Open STEM Day 2026: Connecting 50 high schools and inspiring a aassion for science and technological innovation at ICTU

On October 18, 2026, Thai Nguyen University of Information and Communication Technology (ICTU) successfully organized OPEN STEM DAY 2026, with the participation of 50 high schools and 407 students from Thai Nguyen Province. Featuring a range of technology-based experiences, exhibitions of innovative products, and hands-on competitions, the event created a vibrant environment for interaction and learning, helping inspire a passion for science and technology and fostering a spirit of innovation among high school students.

The program was held under the leadership of Thai Nguyen Department of Education and Training and Thai Nguyen Provincial Youth Union, with ICTU serving as the organizing institution and taking charge of the academic content. This practical initiative aimed to promote STEM education, strengthen connections among educational institutions, and provide students with opportunities to explore modern technological applications, develop their creative abilities, and orient their future careers.

Exploring AI Applications and New Perspectives on STEM Education

As part of the program, delegates, educational administrators, and teachers attended a thematic session entitled “A Technological Perspective: Applying AI in the Design of Interdisciplinary STEM Learning Resources,” presented by Dr. Do Dinh Cuong, Vice Rector of Thai Nguyen University of Information and Communication Technology.

The session focused on the potential of artificial intelligence in learning material design, supporting interdisciplinary learning activities, and innovating teaching methods. It helped broaden awareness of AI’s role in education and encouraged teachers to leverage technology to develop visually engaging learning activities, increase hands-on practice, and promote student initiative.

The activity also reflected ICTU’s commitment to drawing on its strengths in education, research, and technological applications to support high schools and promote educational innovation in the context of digital transformation.

Inspiring Creativity through STEM Products Developed by High School Students

One of the highlights of OPEN STEM DAY 2026 was the STEM product exhibition, featuring nine high schools: Thai Nguyen High School for the Gifted, Bac Kan High School for the Gifted, Luong Ngoc Quyen High School, Chu Van An High School, Gang Thep High School, Song Cong High School, Diem Thuy High School, Le Hong Phong High School, and Bac Kan High School.

The products presented at the event offered vivid examples of how high school students can apply scientific, engineering, and technological knowledge to real-world situations. Beyond showcasing learning achievements, the exhibition provided a space for students to share ideas, exchange experiences, and learn from the innovative models developed by students from other schools.

In addition, delegates, teachers, and students visited creative spaces, experienced technological applications, and learned about the three-party collaboration model. These activities helped strengthen connections among general education, higher education, and partner organizations, creating further opportunities to develop STEM education with a practical focus.

Exciting Launch Activities and Hands-on Competitions in Three Technology Contests

A major highlight that attracted students’ attention was the launch activities, announcement of competition rules, and hands-on contests for three technology competitions designed for high school students:

• Robotics Innovation Competition – “The Road to Tan Cuong, Thai Nguyen”: Providing students with opportunities to apply engineering knowledge, explore how robots operate, develop creative thinking, and strengthen problem-solving skills through practical challenges.

• Programming Competition – “NextGen STEM Talents”: Encouraging students to develop logical thinking and programming skills and apply information technology knowledge to solve problems and meet challenges.

• Esports 2026: Offering an esports platform that emphasizes concentration, strategic thinking, teamwork, and a positive competitive spirit.

Through these hands-on competition activities, students had the opportunity to become familiar with the format, content, and requirements of each competition. This served as an important preparatory step, helping them gain experience and build confidence for subsequent rounds in the STEM 2026 series of activities.

Beyond creating an enthusiastic atmosphere, these competitions helped turn students’ interest in technology into motivation for learning, encouraging them to explore, practice, and develop their abilities proactively.

ICTU – A Bridge for Promoting the Development of the STEM Community in Thai Nguyen

With the participation of 50 high schools and 407 students, OPEN STEM DAY 2026 demonstrated not only the appeal of science and technology activities but also the importance of strengthening connections between general education and higher education.

Through its role as organizer and coordinator of the academic content, ICTU continues to draw on its strengths in information technology, communications, and digital technologies to support high schools in implementing STEM education, organizing competitions, and creating opportunities for students to gain practical experience and explore their creativity.

In particular, exposure to hands-on technology activities at the high school level plays an important role in developing scientific thinking, problem-solving abilities, and career orientation. The experiences at ICTU give students further opportunities to explore their interests, recognize their abilities, and gain a clearer understanding of future fields of study and research.

OPEN STEM DAY 2026 concluded with a range of practical activities while opening up further opportunities for cooperation and development between ICTU and high schools across the province. The program contributed to building the STEM community in Thai Nguyen, spreading a spirit of innovation, and advancing the goal of developing a highly skilled technology workforce for the future.

From initial hands-on experiences to the ambition of mastering technology, OPEN STEM DAY 2026 marks a starting point for nurturing scientific passions and helping creative ideas reach further.