SMArt Gen's
Branding Challenge 2026

“Where creative ideas become real solutions for businesses.”

  • The “SMArt Branding 2026” (SMArt Gen's Branding Challenge 2026) is a nationwide competition organized by the School of Media and Applied Arts, University of Management and Technology Ho Chi Minh City (UMT).
  • The competition is designed based on UMT’s “Liberal Thinking” philosophy, aiming to create a practical playground for young talents in three areas: Integrated Communication Planning, Video Production, and Packaging Design. It targets two groups nationwide: (1) High school students and (2) University students.
  • The competition encourages the adoption of cutting-edge AI technologies and fosters direct connections with industry networks. It aims to achieve dual strategic goals: enhancing student competencies and enhancing practical work experience.

Objectives

Provide a platform for students nationwide in Integrated Communication Planning, Video Production, and Brand Kit Design.

Enable businesses to access innovative “Performance Creative” ideas from Gen Z.

Encourage students to develop integrated competencies in real-world business contexts.

Offer practical exposure through engagement with businesses and international experts.

Eligibility & Participation Requirements

Category A

High School Students
Open to high school students nationwide.

CATEGORY B

University Students
Open to students at universities, colleges, academies, or recent graduates (within 1 year).

Team Regulations

- Each team consists of 3 to 5 members.
- Members may come from different institutions.
- Each participant can join only one team.
- Team members cannot be changed after Round 1 (except in force majeure cases with written approval from the Organizing Committee).

Competition Timeline (Tentative)

21.04–12.06

13.06–20.06

21.06–22.06

Submission Production & Finalization
Grand Finale Preparation
Grand Finale & Award Ceremony
Round 2 (SMArt Design)
Compilation of Round 2 submissions
Judging Round 2 entries
Announcement of the Top 5 shortlisted teams

23.06–30.06

Compilation of Round 1 submissions
Judging Round 1 entries
Announcement of Top 10 winning teams
Announcement of Round 2's creative brief
Registration opens
Application review
Announcement of Round 1's creative brief
Round 1 (SMArt Comm)

01.07–04.07

05.07–12.07

13.07–14.07

15.07–16.07

17.07–24.07

25.07–29.07

30.07–04.08

05.08–06.08

07.08–14.08

15.08–19.08

20.08–21.08

Post-event Activities

22.08–21.09

Submission Requirements

File formats

01

- Proposal (Round 1): PDF, max 15 slides (excluding cover & appendix)
- Design (Round 2): PDF file and Canva link (for validation purpose)
- Video (Round 3): MP4, Full HD (1080p), ratio 16:9 or 9:16

File naming convention

02

[Category]-[Team Name]-[Project Name]

Examples:
- HS-WeAreChampion-Chất Z Sống Chill
- SV-WeAreChampion-Smart Insights

Language

03

English only.

Academic Integrity & Copyright

  • 1. AI usage is encouraged for research, ideation, and optimization (with limitations depending on category).
  • 2. All submissions must include an appendix listing AI tools used and specifying AI-generated content.

Intellectual Property
(IP Rights)

  • 1. Participants must retain records of AI usage.
  • 2. Input materials must be owned or legally licensed.
  • 3. AI tools must be clearly disclosed and labeled.
  • 4. Prefer AI tools with transparent training data ownership.
  • 5. The Organizing Committee is not responsible for third-party copyright violations.
  • 6. Results may be revoked if violations are discovered.
  • 7. Court decisions are final in disputes.
  • 8. The Organizing Committee may use submissions for promotion within 12 months.
  • 9. Sponsors may use semifinal and final submissions for marketing and commercial purposes.

Click below to register

Register

  • Time & Venue
  • Main venue: UMT HCMC
  • No. 02, Street 60CL, Quarter 9, Cat Lai Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Timeline: April 17, 2026 - July 19, 2026
  • Website: smart.umt.edu.vn
  • Email: smart@umt.edu.vn

©2026 Allrights reserved SMArt Branding 2026

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