The Ministry of Science and Technology has officially launched the Make in Viet Nam Digital Technology Products Award 2026, featuring eight distinct categories. For the first time, a dedicated Make in Viet Nam AI Category has been introduced, signaling a strategic shift towards prioritizing and mastering artificial intelligence technologies within the nation.
Expanding the Make in Viet Nam AI Category
During a recent press conference, Mr. Nguyen Khac Lich, Director General of the Department of Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence, explained that the new AI category aligns with Vietnam's policy to accelerate the development and mastery of AI. This strategic move aims to encourage Vietnamese enterprises to develop high-value-added products, foster a robust AI ecosystem, and ultimately enhance labor productivity and national competitiveness.
Mr. Lich emphasized Vietnam's growing capabilities, stating, "Vietnam already has enterprises capable of building their own Vietnamese models, algorithms, and data." He added that these companies require a "commensurate playground" to showcase their innovations and drive further growth.
Award Categories and Objectives for 2026
The 2026 awards are designed to honor products that are researched, designed, created, and manufactured entirely in Vietnam. The overarching goal is to promote AI applications, smart manufacturing, and the mastery of core, foundational, and strategic technologies. The eight award categories include:
- Excellent Digital Technology Product in Industry and Construction
- Excellent Digital Technology Product in Agriculture, Resources, and Environment
- Excellent Digital Technology Product in Transportation, Postal Services, and Logistics
- Excellent Digital Technology Product in Education, Health, Culture, and Society
- Excellent Digital Technology Product in Finance, Banking, Commerce, and Services
- Excellent Digital Technology Product for Foreign Markets
- Excellent Artificial Intelligence Product (the new Make in Viet Nam AI Category)
- Potential Digital Technology Product
The Evaluation Process and Recognition
Enterprises and organizations interested in participating can register until October 15th. The submission process involves several rigorous rounds: preliminary selection, preliminary judging, and final judging. In the preliminary judging round, sub-committees of the Jury Council will select the 12 highest-scoring applications in each category. These selected entries will then present and defend their products before the Top 10 are chosen for the final round.
Each category will recognize one Gold Award, one Silver Award, one Bronze Award, and a Top 10. Products achieving Gold, Silver, or Bronze will receive a Cup and a Certificate, while those making it into the Top 10 will be awarded a Certificate. The announcement and award ceremony are tentatively scheduled for November or December.
Legacy and Impact of the Make in Viet Nam Awards
The Make in Viet Nam Awards have been organized annually since 2020, initially by the Ministry of Information and Communications and now by the Ministry of Science and Technology. Over six editions, the awards have attracted nearly 1,500 product registrations and honored 299 digital technology products.
According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, many past award-winning products have been successfully applied in practice, addressing national development challenges, expanding domestic and international markets, and significantly contributing to Vietnam's national digital transformation process.
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Conclusion
The introduction of the dedicated Make in Viet Nam AI Category for the 2026 awards marks a pivotal moment for Vietnam's technology landscape. It underscores the nation's commitment to fostering local innovation, empowering domestic enterprises, and solidifying its position in the global AI arena, driving economic growth and technological self-reliance.
