Let’s Meet and Hear BINKS Share Their Journey from the Laboratory and Domestic Competitions to International Awards in South Korea

BINKS Wins Prestigious Award in South Korea

VNUK-ers are surely no strangers to the name BINKS. This group has achieved outstanding success this year by securing several prestigious awards such as: First Prize in the SV_STARTUP VI Competition, Champion of the Startup Runway 2024, Champion of KMAC – FTU Global Innovation Ideas 2024, Top 100 in Startup Wheel, Top 20 in Youth Startup Vietnam, Second Prize in Surf 2024, and Recognition at TECHFEST Vietnam 2024.

BINKS is a team composed of students from VNUK and DUE who have come together to create an innovative startup product, utilizing surplus fruits and vegetables from local markets and farms to produce ink and paint products. These products have been highly appreciated by the art community and professionals in the field of Applied Chemistry.

Recently, BINKS was honored at the 37th The Management Grand Awards in Seoul, South Korea, in the category of Outstanding Scientific Research. This award certifies that the team/individual has demonstrated exceptional results in the Creative Ideas 2024 Competition, organized as a collaborative program between the Korea Management Association Consultants Inc. of South Korea and the Foreign Trade University of Vietnam, sponsored by the KMA Hoi Nam Fund.

Image 1: BINKS Representative – Trần Nhân Kiệt Receives International Recognition at The 37th Management Grand Awards in Seoul, South Korea

“Live fully with your passions!”

“I think this is the result of the entire team’s hard work and determination. BINKS has seized every opportunity to make its mark in prestigious awards. To be honored at The 37th Management Grand Awards, BINKS went through three rigorous rounds of competition to become the champion in Vietnam. We then represented our country, defending our research before a panel of top experts from both domestic and international universities, including the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). The moment we received the results was overwhelming and incredibly emotional – we’re so proud that BINKS has made it,” shared the BINKS team.

With their research on creating plant-based colors, BINKS was praised as one of the most practical and commercially viable scientific studies that won over the panel of professors from South Korea. It can be said that BINKS represented the entire Southeast Asia region to receive this prestigious award at the 37th International Recognition Ceremony.

Figure 2: Certificate of Excellence Prize Awarded to BINKS in the Category of Outstanding Scientific Research

BINKS’ Impressive List of Activities

In just a few months, BINKS has participated in numerous creative startup events, such as: Recognition from the Director of the Department of Market Development and Science & Technology Enterprises at TECHFEST Vietnam 2024, the Youth Creativity Festival for the Central Region in 2024 (Da Nang), the 6th Young Creators Festival in 2024 (Da Nang), fundraising at Tiger Funding Vietnam, a workshop introducing plant-based paint at Wonderkids Preschool (Da Nang) on the occasion of October 20th, and more.

“BINKS consists of small individuals, but when we come together, we create great strength. From our passion and determination, we researched and developed products that have practical value and meaning for the community. Without the enthusiasm and trust of the team members, BINKS would not have achieved such success,” shared the BINKS team.

Figure 3: A Look at BINKS’ Notable Activities in Recent Months

Aiming to Become a Friendly Product for Students in Vietnam

With the mission of providing safe and eco-friendly painting products, BINKS will continue to commercialize its products, enhance brand building, and attract more partners to increase the product’s visibility in the market. BINKS aims to become the safe, friendly painting solution that accompanies students in preschool and elementary schools across Vietnam.

This vision is reflected in BINKS’ active organization of fun, colorful creative activities and workshops, where they guide students on how to use Botanical Inks effectively in schools whenever the opportunity arises.

Figure 4: BINKS Hosts Product Introduction Event at Wonderkids Preschool (Da Nang)

The “Bringing Colors Up High for You” Campaign: A Meaningful Contribution to the Community

“With the active support from DanangGo and Anh Duong Preschool, BINKS’ project ‘Bringing Colors Up High for You’ has been successfully implemented with two events held during the 2024 Mid-Autumn Festival. BINKS was delighted to receive a warm welcome from the teachers and children at Anh Duong Preschool and in Tra Leng Commune.

In this campaign, we directly donated many sets of safe and healthy Botanical Inks painting materials to the children. The kids were extremely excited and eager to freely create with the natural, eco-friendly colors,” shared the BINKS team.

Figure 5: BINKS in the “Bringing Colors Up High for You” Campaign

Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone: Striving for Achievements Not Just for Ourselves

“Our passion for scientific research is the biggest motivation that has driven us to achieve the successes we have today. VNUK-ers, always keep the flame of curiosity alive within you, don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek answers. It is curiosity that will lead you to new horizons of knowledge.

The journey of research and creativity is never easy, but if you persevere and continue to put in effort, success is sure to come. Participate in research activities, engage in teamwork, and always maintain a learning attitude. We wish you exciting discoveries and much success.

On this occasion, BINKS would like to express our gratitude to the teachers, families, seniors, and friends who have always supported and accompanied us. In particular, BINKS extends our heartfelt thanks to PSG. TS Giang Thi Kim Lien (Deputy Director of VNUK), who has provided us with guidance and support throughout our research, braved the challenges with us when we participated in the competition at Can Tho University, stayed up late to help us prepare presentations, and has been a strong academic and emotional support for us from the beginning until now. We also deeply appreciate the Institute for always creating favorable conditions for BINKS in our learning and research of plant-based color products.” The BINKS team shares.

We wish BINKS even greater success in the future!