In 2022, VnExpress hosted a Scientific Innovation competition that recognized 20 exceptional projects across three seasons. The contest sought out creative solutions with practical application potential and economic efficiency, aiming to improve the lives of people in remote and mountainous areas. Three special products and initiatives were awarded in the “Innovation Award” category, each worth 30 million VND.
One of the recipients was Mr. Duong Quang Kieu, who developed a wood-burning stove that generates hot water to replace electric water heaters and solar tanks. His innovative solution utilized the excess heat from the stove to provide hot water for mountain people, improving their quality of life. Currently, his kitchen system is installed at 20 schools in Nam Tra My district, benefiting medicinal garden households.
Another project honored in the competition involved wigs made from snake plant leaves by students in Dien Bien. With guidance from teacher Nguyen Thi Cam Nhung, the students successfully created wigs from snake plant leaf fibers, offering a new source of income for local communities. The students are continuously working to improve their wig products and explore new applications for the silk fibers.
In a previous season of the competition, a group of students at Dien Bien Provincial Ethnic Boarding School developed a website to support Mong ethnic people in studying for the motorbike driver’s license exam. The project received a consolation prize and continued to operate after the contest. The website’s success led to an invitation to collaborate with a research institute under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
The Scientific Innovation Contest by VnExpress provides a platform for individuals and teams to showcase their innovative solutions with valuable applications in real life. The competition not only recognizes creativity but also aims to support communities, bridge the gap between rural and urban areas, and promote the use of technology for societal development. Through collaborations and initiatives like these, the competition strives to create an equal and progressive society.
