On August 19, the National Creative Startup Talent Search - TECHFEST 2026 was officially launched with the theme "From Tech to Life - Bringing technology into life".
The contest aims to find businesses capable of transforming technology into practical products and solutions, creating economic value, contributing to sustainable development and improving the quality of life.
TECHFEST 2026 focuses on technology application capacity, instead of just stopping at ideas or technological potential. Accordingly, participating startups need to prove the actual problem being solved, market needs, deployment efficiency, growth potential and positive values for users, the community and society.
The contest is organized by the Department of Startups and Technology Enterprises (NATEC - Ministry of Science and Technology), the National Center for Creative Startup Support (NSSC) is responsible for implementation, with the co-organization of MSD United Way Vietnam and Startup World Cup Vietnam.
Through selection rounds from hundreds of applications, training and evaluation, TECHFEST 2026 will select the Top 100 startups to participate in the capacity building training program. The Top 30 will continue to receive in-depth training, 1:1 mentoring and connection with experts and investors before the Top 10 enters the National Final Round in the framework of TECHFEST 2026.
The best teams will be awarded the titles of Champion, Runner-up and Honored Champion.
Participating in TECHFEST 2026, startups have the opportunity to be trained and advised by experts and startup support organizations; participate in investment connection, 1:1 connection with businesses and strategic partners; and at the same time promote and display products and access in-depth support services after the competition.
Prominent startups can also be considered and nominated to participate in connection programs, acceleration and international playgrounds in the competition's partner network.
Notably, the companionship of Startup World Cup Vietnam opens up more opportunities for Vietnamese startups to access the international innovation ecosystem, network of experts, global investors and aim for the Startup World Cup playground in San Francisco, USA.
The contest does not limit the nationality, gender, age or occupation of the founder and co-founder.
The Final Round of the competition is expected to take place in November 2026.
