: “Improving ASD Gait Recognition by Combining Normalized Skeleton Data with Dynamic Motion Features” by Nga Le-Thi-Thu, Luan Pham-Viet-Chi, Nghia Tran-Ly, Nhan Le-Ba, Thi Le-Dang-Van, and Phung Nguyen-Van (VKU, The University of Danang).

+ Two Second Prizes: “Adaptive Meta-Prompting for Non-stationary Financial Environments: A Dual-Agent Closed-Loop Optimization Framework” by Nguyen Ngoc Hao, Vu Quoc Vuong, Duong Thi Ngoc Lan, Nguyen Thi Hanh, and Nguyen Xuan Tung (Phenikaa University, Vietnam); “Mangrove Carbon Stock Estimation using Computer Vision” by Thanaphon Sitthimat and Pattaranporn Jindarat (King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok – KMUTNB, Thailand).

+ Six Third Prizes and Twelve Encouragement Prizes.

– APISI 2026 Awards:

+ First Prize: “EVIRA – An Artificial Intelligence Platform for E-commerce Video Analytics” by Le Phuoc Cuu Long, Truong Cong Hoang Thanh, Truong Huynh My Tam, Huynh Thi Phuoc, Ho Dinh Tuan Kiet, and Nguyen Bao Gia Han (VKU, The University of Danang).

+ Second Prize: “ByteLab” by Pun Solita (Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology – CADT).

+ Third Prize: “EduMate – A Personalized Platform Supporting Learning & Teaching” by Nguyen Huu Nhat Minh, Nguyen Duc Trien, Duong Thanh Tri, Nguyen Anh Kim Ngan, and Trinh Thi Hong Anh (VKU, The University of Danang).

+ Three Encouragement Prizes.

The Organizing Committee also presented awards for the 3D Design Showcase for Metaverse Applications, including:

+ First Prize: “Matrix-V Lab – Interactive 3D Character Showcase”.

+ Two Second Prizes: “Lupronix Character Design” and “Development of a Multi-modal Control System for a Humanoid Arm Using Wearable Technology and Computer Vision”.

+ Two Third Prizes: “Secrets Inside the Cyberpunk City” and “Character and Environment Design for Titan Gear”.

Originating from AWRIS, an initiative launched by VKU in 2024, and expanded through APISI in 2025, the event series has gradually established itself as an influential platform for the regional academic and innovation community. AWRIS – APISI 2026 was not only a gathering of outstanding research achievements and startup projects but also a clear demonstration of VKU’s vision to build a collaborative ecosystem connecting universities, enterprises, investors, and the international community. The event marks another important milestone in VKU’s journey toward becoming a leading center for education, research, innovation, and international cooperation in digital technology and the digital economy, while making meaningful contributions to the innovation ecosystem of Vietnam and the ASEAN region.

VKU Media

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