(Hanoi, October 22, 2026) - 52 teams from 6 technical universities competed, bringing their research ideas on building materials closer to the practical needs of the industry and businesses.

In the context of the construction industry facing the demands for green transformation, carbon emission reduction, efficient resource utilization, and the promotion of a circular economy, innovation in construction materials technology has become one of the important directions to improve the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of construction projects. Responding to this trend, the 2026 Construction Materials Innovation Competition for Students was organized with the participation of 52 teams from 6 universities with strengths in engineering and training in the construction field, including Hanoi University of Civil Engineering (HUCE), University of Transport Technology, University of Transport, Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, Hanoi University of Architecture, and Hanoi University of Water Resources. Spanning three rounds from September to mid-November 2026, the competition served not only as an academic playground for students but also as a forum connecting scientific research with practical production, fostering innovative ideas to become applicable solutions in the construction materials industry.

Overview of the Opening Ceremony

2026 marks the 10th edition of the Creative Competition for Construction Materials Students, a significant milestone in the development of scientific research and innovation among students . Once again, it is hosted by Hanoi University of Civil Engineering – the institution that initiated the idea for the competition . Even more importantly, the competition is one of the activities celebrating the 60th anniversary of Hanoi University of Civil Engineering (1966–2026), contributing to affirming the tradition of training, research, and knowledge transfer of the University throughout its six decades of development. From a solid professional foundation and a strong connection between teaching and research to a spirit of encouraging students to proactively explore, experiment, and solve practical problems, the competition is a testament to the training orientation of engineers who are not only highly skilled but also possess innovative thinking, creative abilities, and responsibility towards the sustainable development of the country.

The choice of this year's competition theme – "Low-carbon concrete" – reflects its timeliness. The competition takes place against the backdrop of the growing trend of green building materials and low-carbon materials globally and in Vietnam. The construction industry is simultaneously addressing multiple requirements: meeting infrastructure development needs, ensuring the quality and longevity of structures, conserving natural resources, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing environmental impact. In this value chain, building materials play a particularly crucial role because environmental impacts are felt from the initial stages of raw material extraction, production, transportation, construction, and even during the final stages of use and disposal.

Therefore, innovation in building materials is not simply about finding a new material, but also about changing design thinking, production methods, and resource utilization. A concrete with lower emissions while maintaining quality; a new material that efficiently utilizes available raw materials; or a technological process that saves energy, reduces waste, and improves product quality can all create significant value for businesses and society. These issues can certainly become sources of inspiration for student groups to research, experiment, and propose solutions. Through this, the competition contributes to bringing major topics in the construction industry to the forefront. This is integrated into the learning and research environment at the university level, helping students better identify the challenges that future generations of engineers will have to solve.

Sharing his thoughts on the significance of the competition in this special year marking the 60th anniversary of the School's founding, Professor Dr. Nguyen Hoang Giang – Vice Rector of Hanoi University of Civil Engineering – emphasized: “The 2026 Creative Competition for Construction Materials Students is not only a place to honor new ideas or scientific research results of students, but also clearly demonstrates the training philosophy of linking knowledge with practice, and linking research with the development needs of the construction industry. Maintaining and developing the competition through 10 editions shows the tradition of the competition and further affirms the importance of new and green materials in the construction industry today. This competition not only showcases the capabilities of the participating teams, but also reflects the vision of the students in the green development of the country. At this milestone of 60 years of establishment and development, we hope to continue affirming HUCE's role in training high-quality human resources, while promoting research and innovation activities that can create practical values for the community and society.”

Professor Dr. Nguyen Hoang Giang – Vice Rector of Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, delivered a speech at the Opening Ceremony.

In the context of rapidly changing demands for technical human resources, the link between training institutions and businesses cannot be limited to recruitment or internships, but needs to be expanded from the very beginning of curriculum development, identifying research problems, and developing professional competencies. With the 2026 Building Materials Student Innovation Competition , businesses have the opportunity to share real-world problems from production and the market, provide expert perspectives, advise on technical solutions, and participate in evaluating the potential application of ideas proposed by students.

Conversely, the research results of students can suggest new approaches, create opportunities to test original ideas, and contribute to the formation of a workforce better adapted to real-world needs. Therefore, the participation of businesses not only increases the practical relevance of the competition but also contributes to promoting innovation in training programs towards flexibility, technological updates, and alignment with industry development requirements. When the university provides the scientific foundation, lecturers guide research methods, students bring their creative spirit, and businesses contribute practical experience, ideas have more opportunities to be refined, tested, and developed into valuable solutions. This once again affirms the effectiveness of the three-party cooperation approach (State – University – Business) at Hanoi University of Civil Engineering.

With 52 teams from 6 universities, the 2026 Building Materials Innovation Competition for Students is an opportunity for students to share experiences, access different research methods, learn how to develop and present a scientific idea, and hone their ability to defend their solutions before experts. The diversity of educational backgrounds and professional perspectives is expected to create a vibrant creative forum where issues in the building materials industry are approached with scientific thinking and a collaborative spirit. the creativity and aspirations for innovation of the younger generation.

Dr. Nguyen Trong Lam - Deputy Head of the Department of Building Materials, introduced the rules and regulations of the competition.

Having been held 10 times, the competition has a significance that goes beyond the scope of an academic activity for students. It is an initiative that contributes to connecting training, scientific research, and the practical needs of the industry; and at the same time affirms the role of higher education in discovering, nurturing, and developing human resources with creative capabilities. In the 60-year journey of Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, activities like the 2026 Creative Competition for Construction Materials Students demonstrate the continuity between tradition and innovation: inheriting the professional foundation built over many generations, while proactively approaching new technological trends and the requirements of modern, green, and sustainable development.

Delegates attending the Opening Ceremony and members of the competing teams pose for a commemorative photo.

Read more articles:

• 52 teams compete to find solutions for low-carbon concrete.

• Launching a low-carbon concrete innovation competition, attracting 52 student teams.

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