BIS HCMC Students Make History at the Conrad Innovation Competition in Houston

A team of BIS HCMC students has made history at the prestigious Conrad Challenge, held recently at the Space Center in Houston, Texas. Competing against over 4,700 teams from more than 50 countries, the BIS team won first place in both of the categories they entered – Best Power Pitch and the Glinsky Expo Award – an unprecedented achievement in the challenge's history.

The team – comprising four Year 12 students, Ball, Quoc Huy, Alexis, Alexander, and Khang (a student joining our students from a local public school) – began developing their innovative project in August 2024, driven by a shared passion for science, technology, and environmental innovation.

Although the project was not part of a formal school initiative this year, the students are all members of BIS HCMC’s Global Innovators Club, a co-curricular activity (CCA) that nurtures creative thinking, global problem-solving, and the mindset of true entrepreneurs.

Each team member brought their own entrepreneurial expertise to the project:

• Alexander led on marketing

• Ball managed finance and product development

• Quoc Huy focused on engineering and project coordination

• Alexis led product design

• Khang served as head of science and Research & Development

Their project centred on the use of chitosan, a biopolymer derived from seafood waste, to create a sustainable water purification system. Capable of removing up to 97% turbidity and 99% of impurities, the system can purify 500 litres of water per hour – providing clean water for more than 1,000 people each day. Inspired by Vietnam’s position as the world’s second-largest seafood producer, the project addresses both environmental waste and the global need for clean, accessible water.

After submitting a business plan – reviewed by more than 500 industry professionals – the team was selected to advance to the global finals in Texas, proudly sponsored by Equinor and Intel. Competing in the Water Challenge category against 30 international finalist teams (with only six per category), they undertook two intense days of challenges:

• Day 1: Delivering their Power Pitch to industry leaders and responding to judges’ questions

• Day 2: Taking on the Exhibition Challenge, where they displayed and explained their working prototype, demonstrating adaptability, resilience, and entrepreneurial problem-solving under pressure

Their outstanding performance attracted the attention of many judges, including William T. Harris, CEO of Space Center Houston, who took a personal interest in their project and its potential global impact.

While this was a student-led initiative, the team would like to give a special thank you to Ms Bee Smith, Biology Teacher and Head of Year 12, who played a key role in supporting their journey to the challenge.

The Conrad Challenge was founded in memory of Apollo 12 astronaut Pete Conrad, the third man to walk on the moon. Established by his wife, Nancy Conrad, the challenge seeks to honour his legacy and inspire the next generation of young innovators and entrepreneurs to tackle global challenges through science, technology, and bold thinking.

We are incredibly proud of Ball, Quoc Huy, Alexis, Alexander, and Khang for their historic achievement. Their success not only highlights their talent, teamwork, and determination, but also exemplifies the spirit of young entrepreneurship and the power of collaboration across schools and communities. It serves as a powerful inspiration for the entire BIS HCMC community.

Congratulations to this incredible team on making history!