Science competition spreads spirit of innovation

The 2026 Youth and Children's Innovation Contest has continued to attract a large number of student participants with projects demonstrating strong practical applications. Notably, many entries incorporate artificial intelligence (AI), reflecting the growing momentum of digital transformation in schools.

Judges of Cluster 12 evaluate projects submitted to the 2026 Creative Contest for Children and Teenagers.

As the first competition held following the administrative restructuring, this year's event was organized across 13 regional clusters. More than 280 outstanding projects and solutions have been selected to compete at the city level, with the final round expected to take place from late July to early August.

A strong surge in AI-driven projects

As in previous years, the 2026 competition accepted entries across five key categories: educational tools; computer software; eco-friendly products; household appliances and children's toys; and environmental protection, climate change response, and economic development. A prominent highlight this year is the emergence of solutions utilizing AI and digital transformation, aligning perfectly with current national modernization trends.

Standout projects include: Mobile software integrated with machine learning and generative AI for analyzing and predicting aquaculture water quality by a student group from Hong Bang School (Xuan Loc Ward); Applying digital transformation to time management and optimizing students' self-study through the "Learning Diary" web app by students from Nguyen Cong Tru Junior High School (Xuan Hoa Commune); The Voice of 14 - A visual recycling model featuring a 24/7 AI chatbot advisor by a team from Nguyen Dinh Chieu Junior High School (also in Xuan Hoa Commune); and An AI-integrated smart trash bin by students from An Loc A Elementary School (Binh Long Ward).

Mai Thi Loan, a teacher at Xuan Tho High School who mentors students participating in the competition, said the contest has continued to nurture students' creativity. "Compared with previous years, students are now using AI much more effectively throughout the research and development process," she said.

According to Loan, AI enables students to independently explore information, evaluate solutions, improve project quality, and significantly reduce research time. "AI gives students greater initiative in conducting research, while teachers mainly serve as mentors, discussing ideas with students and helping them identify the most effective solutions," she added.

Master Nguyen Minh Son, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology at Lac Hong University and a judge for Cluster 13, which comprises six communes and wards: Binh Phuoc, Dong Xoai, Thuan Loi, Dong Tam, Tan Loi, and Dong Phu, said several projects were directly related to AI. The contestants answered questions very well, demonstrating that they had prepared thoroughly. Contestants presenting many other projects and solutions also knew how to use AI tools. This shows that students are capable of applying AI to support their studies and develop their initiative and creativity.

According to Son, the growing number of AI- and digital transformation-based projects reflects the strong interest of schools, students, and parents in the Party and State's national strategy for science, technology, and innovation. However, he also pointed out a structural limitation where students from all three levels (elementary, junior high, and high school) compete in the same group, resulting in gaps in cognitive maturity and project quality. This requires judges to carefully evaluate each solution while factoring in the contestants' respective ages.

Supporting young innovators

In Cluster 12, which comprises nine communes and wards, Binh Long, An Loc, Tan Khai, Minh Hung, Chon Thanh, Minh Duc, Tan Hung, Nha Bich, and Tan Quan, local authorities proactively developed implementation plans and actively publicized and launched the competition among school administrators, teachers, and students.

A contestant in Cluster 12 of the 2026 Creative Contest for Children and Teenagers presents their project to the judging panel. Photo: Hai Yen

According to the Cluster 12 Organizing Board, the entries were meticulously crafted and rich in concepts, demonstrating a strong passion for research and practical application. Examples include the Green Urban Software by Phan Van Binh from Binh Long High School, and a Bird’s Eye Chili Balm for muscle pain relief by Hoang Thi Thu Hien, Dang Ha Vi Tam, and Tran Anh Dung from Nguyen Hue A High School. Several projects underwent rigorous research, featured stable operational models, and showed high scalability, such as a Sugarcane Bagasse Handbag by Pham Nha My from An Loc Junior High School, and an Exfoliating Skin Gel developed by a group of 10th graders from Chon Thanh High School.

A representative from the Cluster 12 Organizing Board affirmed that these highly innovative and practical products are expanding the scientific movement among youth. They also underscore the commitment and responsibility of schools, mentors, and parents in discovering and nurturing students' creative capacities across the region.

In the first year the competition was held following the administrative merger, it was divided into 13 clusters to facilitate organization. In each cluster, the Vice Chairman of the commune-level People's Committee of the lead commune directly served as head of the cluster-level organizing board. Close attention and direction from local Party committees and authorities in communes and wards prompted schools to devote greater attention and resources to the competition. This was an important factor in improving the quality of the products and solutions submitted compared with previous years.

To ensure fairness and transparency, each cluster established an independent judging panel comprising digital transformation experts, university lecturers, technical specialists, education administrators, and teachers with expertise in science, technology, STEM education, and innovation.

Under the competition rules, projects are evaluated independently based on originality, creativity, practical applicability, socio-economic impact, feasibility, and presentation quality. Following an initial documentation review, shortlisted contestants advanced to the second round, where they presented their models directly to the judging panel and answered impromptu questions.

All 13 clusters have now completed their competitions and submitted their top entries to the city-level contest. Several clusters have already held award ceremonies, while local authorities continue supporting contestants as they prepare for the next round. Students advancing to the second stage of the city competition will continue refining their projects in hopes of achieving outstanding results and earning the opportunity to represent Dong Nai City at the national competition.

This year's Creative Contest for Children and Teenagers attracted more than 2,000 entries from students across the city's 13 competition clusters. Following the preliminary document review, nearly 970 projects advanced to the live presentation round. A total of 506 projects received awards at the cluster level, while more than 280 outstanding entries qualified for the city-level competition.

By Hai Yen – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho