On March 13, 2026, VNU University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS) hosted the “Innovation, Scientific Research and Entrepreneurship Day for Pupils and Students 2026” – ULIS FIRE Day 9.0, together with the ULIS Student Forum 2026. The event aimed to create an academic playground that fosters creativity, encourages scientific research, and inspires students to turn their startup ideas into reality. It also provided a platform for students to present research outcomes, exchange knowledge, and develop essential practical skills for the future. This year, the program was held in conjunction with the ULIS Job Fair 2026.

The event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Education and Training, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, ULIS, partner organizations, employers, and a large number of ULIS pupils and students.

ULIS FIRE Day is an annual event of the University to review and evaluate innovation, scientific research, and entrepreneurship activities among pupils and students throughout the 2025–2026 academic year. It also serves as a platform for academic connection, encouraging learners to foster creativity and develop research and startup ideas in the context of digital transformation.

In her opening remarks, Vice Rector Ha Le Kim Anh emphasized that the University consistently prioritizes promoting innovation, scientific research, and entrepreneurship among students. Through activities under the FIRE Project and ULIS FIRE Day, students are provided with opportunities to enhance their research and creative capacities while connecting with enterprises and expanding career prospects in the era of digital transformation and global integration.

Following this, Deputy Director General of the Department of Student Affairs under the Ministry of Education and Training, Tran Van Dat, highly appreciated ULIS’s efforts in organizing recruitment connection activities, supporting students in skill development, and promoting scientific research and entrepreneurship. He also highlighted current national policies, including the Government’s project on supporting student startups for the 2026–2031 period, which aims to create a favorable environment for students to develop innovative ideas and pursue entrepreneurial careers.

During the event, the University presented the UI Awards and granted prizes for the 3000+ Competition, recognizing individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in academic performance, scientific research, and innovation activities. The launch of the ULIS Incubation Club, which aims to support students in developing creative ideas and promoting research and startup projects, also attracted significant attention from participants.

As part of the program, the final round of the Junior Startup Challenge 2026 took place, where competing teams presented and defended their innovative startup projects before a panel of experts. The diverse and highly applicable ideas contributed to a dynamic and inspiring atmosphere. The first prize was awarded to the project “Heart to Heart” by contestant Nguyen Van Trang.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Additionally, the exhibition titled “For the Development of ULIS,” showcasing the University’s outstanding achievements in training, scientific research, and innovation, drew considerable interest from attendees.

Alongside the FIRE Day and Job Fair activities, the ULIS Student Forum 2026 was held under the theme “Students with Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation.”

In his opening speech at the Forum, Party Secretary Do Tuan Minh affirmed: “If lecture halls are where knowledge is delivered, academic forums are spaces where knowledge is challenged, created, and disseminated.” He further emphasized the significance of the forum for the University’s development and expressed his hope that it would inspire learning aspirations, connect passions, and serve as a launching pad for future ideas.

Subsequently, Vice Rector Ha Le Kim Anh presented a letter of appreciation to the representative of BIDV Cau Giay Branch in recognition of its support for the University’s “Innovation and Startup Support Fund.”

The ULIS FIRE Day 9.0 and the ULIS Student Forum 2026 not only provided students with opportunities to demonstrate their academic competence but also helped them develop essential skills such as management, teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership in real-world contexts. These activities once again affirmed the proactive and academically engaged spirit of ULIS students on their journey to becoming young researchers and knowledgeable global citizens.

Notably, the second ULIS Student Forum 2026 received nearly 200 submissions. The Forum featured two plenary presentations and ten parallel sessions with over 100 high-quality reports covering diverse topics. A distinctive feature of the Forum was that students were actively involved in all stages, from idea development, organizing committee formation, planning, and communications to moderation, secretarial work, and volunteering. The University supported students through training in conference and event organization, while also providing resources and academic mentorship throughout the process.

Overall, ULIS FIRE Day 9.0 and the ULIS Student Forum 2026 not only served as platforms for students to showcase their creativity, proactiveness, scientific thinking, and sense of responsibility, but also contributed significantly to enhancing their practical skills and readiness for future academic and professional endeavors.

• 

• 

• 

•