AquaTech – Young warriors of STARS Water Center on the journey of innovation for the environment

AquaTech wins First Prize at the MECA 2026 University Round and First Prize at the Global Youth Summit 2025

Team AquaTech excellently won First Prize at the University Round of the Mitsubishi Electric Cup Automation 2026 (MECA 2026) and was honored to represent Tra Vinh University in the National Round.

In addition, AquaTech also excellently won First Prize at the Global Youth Summit 2025 with its sustainable recirculating shrimp farming model, a practical solution to the challenges of climate change, freshwater scarcity, and wastewater pollution in aquaculture in the Mekong Delta.

These achievements are a testament to the spirit of innovation, applied research capacity, and aspiration to contribute among students of Tra Vinh University in developing technological solutions that serve the community and the environment.

A circular solution for treating and reusing water in shrimp ponds

At the competitions, AquaTech presented a model for treating and reusing water in shrimp ponds based on a circular approach, applying automation technology to help shrimp farmers manage water quality more effectively, reduce emissions, and move toward a sustainable production model.

AquaTech’s solution is developed with an “all-in-one” orientation, combining ultrafiltration membrane technology, microbial treatment, an IoT-based monitoring and risk warning system, and solar energy. As a result, the system can track changes in the pond environment, send early warnings to mobile phones, and automatically activate the treatment process when water quality deteriorates.

The model aims to achieve key objectives such as reducing the volume of wastewater discharged into the environment, conserving water resources, stabilizing water quality in shrimp ponds, lowering the risk of disease caused by polluted water, and supporting shrimp growth under more optimal environmental conditions.

Applying automation to sustainable shrimp farming

A key highlight of the system is its ability to combine automation technology with practical environmental solutions. The system can operate continuously, monitor the accumulation of organic waste, activate filtration and water circulation processes when necessary, and help farmers reduce their dependence on manual management methods.

The integration of renewable energy also helps reduce pressure on the power grid, lower operating costs, and cut carbon emissions. According to the team’s orientation, the model can significantly reduce operating costs compared with manual methods and grid electricity use, while also reducing labor requirements in the process of monitoring and treating shrimp pond water.

Beyond its technical significance, AquaTech’s solution also opens up a suitable approach for the shrimp industry in the Mekong Delta, where farmers are facing increasing pressure from climate change, freshwater scarcity, rising production costs, and the need to reduce environmental impacts.

Affirming students’ capacity in applied research

The victories at the MECA 2026 University Round and the Global Youth Summit 2025 are the result of Team AquaTech’s learning, research, experimentation, and continuous improvement of their idea. These achievements demonstrate that students of Tra Vinh University are not only capable of engaging with practical local issues, but can also propose highly applicable technological solutions.

AquaTech’s model clearly demonstrates the intersection of automation engineering, environmental technology, and sustainable development thinking. This direction is also well aligned with the innovation needs of Vietnam’s aquaculture sector, especially in the context of the transition toward circular production models that conserve resources and reduce emissions.

STARS accompanies the young generation in innovation

The STARS Water Center – Tra Vinh University is proud to accompany, support, and empower young people on their journey of research, creativity, and development of solutions for the environment. AquaTech’s success is not only a source of pride for the team itself but also a motivation for STARS to continue promoting experiential learning, applied research, and knowledge connection activities in the fields of water, environment, and climate change adaptation.