Robocon - From a Student Competition to Modern Technology Companies

For many generations of engineering students, Robocon has been  more than just a competition; it is a legacy. It is a launching pad for their passion  for  technology, a place where dreams of conquering new heights are nurtured.

Between 2014 and 2015, Mr. Bui Van Truong and Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thach were members of the Hanoi University of Mining and Geology Robocon team. They still vividly remember  the moments on the competition field and the sleepless nights spent building and testing their robots.

When they joined  the Robocon movement at their university, it was still new, and they had little experience. However, it was through failures and learning to stand up again that Mr. Bui Van Truong developed a deep passion for electronic circuit technology. After graduation, he started his own business in this field, focusing on  the research and production of printed circuit boards (PCBs).

“Back in the former Robocon team, I was fully in charge of electronic circuits and robot control systems. After graduating, I applied all that knowledge to develop modules and other electronic products”, said Mr. Bui Van Truong, Director of QT Vietnam Technology Development and Production Co., Ltd.

His story is one of growth—from the Robocon stage to the real world, from a small competition to a broader market. For Mr. Bui Van Truong, Robocon was his first project, teaching him how to brainstorm ideas, design, test. Most importantly,  it taught him to  never give up.

“When we participate in Robocon, the competition helps us build valuable connections. Later, these teammates who shared the same passion could become our customers or suppliers”, Mr. Bui Van Truong added.

Just like Mr. Bui Van Truong, his former teammate, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thach, is now working in the field of mechanical engineering and machine manufacturing. The teammates from the Robocon field have become not only friends but also business partners.  They both believe that without Robocon, their lives would have taken a completely different path.

“Robocon  taught us many valuable  lessons. First, it  sparked our interest in    science and engineering. Second, it helped us define our future careers. Once you find teammates who share your passion, you can join forces after graduation to pursue a career in science and technology together”, said Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thach, Director of Thach Anh Mechanical Engineering Co., Ltd.

Despite their busy schedules, every Robocon season, Mr. Bui Van Truong and Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thach   always  makes time to return to the competition to support and mentor new contestants.

From a student competition to modern tech companies, from the first simple circuit boards to fully automated production lines, the journey of Bui Van Truong and Nguyen Ngoc Thach is living proof of the lasting value of Robocon. What they gained from that playground was not just technical skills, but a lifelong foundation for their careers.