The “Global Vietnam Business – GVB Startup 2025” competition recently concluded in London, bringing together outstanding startup projects by Vietnamese individuals worldwide, with a strong focus on green technology, sustainable development, and positive social impact.
The event was attended by the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK, Vietnamese associations, as well as science and technology organizations and businesses from the UK, the Czech Republic, and other countries. Its aim was to foster connections, provide support, and promote innovation within the global Vietnamese startup community.
Following a rigorous selection process, four teams from Vietnam—Straw Wood, Futuristic Microalgae, UCTalent, and the Handheld Computer for the Visually Impaired—advanced to the Final Round. Each presented groundbreaking ideas aligned with global sustainability goals and emerging tech trends.
Straw Wood, a project by students from Tra Vinh University producing artificial wood from rice straw, claimed First Prize. Their environmentally friendly manufacturing process results in products that are fire- and water-resistant, formaldehyde-free, and intended to replace natural wood in construction and interior design.
Second Prize was awarded to Futuristic Microalgae, which uses microalgae to treat wastewater from the aquaculture industry while creating valuable byproducts like fertilizer and biofuel.
Third Prize went to UCTalent, a platform for talent discovery and recruitment built on blockchain rewards and an AI-powered Career Agent. The solution aims to revolutionize hiring practices in the Web3 space, allowing talent to grow safely and effectively in a decentralized environment.
The Encouragement Prize was awarded to the team developing a handheld computer that leverages computer vision and AI to help visually impaired children learn Braille characters and math, while also enabling adults to use Braille keyboards for computer interaction.
At the GVB Startup 2025 event, the organizing committee also honored individuals with notable business achievements who serve as inspiration for Vietnamese entrepreneurship in the UK. Additionally, organizations that made positive contributions to the development of the Vietnamese community in the UK and to the competition itself were recognized.
