Hyperspectral optical platform wins first prize in Science Innovation 2026
The results were announced at the ceremony to celebrate the National Innovation Festival on the morning of October 4 in Hanoi.
"C-HySI - Low-cost hyperspectral optical platform, integrating edge computing and machine learning" developed by author Chau Khac Bao Chuong, RMIT University - Ho Chi Minh City, received first prize in the professional category, worth 100 million VND. The platform was developed to reduce cost and complexity barriers when accessing hyperspectral imaging technology. The system includes cameras, scanners and edge analysis software.
Unlike conventional images that only record three channels, red, green and blue, hyperspectral images capture information at many wavelengths. The data helps identify differences in materials or plant states that are difficult to show with conventional photos. The improvement of C-HySI compared to current hyperspectral imaging platforms is its low cost and ease of use.
C-HySI integrates edge computing and machine learning, allowing data processing right on the device. According to author Chau Khac Bao Chuong, this approach reduces the need to store and transmit raw data and reduce the burden of complex post-processing stages. Thanks to that, the initiative helps research groups and small businesses access technology to serve food inspection, material classification and crop monitoring without destroying samples.
At the event, the Organizing Committee awarded three second prizes, each worth 50 million VND. Mechatronic locked safe by Pham Thanh Long and Doan Xuan Truong, University of Industrial Technology, Thai Nguyen University, received the award in the specialized category.
The two second prizes in the non-specialized group went to BioPulse Insight by the research group BKIC and SPARC Lab, Hanoi University of Science and Technology and SignSound, an AI and augmented reality ecosystem to support the deaf by author Vo Nguyen Dai Hieu. This year, the amateur category did not have a first prize because there was no initiative that met the set criteria.
Two third prizes, each worth 30 million VND, were awarded to "Process of converting rice husks into renewable energy, nanosilica, rice husk charcoal" by authors Le Hon Nhien and Ha Thuc Chi Nhan, Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Sciences and "Potassium fertilizer and NanoHusk biofilm - PVA fruit preservation" by Lightning group, students of Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment.
In the business group, five honored innovations include antifouling paint using organic active ingredients instead of copper oxide, rubber tapping robot, urban school bus solution, LATOR fermentation system and SeaBoost 3S aquaculture water disinfection solution. Each unit receives a media package worth 100 million VND on VnExpress.
The floating house project "When the water comes, we live together" by CTA Creative Architects received the Green Initiative award, worth 30 million VND. The AI tool to support antibiotic prescribing and monitoring DEEPMEDSP-AI by the author team of Saint Paul General Hospital won the Most Favorite Innovation award, worth 10 million VND.
Two consolation prizes, each worth 10 million VND, went to the personalized bone implant project using metal 3D printing of Vinmec - VinUni and the solution of using sugarcane bagasse ash to supplement minerals for giant freshwater prawns of the GreenTech group in Dong Nai.
The Science Initiative is organized annually by VnExpress from 2022. This year, the program is jointly organized by the Department of Intellectual Property and the Department of Innovation, under the direction of the Ministry of Science and Technology.
This year's contest has nearly 700 registrations, the largest ever. More than 80 products and solutions reached the finals, posted publicly for readers to vote on. Professional results are based entirely on the scores of the jury; The profile with the highest number of votes will receive the Most Favorite Initiative award.
The entire prize money is sponsored by the Hope Foundation. This is a social fund operating for the community, not for profit, operated by VnExpress and FPT Joint Stock Company.
Nam Nguyen