VinUniversity Triumphs at 2024 Cornell EMI Corning Case Competition

Winners of the competition holding a large check, surrounded by other participants. Organizers and funders are standing behind them; a red Cornell banner appears in the background.

Finalists of the competition posing with the sponsors and organizers. Vinception’s members hold the first-prize check with Lourdes Casanova. In the back: Ghokan Doran from Corning, Dean Andrew Karolyi, and Roberto Cañizares ’71, MBA ’74. Picture by Michael Graham.

A Journey of Innovation and Growth

As five undergraduates from VinUniversity—Phan Huu Hoang Gia Bao, Tang Quynh Ngan, Le Ba Hung, Nguyen Canh Huy, and Pham Minh Hoang—our team, Vinception, embarked on a transformative experience at the Cornell EMI Corning Case Competition, hosted by the Emerging Markets Institute (EMI) at the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business. The competition, part of the EMI Annual Conference, challenged participants to tackle the theme “Innovation and Transformation to Emerge Stronger.” For us, this was more than a contest; it was an opportunity to reflect on Vietnam’s potential in the global EV industry and devise solutions that could make a lasting impact.

Banner for the competition, featuring the title “Powering Vietnam’s Future: The Rise of Electric Vehicles” on a white background, with a blue electric car recharging on the right side.
The competition case’s cover page.

The Context: VinFast and Vietnam’s EV Revolution

Vietnam’s rapid industrialization has propelled its position as an emerging player in the global EV industry. At the forefront is VinFast, a subsidiary of Vingroup—Vietnam’s largest conglomerate. VinFast exemplifies the country’s ability to harness local talent and resources to enter competitive global markets. With a vision to lead sustainable transportation, VinFast has not only launched innovative EV models, but also set its sights on expanding internationally. As our team prepared for the competition, we saw VinFast’s journey as a perfect case study of how an emerging market can overcome structural and technological challenges to thrive in a high-stakes industry.

Preparation: Crafting a Winning Strategy

In line with EMI’s mission to drive innovation in emerging markets, we chose to develop a proposal that addressed the challenges facing Vietnam’s EV industry. Inspired by VinFast’s journey, we explored how Vietnam could scale its EV sector while addressing challenges such as supply chain gaps, limited infrastructure, and resource constraints. Our solution had to be innovative yet grounded in financial and technical feasibility.

Gia Bao’s sharp analytical skills helped dissect Vietnam’s strengths and challenges, while Minh Hoang’s strategic insights aligned our ideas with the competition’s theme. Late-night brainstorming sessions were a regular part of our journey as we aimed to strike a balance between ambition and practicality. Ngan and Hung brought their expertise in finance to craft a sound economic framework, while Huy integrated cutting-edge technological advancements. The synergy of diverse perspectives and skills proved crucial in refining our strategy.

Our approach also paid tribute to Vingroup’s broader role in Vietnam’s economy. Beyond VinFast, the conglomerate has been a driving force in sectors such as real estate, healthcare, and education. This provided a macroeconomic context to our proposal, emphasizing the interconnection between innovation and national development.

Presentation Day: Making an Impact

On competition day at the Cornell Tech campus in New York City on November 1, we showcased a detailed, scalable strategy for Vietnam’s EV industry, integrating innovative financing models, public-private partnerships, and advanced battery technologies.

The judges commended our solution for its clarity, feasibility, and alignment with Vietnam’s developmental trajectory. Our ability to connect global trends with local insights made our proposal stand out. The positive feedback underscored the importance of collaboration and mission-driven problem-solving.

Panelists Wim Vandenhoeck, Francesco Del Vecchio, Ana Gomez Chapman, Joyce Chang, Drausio Giacomelli, and Andres Suarez at the EMI Annual Conference, with a red Cornell banner behind them.
2024 EMI Annual Conference’s panel stage presentation. From left: Wim Vandenhoeck, MBA ’94, Francesco Del Vecchio ’97, Ana Gomez Chapman ’93, Joyce Chang, Drausio Giacomelli, and EMI fellow Andres Suarez, EMBA ’25, moderator. Photo by Michael Graham.

The Value of the EMI Annual Conference

Participating in the EMI Annual Conference, we engaged in discussions with global scholars, industry leaders, and emerging market experts. Workshops on innovation and sustainability highlighted the transformative role of emerging economies in addressing global challenges. The conference also reinforced the significance of fostering public-private synergies.

Looking Forward: Driving Change in Vietnam

Winning the Cornell EMI Corning Case Competition marked a milestone for Vinception, but it’s only the beginning. The experience has inspired us to continue championing innovation and sustainable growth in Vietnam. The lessons learned, particularly from VinFast’s trajectory, highlight the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence.

Reflecting on our journey, Ngan shared, “Winning this competition is more than an achievement; it is a testament to Vietnam’s potential and our responsibility to turn challenges into opportunities.”

Final Thoughts

We extend our deepest gratitude to our mentors, the VinUniversity community, and the Emerging Markets Institute for supporting and challenging us throughout this journey. The competition was not just about winning but about growth—pushing boundaries, fostering collaboration, and envisioning a brighter future for Vietnam.

As VinFast’s remarkable story has shown, Vietnam’s potential is vast, and with collective effort, the country can achieve remarkable progress. Our journey at the Cornell EMI Corning Case Competition reinforced our belief in the power of innovation to drive sustainable growth, and we are excited to turn this vision into reality.

Vinception members outside the Bloomberg Center on the Cornell Tech campus with Manhattan buildings in the background.

About the Authors

The Vinception Team members at Cornell Tech. From left: Nguyen Canh Huy, Phan Huu Hoang Gia Bao, Tang Quynh Ngan, Pham Minh Hoang, and Le Ba Hung. Photo by Thao Ly Tran, director of the Cornell-VinUniversity Project.