Vietnamese youth make their first mark on the International Telecommunication Union’s global robotics map

11/05/2026

The national final of the “Robotics for Good 2025–2026” competition was held at the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) on April 19, 2026, marking Vietnam’s first participation in the global robotics competition network organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The event brought together 69 outstanding teams representing lower and upper secondary schools from 11 provinces and cities nationwide. The competition was co-organised by USTH and the STEM Education Promotion Alliance, under the patronage of the National Innovation Centre.

Teams compete at the event

The Robotics for Good Youth Challenge is a global robotics competition organised by the ITU for students aged 10 to 18. It encourages participants to design, build and programme robots to address global challenges through artificial intelligence and robotics-based solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hai Dang, representing the Organising Committee, highlighted the competition’s role in inspiring young people to innovate and apply technology for community benefit, affirming that Vietnamese students are fully capable of mastering technology and contributing to social development.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hai Dang delivers the opening remarks at the competition

Following several rounds, the Organising Committee awarded prizes to the top-performing teams. The first prize went to team HMD1 (Huynh Man Dat High School for the Gifted) in the upper secondary category and team MAD DOG in the lower secondary category. Additional awards, including Team Spirit, Girls in Technology and Best Robot Design, were also presented to recognise creativity and teamwork.

Awards presented to the winning teams

The Organising Committee also honoured teachers and coaches who supported the teams, helping inspire students and facilitate their engagement with robotics and artificial intelligence.

Teachers and coaches honoured at the event

Notably, the two top-winning teams, MAD DOG and HMD1, will represent Vietnam at the AI for Good Global Summit 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. This will provide an opportunity for Vietnamese young talents to exchange knowledge, learn from peers and demonstrate their capabilities on the international technology stage.

Some highlights from the event: