Da Nang students convert construction waste into eco-friendly decorative bricks
DNO - Moving beyond classroom lectures, many startup ideas developed by students in Da Nang are gradually being transformed into practical products, contributing to addressing community challenges and opening up opportunities for commercialization.
From environmental challenge to marketable product
At the final round of the UDA Startup & Innovation 2026 competition, organized by the Dong A University in early June, several projects received high praise for addressing real societal needs and demonstrating strong commercial potential.
One of the outstanding projects was “Eco Brick - Decorative Brick Production Technology from Construction Concrete Waste” developed by a team of students from the Construction Engineering Technology faculty.
Recognizing that large volumes of construction materials generated from demolition projects are often landfilled or discarded, causing waste and environmental pollution, the team researched a solution to recycle the waste into decorative bricks for landscaping and green architecture.
According to the project team, Da Nang’s rapid urban development and growing number of construction projects generate significant amounts of construction waste each year.
At the same time, demand for environmentally friendly building materials continues to rise.
By utilizing recycled materials, Eco Brick helps reduce production costs, enhances price competitiveness, and contributes to the development of a circular economy.
Experts noted that one of the most encouraging aspects of today’s student-led projects is that they are no longer confined to concepts or theoretical models.
Many teams have already developed prototypes, conducted market research, and gradually refined technical and safety standards with the goal of commercializing their products.
This trend is seen as a positive sign as Da Nang continues to strengthen its innovation and startup ecosystem linked to science and technology development.
An ecosystem supporting entrepreneurial ambitions
According to Mr. Le Minh Phuc, former General Director of VinaCapital Da Nang, universities play a pivotal role in the city’s innovation-driven startup ecosystem because they bring together talented young people with creativity, enthusiasm, and a strong desire to succeed.
Ideas generated during academic studies can be further developed through access to support programs, startup incubators, businesses, and investors, helping students enhance the feasibility of their projects.
Innovative entrepreneurship is a long-term journey that requires continuous nurturing throughout the learning process. Support from lecturers and the active involvement of businesses play a crucial role in helping students refine their projects by providing knowledge, methodologies, and practical guidance. These partnerships also enable students to better understand market demands, gain operational and commercialization experience.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Anh Dao, President of the Dong A University
Meanwhile, Tran Thi Thanh Thao, Head of the Information and Innovation Division at the Da Nang Innovation Startup Support Center, said the city has introduced various support policies, organized investment networking forums, and created large-scale innovation platforms to help student projects access the market.
She noted that both the quantity and quality of participating projects have steadily improved.
Many student teams have moved beyond theoretical research to develop highly applicable products capable of addressing practical needs, demonstrating the growing maturity of Da Nang’s student startup movement.