The Vietnam AI Innovation Challenge 2026 took place continuously for 48 h, from 17-19/7, at the FPT building (Pham Van Bach, Ha Noi). The competition was designed as a national-scale AI-native hackathon, focused on developing a workforce capable of building AI products from practical challenges faced by businesses and organizations. In the final round, participating teams developed prototypes under the guidance of a network of domestic and international mentors and experts, with the goal of creating solutions that can be further refined after the competition.
VAIC 2026 is part of the Vietnam Innovation Challenge 2026, jointly organized by the National Innovation Center (NIC), Meta, AI for Vietnam Foundation, FPT Corporation, and Duy Tan University.
Unlike traditional programming competitions, VAIC 2026 focuses on the entire AI product development process. Each team can comprise members responsible for AI, data, product development, design, business, and marketing, reflecting the operational model of a technology startup.
All challenges for this year's competition were developed from the actual needs of businesses and organizations, accompanied by data to support the solution development process. Some businesses also expressed a desire to continue testing products after the competition if they met requirements. This approach aims to bridge the gap between training, research, and the practical application of AI.
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Teams and mentors engaged in lively discussion during the competition. Photo: Vietnam AI Innovation Challenge |
According to a representative of the organizing committee, VAIC 2026 occurred in a context where developing a workforce for AI product creation is a key scientific and technological development direction for Vietnam. Resolution 57-NQ/TW identifies the development of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as a strategic breakthrough, setting a goal for Vietnam to be among the top three leading countries in Southeast Asia for AI research and development. Subsequently, Decision 21/2026/QD-TTg, which issued the list of national strategic technologies, classified AI as a strategic digital technology, alongside big data, cloud computing, edge computing, internet of things, digital twins, and blockchain.
According to Thao Griffiths, Public Policy Director for Meta in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, Vietnam possesses one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic technology development communities. She believes that programs like VAIC can help this workforce transition from applying AI to developing AI products that solve business and societal problems.
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Thao Griffiths speaks at the program's opening ceremony. Photo: Vietnam AI Innovation Challenge |
Hung Tran, founder of Got It, stated that AI offers Vietnam an opportunity to narrow the gap with more advanced nations. However, the advantage will come from the ability to transform technology into impactful products, rather than merely possessing many AI models or having many AI tool users.
VAIC is positioned as a starting point for AI product development. After the competition, promising teams will continue to connect with experts, businesses, investors, and support programs to refine their solutions, seeking opportunities for testing and commercialization.
This model is expected to help expand the AI development workforce each year, supplement human resources for technology companies, foster startup groups, and increase the number of products developed by Vietnamese individuals.
With a focus on connecting young people, businesses, and the innovation ecosystem, VAIC 2026 is expected to contribute to forming an AI product development workforce, supplementing human resources for technology businesses, and promoting Vietnam's AI ecosystem.
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Workshop "Applying AI in the finance - banking industry". Photo: Vietnam AI Innovation Challenge |
VAIC 2026 offers a total prize value of 1.6 billion VND. In addition to cash prizes, outstanding teams will have the opportunity to participate in a research program in Sweden, develop projects with AI Singapore (AISG) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), compete in the Vietnam AI Stars finals in Silicon Valley, and connect with the innovation ecosystem of the National Innovation Center (NIC) and partners such as Meta, SHB, and FPT.
Yen Chi
Finals Program Information:
Time: 17-19/7
Location: FPT Building, 10 Pham Van Bach, Cau Giay ward, Ha Noi
Website: www.vietnamaichallenge.com
Media Information for Vietnam AI Innovation Challenge 2026 Organizing Committee
Phuong Nguyen - Project Manager
Email: phuongnq@aiforvietnam.org
Phone: 0988 472 901
