The University of Danang (UD) is stepping up efforts to foster innovation and social entrepreneurship among its faculty and students, in line with its mission of “Quality - Innovation -Humanity - Social Service.”

This initiative is part of UD’s broader strategy to implement Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Political Bureau, which calls for a balanced approach to academic research and practical innovation in order to address pressing societal challenges.

Research team from UD-UED  won top
honors in the national “Plastic Innovation Program”

Award-Winning Environmental Solution

A standout example is a research team from UD-UED that recently won top honors in the national “Plastic Innovation Program” (PIP). Their project, the Material Recovery Facility (MRF), focuses on the efficient collection, sorting and recycling of plastic waste.  

According to Associate Professor Dr. Kieu Thi Kinh - a lecturer in the Faculty of Early Childhood and Primary Education and a member of the team – the initiative aims to raise community awareness, promote green living and advance the circular economy by encouraging source separation and recycling in schools and residential areas.

Supported by a US$30,000 grant from the United Nations Development Programme and Viet Nam’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the team is now expanding the project’s reach across Danang’s schools and communities.

“NextPark” team - comprising students
 from UD-UTE and UD-DUE

Student Start-ups Tackle Urban Challenges

At a recent innovation showcase hosted by UD-UTE, student-led projects highlighted the university’s vibrant start-up ecosystem. Notably, the “NextPark” team – comprising students from UD-UTE and UD-DUE unveiled a smart-parking system that uses automated controls, license-plate recognition and RFID/QR-code technology to optimize urban parking.  

Team member Ha Anh Vu explained that the system offers two options:  Smart Parking Pro for fully automated facilities, and  Smart Parking Lite for upgrading conventional lots, both designed to save space and time in high-density cities.

These projects benefit from UD’s extensive support network, including innovation competitions, expert mentorship and incubation programs that help students turn scientific research into market-ready products.

The connection between universities,
localities, enterprises contribute to
raising the brand of OCOP products

Bridging Academia and Industry

UD is also strengthening ties with local governments and businesses to ensure that research translates into real-world impact. Recently, faculty and students from UD-DUE delivered new branding materials for local OCOP-certified businesses in Hoa Vang District, supporting rural economic development and cultural promotion.

According to local official Phan Van Ton, the partnership has helped unlock the potential of both the university and the community, contributing to rural modernization and the promotion of local heritage and tourism.

Looking ahead, UD-DUE leaders say the university will continue expanding collaborations with local partners, applying knowledge and technology to key industries and communities. Associate Professor Dr. Le Van Huy, Rector of UD-DUE shared that the goal is to promote sustainable development in the new era by bringing academic expertise and innovation into practice.

UD Media

Related News: 

The University of Danang - Boosting student exchange, building a launchpad for international reach​

Empowering digital generation - The University of Da Nang drives AI in education

The University of Danang makes breakthroughs in research and innovation for the community