With a vision to become a pioneering university in semiconductor training and research in the Central – Central Highlands of Vietnam and nationwide, Vietnam – Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU), the University of Danang, continues to achieve remarkable success at the circuit design competition for smart cities in 2024. On the afternoon of March 24, 2025, the central region qualifiers round took place with nearly 20 competing teams. Notably, 3 out of 6 VKU teams secured spots in the Top 5 and were honored with financial sponsorship from the Da Nang Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence Center for Research and Training (DSAC) to compete in the National Finals in Ho Chi Minh City. This achievement not only highlights the exceptional creativity and innovative mindset of VKU students but also opens up significant opportunities for them to engage in high-tech competitions on both national and international levels.

VKU Students Compete in the Contest

In addition, all six VKU teams successfully passed the preliminary round and advanced to the product development round. Their projects not only demonstrate creative thinking but also focus on practical technology solutions for smart cities, with notable examples including:

+ VKU-MALWARE (TOP 5 Da Nang Region): With the project “Developing an AI-accelerated chip for real-time malware detection,” the team aims to enhance cybersecurity for smart city data centers. (Team leader: Tran Van Vu – 20CE, members: Ly Huu Loc – 21CE1, Ho Minh Phi – 21IR, Nguyen Thien Nhat – 22IC, Le Trong Quyen – 21CE2).
+ VKU-ASCON (TOP 5 Da Nang Region): The team developed an ASCON-NIST encryption/decryption chip, enabling high-speed image/video data security to meet the information safety demands of smart cities. (Team leader: Ly Huu Loc – 21CE1, members: Ho Minh Phi – 21IR, Luu Quang Vu – 21CE2, Le Trong Quyen – 21CE2, Dang Anh Cuong – 21CE1).
+ VKU-ICC (TOP 5 Da Nang Region): The team focused on designing a chip for detecting CANBUS attacks in automobiles, improving security and safety in vehicle control systems. (Team leader: Nguyen Thien Nhat – 22IC, members: Vo Hoang Khoi Nguyên – 22IC, Do Tran Chi Thang – 23IC, Trinh Dam Minh Quan – 23IC, Ngo Minh Duc – 23ES).

In addition to the three teams that made it to the TOP 5, three other VKU teams also successfully passed the preliminary round and advanced to the product refinement round, reaffirming the strong potential of VKU students in the semiconductor industry.

+ VKU-DNC IC Design Team 1: The team developed a smart throttle and horn control chip, enhancing vehicle safety. (Team leader: Le Van Tri – 21CE1, members: Pham Nguyen Huu Tien – 22IC, Duong Thi My Hanh – 22IC, Tran Huynh Khang & Nguyen Tran Nhat Toan – 23MIT-1A – Nam Can Tho University).
+ VKU-DNC IC Design Team 2: The team researched a smart elevator control chip, designed for modern buildings to enhance safety and operational efficiency. (Team leader: Pham Nguyen Huu Tien – 22IC, members: Nguyen Ho Nhat Minh – 22IC, Nguyen Dang Hoang Vu – 22IC, Tran Huynh Khang & Nguyen Tran Nhat Toan – 23MIT-1A – Nam Can Tho University).
+ Ctrl+Z Warriors: With the project of designing an intelligent navigation IC for the visually impaired, the team introduced a highly humanitarian solution, enabling safer and more convenient movement. (Team leader: Huynh Cong An – 22IR, members: Le Minh Quan – 22IC, Vo Van Quang Hoang – 22IR).

TOP 5 Outstanding Teams in Da Nang Region

The fact that all six VKU teams successfully passed the preliminary round and continued developing their products not only demonstrates the students’ creativity and technological mindset but also affirms the quality of training and the practical research orientation of the university in the field of semiconductor circuits. This achievement is clear evidence of VKU’s strategic investment in training high-quality human resources, enabling students to tackle real-world technological challenges, apply their knowledge to in-depth research, and develop highly applicable products. At the same time, this is also a crucial opportunity for VKU students to expand their collaboration with high-tech enterprises, gradually integrate into Vietnam’s and the world’s semiconductor research and development ecosystem, and solidify VKU’s position in this cutting-edge technology sector.

Introduction to the circuit design competition for smart cities in 2024

The 2nd circuit design competition for smart cities in 2024 is organized by the Management Board of Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City, the National Innovation Center of Vietnam, the Management Board of Da Nang High-Tech Park and Industrial Zones, the Da Nang Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence Center for Research and Training (DSAC), and the Center for Youth Science and Technology Development. The competition aims to discover innovative IC design ideas for smart and sustainable cities. It brings together students from universities, colleges, and academies across the country, with a total prize fund of up to 150 million VND.

This year, under the theme “Dual Transformation for Sustainable Green Cities,” the competition is not only an academic playground but also an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge in practice, develop groundbreaking technology products, and contribute to Vietnam’s semiconductor and artificial intelligence ecosystem. The competition will run until May 2025.

Center for Learning Resource and Communication VKU

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