The event gathered the 10 best teams selected from hundreds of domestic and foreign projects. The contest was co-organized by the National Center for Innovation Startup Support (NSSC), the Department of Startups and Technology Enterprises (NATEC) in collaboration with partners such as Startup World Cup Vietnam, Impact Square, and the Institute for Sustainable Development Management Research - MSD United Way Vietnam.
With the theme "Green growth and Digital transformation: Innovation for a sustainable Vietnam", the TECHFEST Vietnam 2025 Contest is built on the orientation of promoting innovative startup models associated with social responsibility, environment and long-term vision. At the same time, it promotes projects that apply high technology, are environmentally friendly and are closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - the foundation for Vietnam's digital economy and green future.
According to the Organizing Committee, this is the first time the TECHFEST Vietnam 2025 Competition has welcomed international teams, participating in solving practical problems in Vietnam. This not only improves the integration and professional quality of the competition but also creates a foundation for multilateral cooperation, connecting global knowledge and technology in the process of handling the country's development challenges.
In his opening speech, Mr. Le Toan Thang - Director of the National Center for Innovation and Startup Support, Department of Startups and Technology Enterprises (Ministry of Science and Technology) emphasized that the TECHFEST 2025 contest is an important activity in implementing the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthrough development of science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation; Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW (issued on January 4, 2025) on private economic development.
According to him, this year's competition is not only a place to select potential projects but also a process to support capacity building through many rounds lasting from October to December, helping startups complete products, business models and approach ESG standards.
From the co-organizers, representatives of Startup World Cup Vietnam, MSD United Way Vietnam and Impact Square all acknowledge the strong progress of the Vietnamese startup community.
According to the Organizing Committee, after the presentation and discussion round, the Jury conducted an independent assessment, based on the criteria of innovation level, implementation capability, quality of operating model, expanded development potential as well as impact value of each project.
At the program, the Organizing Committee awarded the Champion Award to the Growlab team with a cash prize of 20,000 USD and a ticket representing Vietnam to attend the Startup World Cup 2026 in San Francisco (USA).
The runner-up prize, worth $7,000 in cash, went to the Volterra team.
The Military Championship, with a prize worth 5,000 USD in cash, went to the IDO E-commerce Service Company Limited team.
In addition to the main awards, the Organizing Committee also announced two secondary awards, each worth 15,000 USD in cash: The Investment Fund Choice Award was given to the team: Dayladau; The Outstanding Impact Award was given to the team: Plantner.
According to the Organizing Committee, at the end of the Final round, the teams will continue to receive support from the TECHFEST ecosystem to commercialize, expand markets, call for capital, and enhance social impact.
