[PHYS-TESLA 2025] – INNOVATION & STARTUP IDEA COMPETITION

1. OFFICIAL COMPETITION NAME

The 2025 Student Innovation Idea Competition of the Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, University of Science, VNU-HCM (abbreviated as PHYS-TESLA).

2. ORGANIZERS

  • Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, University of Science, VNU-HCM.
  • Prof. Tran Thong Scholarship Fund
  • Supporting organizations and businesses.

3. COMPETITION MISSION: TESLA

  • T – Turn Ideas into Reality: Transform creative ideas into practical solutions in science and engineering.
  • E – Encourage Experimentation: Foster an experimental mindset and explore new approaches to solving complex problems.
  • S – Strengthen Scientific Curiosity: Enhance passion for discovery and research while developing critical thinking and innovation.
  • L – Learn, Lead, and Innovate: Acquire knowledge, take the lead, and drive creative initiatives to shape the future.
  • A – Aim for Sustainable Development: Strive for sustainability, ensuring long-term positive impacts on communities and the environment.

4. ELIGIBILITY

  • Students from all academic programs within the Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, University of Science, VNU-HCM.
  • Students from universities, colleges, vocational schools, and high schools nationwide.
  • For students and team (up to 5 members) who have ideas to develop products or solutions that address any societal issue and aim to start up with those products, with relevance to Physics
  • Each student can submit multiple projects or ideas.

Ineligible participants:

  • Members of the organizing committee, advisory board, judges, or sponsors.
  • Projects that have previously won awards in other startup or innovation competitions.
  • Projects or ideas that have competed in similar competitions more than three times.

5. REGISTRATION PROCESS AND COMPETITION RULES

5.1. Registration Format

The registration dossier must be in Vietnamese, formatted on A4 paper, font size 13, Times New Roman, and include:

  1. Project name.
  2. Information of the author/team members: full name, student ID, faculty, email, phone number, with clear identification of the lead author and other members.
  3. Project proposal (maximum 20 pages; encouraged to follow business model frameworks).
  4. Prototype, model, photos, or video clip (if available).

5.2. Competition Rounds

5.2.1. Preliminary Round

  • Registration link: https://forms.gle/L2Afmsz1fty48zFs7

  • Submission period: February 26, 2025 – May 10, 2025

  • Evaluation criteria:

    • Creativity & Innovation (30 points): Is the idea novel and unique? Does it differ from existing solutions? Does it introduce a scientific or practical breakthrough?
    • Scientific Foundation (30 points): Is the project based on solid scientific principles? Are the arguments logical, well-structured, and supported by reliable evidence and references?
    • Feasibility (20 points): Can the idea be implemented in reality? Are the technical, financial, and human resources sufficient for realization?
    • Practical Application & Social Impact (20 points): What real-world problems does the idea address? Does it create economic, educational, or community value? Does it contribute to sustainability? Has a prototype been developed?

  • There is no limit on the number of projects advancing to the next round as long as they meet the competition’s requirements and are approved by the judging panel.

  • Evaluation period: May 10, 2025 – May 24, 2025

5.2.2. Final Round

  • Participants will present their projects within 10 minutes, including the product development roadmap and business orientation, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session with the judging panel (comprised of industry experts and business representatives).

  • The competition format (in-person or online) will be decided by the Organizing Committee based on program quality.

  • Final Round Evaluation Criteria:

    • Creativity & Innovation (20 points)
    • Scientific Foundation (20 points)
    • Feasibility (20 points)
    • Practical Application & Social Impact (20 points)
    • Presentation & Defense Skills (15 points): Is the presentation clear, logical, and engaging? How well does the participant handle questions from the judges?

  • Final Round Date: June 7, 2025 (tentative).

6. PRIZES

  • 1 Prize: 20,000,000 VND + Certificate
  • 2 Prize: 15,000,000 VND + Certificate
  • 3 Prize: 10,000,000 VND + Certificate
  • 5 Community Project Awards: 2,000,000 VND per idea

Winning ideas will receive mentorship for further development and commercialization.