The event brought together the 10 best teams selected from hundreds of applications from both domestic and international sources. The competition was co-organized by the National Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support (NSSC), the National Agency for Technology and Entrepreneurship (NATEC), and partners including Startup World Cup Vietnam, Impact Square, and the Institute for Sustainable Development Management Research – MSD United Way Vietnam.

Participating teams had 5 minutes to give a presentation and 3 minutes to answer questions from the judging panel. Photo: Hoang Hieu/TTXVN

With the theme “Green Growth and Digital Transformation: Innovation for a Sustainable Vietnam”, the TechFest Vietnam 2025 competition is built on the orientation of promoting innovative startup models associated with social and environmental responsibility and a long-term vision, while highlighting projects that apply high technology, are environmentally friendly, and are closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the foundation for the digital economy and a green future for Vietnam.

A highlight of this year's Finals is its organization in the pedestrian area around Ho Hoan Kiem Lake. This provides an opportunity for residents, tourists, and the creative startup community to directly experience new products, models, and technological solutions. This open space contributes to strongly spreading the spirit of innovation and fostering the connection between startups and society.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Le Toan Thang, Director of the National Center for Startup Support (Department of Startups and Technology Enterprises, Ministry of Science and Technology ), stated that the TechFest 2025 competition is an important activity implementing the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, and Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on the development of the private economy. “This year’s competition is not only a place to select potential projects but also a process of supporting capacity building through multiple rounds of competition lasting from October to December, helping startups refine their products, business models, and approach ESG standards,” Mr. Le Toan Thang said.

Commenting on the competing teams, Ms. Silvie Park, Executive Director of the Startup World Cup Vietnam and Representative of Pegasus Technology Investment Fund, noted that the Vietnamese startup ecosystem is entering a strong development phase, demonstrated by the confidence, eagerness to learn, and adaptability of the participating teams. Many teams have reached a level of competitiveness comparable to startups in the region, not only in technology but also in business models and sustainable development orientations. Startup World Cup will continue to partner with the TechFest competition to support outstanding Vietnamese projects in accessing international investment networks.

From the perspective of promoting open social innovation, Ms. Nguyen Phuong Linh, Director of MSD United Way Vietnam, stated that one of the notable changes in the TechFest 2025 competition is the integration of criteria for evaluating social impact, environmental impact, and sustainability, reflecting the national strategic direction and international trends. This not only brings technology but also sustainable solutions. Vietnam is not just about startups for growth, but about startups for responsible development. Ms. Nguyen Phuong Linh also mentioned the diversity of participants, from scientists and young entrepreneurs to groups of female leaders, who are contributing to shaping a broader, fairer, and more profound innovation ecosystem for the entire population in Vietnam.

Following the presentation and Q&A sessions, the Judging Panel conducted an independent evaluation based on criteria such as innovation level, implementation feasibility, operational model quality, expansion potential, and the impact value of each project. Based on this, the main awards of the TechFest 2025 competition were announced, reflecting the efforts and growth of the participating teams throughout the competition.

The organizers awarded the Grand Prize, with a cash reward of $20,000 and a ticket to represent Vietnam at the Startup World Cup 2026 in San Francisco (USA), to Growlab, a pioneering Vietnamese biotechnology company focusing on researching and developing high-quality plant varieties using tissue culture techniques, especially coconut and tropical fruit trees, aiming to provide sustainable agricultural solutions and enhance the value of Vietnamese agricultural products.

According to baotintuc.vn

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/kinh-te/techfest-2025-chung-ket-cuoc-thi-tim-kiem-tai-nang-khoi-nghiep-doi-moi-sang-tao-quoc-gia-160892.html