On the afternoon of May 26, the Department of Science and Technology (S&T) of Hai Phong City organized the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Hai Phong Center for Innovation and Application of S&T and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) in the online form; Introducing Techfest Hai Phong 2026 and Launching the Creative Startup Competition 2026.
Attending were the Director of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) – attending online from Seoul; delegates, experts, scientists, and innovative startups.
According to Mr. Nguyen Cao Thang, Director of Hai Phong City Department of Science and Technology: The simultaneous organization of 3 events plays a role as a strong acceleration milestone for the series of science and technology activities that have been extremely vibrant in the city since the beginning of the year, and at the same time is a strong declaration of Hai Phong's strategic vision - positioning the city to become an open innovation center, directly connected to the global network.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the content: The two sides will deploy 6 key cooperation axes including: investment in innovation infrastructure; establishment and operation of KIST Hai Phong Technology Center and KIST – HaiPhong Techhub; training high-quality science and technology human resources; building an innovation network; connecting technology supply and demand; commercializing research results and potential technology transfer.
Priority areas of cooperation focus on biomedicine and biotechnology (Bio-Tech), while promoting investment attraction and forming R&D satellite centers in Hai Phong.
According to Mr. Nguyen Cao Thang, the cooperation has officially activated the first specific steps: From the establishment of KIST - HaiPhong Techhub, training high-quality human resources, transferring potential technology, to joint research in the field of biomedicine and biotechnology. This is a long-term commitment, making Hai Phong a leading place to welcome and transfer Korean technology in the region.
Also at the conference, Hai Phong launched the "Seek Creative Startup Talents in Hai Phong City 2026" Contest with the theme "Smart City Operations" - Operating a smart city. The contest aims to find practical technology solutions in smart urban management, seaport operation and logistics, and prepare for the implementation of new mechanisms according to Resolution No. 226/2025/QH15 of the National Assembly.
After 9 years of persistence, Techfest HaiPhong 2026 is the declaration of action of an ecosystem ready for deep integration.
According to leaders of the Department of Science and Technology, Hai Phong is committed to opening the largest real-world testing space (Living Lab) - a place with real data, real markets and a government committed to action, ready to create maximum conditions for superior tax incentives and a controlled testing mechanism (Sandbox) for strategic technologies such as semiconductor chips and AI to support the solutions of the teams.
We are committed to being a solid bridge, accompanying the KIST Institute, institutes, schools, businesses and young startups on the journey to bring Hai Phong to break through into the Top 200 Global Innovative Cities by 2030" - Director of Hai Phong Department of Science and Technology Nguyen Cao Thang said.
