BlockchainWork CEO Joins the Judges Panel at CRANE BATTLE 2025 – Pitching Round 1

On April 13, 2025, the entrepreneurship competition CRANE BATTLE 2025, hosted by the Enactus BU team at Banking University of Ho Chi Minh City, officially entered its intense Pitching Round 1. This round marked a significant milestone in the journey to discover sustainable startup solutions — a stage where teams not only presented their business models but also proved their ability to survive in a challenging simulated world known as “Borderland.”

A startup competition: Welcome to “Borderland”

CRANE BATTLE 2025 offers a refreshingly unique experience for participants. Instead of conventional pitching, contestants are thrust into a fictional world called Borderland — where urgent social issues like environmental degradation, education inequality, and economic instability become harsh realities.

Here, building a startup isn’t just about solving problems — it’s about survival. Teams must develop sustainable, high-impact business models while remaining agile in an unpredictable environment.

BlockchainWork CEO Tien Le joins a dynamic, cross-disciplinary judges panel

BlockchainWork is proud to share that CEO Le Ngoc My Tien (Tien Le) was invited to join the judging panel for Pitching Round 1. With over seven years of experience in technology, blockchain, and community development both in Vietnam and internationally, Tiên brought a strategic, real-world perspective to the table — helping teams sharpen their vision for real-life impact.

A Word from Tien Le:

“The startup journey is never easy — especially in a world where uncertainty is constant and risks are everywhere. What you need isn’t a flawless plan, but a mindset of learning and an unwavering commitment to your goals.

When it comes to social impact projects, passion alone isn’t enough. You must be clear-headed in analyzing root causes and diligent in measuring the impact of your solution. Don’t be afraid to pivot, but don’t let obstacles push you off course.”

Alongside Tien, the judging panel featured other seasoned professionals from diverse fields:

• Nguyen Anh Vu – Vice President of the Community of Youth Development Abilities Club and Founder of DIGIMINT. With extensive experience in community development and innovation, Vũ offered teams strategic insights to deepen their impact.

• Steven Cao – Founder of Nika Labs and Co-founder of Zoan AI. With his background in AI and blockchain, Steven guided teams in shaping the tech foundations and scalability of their models.

The multi-disciplinary expertise of the judging panel made the feedback and guidance not only well-rounded but also deeply strategic.

>>Connect: BlockchainWork Vietnam Community

Bold ideas and “survival spirit” of Gen Z entrepreneurs

In this round, eleven student teams delivered high-energy, high-impact pitches across a range of creative areas:

• Upcycling natural materials like coffee grounds, pomelo peels, and straw into eco-friendly consumer products

• Tech solutions for mental health and effective learning

• Blockchain applications for traceability and process management in the textile industry

• Educational models for children to explore cultural heritage and strengthen parent-child connection

What’s truly impressive is that most contestants were first-year university students — yet they showcased remarkable business insight, structured reasoning, quick thinking, and confident delivery. Their professionalism and thoughtful preparation were evident throughout.

Highlight moment at the events:

BlockchainWork: Empowering youth through entrepreneurial thinking

With a mission to become the leading blockchain talent community in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, BlockchainWork is not just a job platform. We’re committed to nurturing the next generation through sustainable entrepreneurial thinking.

CEO Tien Le ’s presence at CRANE BATTLE was more than just a judge’s role — it was about inspiring and connecting young changemakers with the broader blockchain and Web3 ecosystem, while sharing practical knowledge on talent development in the tech space.

>> Check out: Latest blockchain jobs

Summary

CRANE BATTLE 2025 has only just completed Pitching Round 1, but it’s already proven to be a compelling and high-impact competition. The creativity, adaptability, and spirit of action demonstrated by the teams are exactly what today’s startup ecosystem needs — not just in “Borderland,” but in real life.

Follow BlockchainWork for more updates on startup events, blockchain technology, and exciting career opportunities ahead!

BlockchainWork

BlockchainWork – Leading blockchain talent community in Vietnam

• BlockchainWork website: https://blockchainwork.net/
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• Contact us: contact@blockchainwork.net
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