NTTU Students Ranked in the Top 10 Vietnam Youth Startups at Startup Wheel 2026

The project “DOOVERSE – Diversifying Biological Products from Papaya” by a student team from Nguyen Tat Thanh University has excellently named itself among the Top 10 Vietnam Youth Startups at “Startup Wheel 2026”, marking a milestone in NTTU students’ journey of research, product development, and trial in the international startup arena.

From a familiar papaya plant to the Top 10 in an international startup competition

“DOOVERSE” was developed with an approach to comprehensively exploit the biological value of the papaya tree – a familiar agricultural resource in Vietnam. Rather than focusing solely on the fruit, the team approached the papaya tree through a circular economy mindset, researching the potential of utilizing various parts such as leaves, seeds, flowers, peel, and latex to develop biological products for daily life, healthcare, food, and green consumption. Through this approach, the project addresses two challenges simultaneously: reducing agricultural byproduct waste and enhancing the economic value of local raw materials.

The project was developed by a team of students including Truong Hieu Giang (Faculty of Applied Science and Technology); Huynh Thi Tuyet Mai and Nguyen Thi Yen Phuong (Faculty of Pharmacy); and Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc (Faculty of Creative Communications). It is also a project under the NJEC Young Entrepreneurs Club – a space where students have opportunities to interact, develop ideas, test models, and hone essential skills on their entrepreneurial journey.

M.Sc. Huynh Hong Mai – Deputy Director of NTTU Innovation and Incubation Center, together with the student team behind the DOOVERSE project at “Startup Wheel 2026”

The collaboration among students from various specialized disciplines is one of the key highlights of “DOOVERSE”. Knowledge in science, technology, and pharmacy provides the foundation for researching and developing biological products from papaya, while perspectives from communications help the project construct the product narrative, reach users, and step-by-step bring research outcomes closer to the market.

This interdisciplinary working model also reflects the practice-oriented and innovative educational orientation at Nguyen Tat Thanh University, where students from different fields have the opportunity to jointly solve real-world problems, develop products, and test their capabilities in large-scale startup competitions.

Products of “DOOVERSE” are developed towards leveraging the biological value of papaya plants, tied to circular economy principles and green consumption

Milestone in the research and development journey of “DOOVERSE”

The journey of “DOOVERSE” at “Startup Wheel 2026” took place during a highly competitive season. According to information from the Organizing Committee, this year’s program received 2,458 applications from 28 countries, accompanied by more than 80 domestic and international partners including investment funds, acceleration programs, incubators, business support organizations, and components of the innovation ecosystem.

After over 5 months of participating in selection and evaluation rounds, the project team under the professional guidance of M.Sc. Huynh Hong Mai – Deputy Director of the Innovation and Incubation Center (NIIC) and the startup support team at Nguyen Tat Thanh University step-by-step refined their product, adjusted market approach strategies, and enhanced pitching skills.

This process brought the team practical experience in research, product development, startup model building, and presenting projects to experts. It was also an opportunity for members to look at the product from a market perspective, thereby continuing to refine ideas and project development directions.

As a result, “DOOVERSE” excellently advanced into the Top 10 Vietnam Youth Startups, thereby being selected to compete in the Student Final Round of “Startup Wheel 2026”. Here, teams were required to present their business ideas and models before the Board of Judges based on criteria focusing on innovation, implementation capability, business model feasibility, and potential to generate positive impact on the community and economy.

This achievement simultaneously opens up direct networking opportunities for the Nguyen Tat Thanh University student team with enterprises, experts, investors, and both domestic and international innovation communities.

DOOVERSE presenting its business model and products during its competition journey at “Startup Wheel 2026” – Vietnam Youth Startup

The Top 10 Vietnam Youth Startups title serves as a milestone acknowledging the research and project development process of “DOOVERSE” by the student team of Nguyen Tat Thanh University, while demonstrating the value of combining interdisciplinary knowledge with practical experience in forming and growing startup projects.

From an initial idea of utilizing the biological value of papaya plants, the team gradually completed, developed products, and brought the project to an international-scale startup platform, viewing it as a bridge to expand connections with enterprises and investors toward the goal of successfully commercializing NTTU’s green startup project.

This is also one of the core directions that Nguyen Tat Thanh University is promoting through its innovative startup ecosystem, featuring the participation of faculties, institutes, centers, student clubs, lecturers, experts, and enterprises. Students are encouraged not only to acquire academic knowledge but also to proactively conduct research, identify real-world problems, develop solutions, and gradually bring products beyond classroom boundaries to reach consumers.

Article by: Dai Hai – Thanh Huong