20 projects have advanced to the finals of the Techfest Nghe An Open 2025 competition.
After more than 6 months since its launch, the "Expanded Nghe An Creative Startup Talent Search Competition 2025" has selected 20 outstanding projects for the final round. Many outstanding ideas in the fields of high-tech agriculture, digital transformation, e-commerce, OCOP products, etc., demonstrate the creativity and strong aspirations of young people in Nghe An in the digital age.
On the morning of October 9th, at Nghe An University, the Department of Science and Technology, in coordination with relevant units, organized the opening ceremony of the "Nghe An Open Innovation and Entrepreneurship Festival 2025" (Techfest Nghe An Open 2025) and the final round of the "Nghe An Open Innovation and Entrepreneurship Talent Search Competition 2025".
This event is part of a series of activities in response to the National Innovation Day (October 1st), the National Digital Transformation Day (October 10th), and in anticipation of the 66th anniversary of the establishment of the Nghe An Department of Science and Technology (October 25th, 1959 – October 25th, 2025).
With the theme "The Aspiration of the Lam River – For a Rising Vietnam," Techfest Nghe An Open 2025 is a forum to connect and spread the spirit of innovation among businesses, students, youth, and the general public, contributing to the realization of the Party and State's major policies on science, technology development, and digital transformation.
After more than 6 months since its launch, the competition attracted over 130 applications from many provinces and cities nationwide. Following the preliminary round and intensive training, the 20 best projects were selected for the final round. The competing teams will present their projects directly to a judging panel comprising experts, investors, entrepreneurs, representatives from investment funds, and regulatory agencies.
Many outstanding ideas were presented at this year's finals, such as: an IoT application controller for cold storage, Dragon Organic lipstick made from red dragon fruit, a smart bracelet to prevent drowning, Nghe An eel floss - a convenient traditional specialty, the RAG-UNI chatbot platform supporting education and businesses, and the ocopai.vn e-commerce platform... All products demonstrated creativity, high applicability, and aimed at solving practical problems in production and daily life.
The judging panel evaluated the projects based on nine criteria, including creativity, ability to solve real-world problems, market potential, competitive advantages, business plan, personnel, technological vision, and presentation skills. In addition, the "Song Lam Aspiration" criterion was considered a special bonus for projects demonstrating the innovative spirit and ambition of young people from Nghe An province.
This year's prize structure includes 10 main prizes, including 1 First Prize worth 40 million VND, 2 Second Prizes (32 million VND), 3 Third Prizes (24 million VND), and 4 Consolation Prizes (8 million VND). Notably, the top 3 most outstanding projects will be offered investment of up to 40,000 USD from the VSV Investment Fund - Nghe An and will be introduced to participate in Techfest Vietnam 2025 organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Nguyen Quy Linh – Director of the Nghe An Department of Science and Technology – emphasized: “Techfest Nghe An is not only an intellectual playground but also a practical environment for startup ideas to be nurtured, developed, and commercialized. Through this, it awakens the spirit of creativity and the aspiration to contribute of young people in Nghe An in the digital age. Currently, Nghe An is continuing to refine policies to support startups, invest in infrastructure, promote international cooperation, and comprehensively transform digital technology, aiming to become the innovation center of the North Central region by 2030.”
Along with the final round, Techfest Nghe An Open 2025 also featured many meaningful activities: showcasing typical science and technology products; demonstrating digital transformation solutions; thematic workshops on security and artificial intelligence; and a forum to improve policies to promote innovative startups in the North Central region.
The event brought together hundreds of experts, scientists, investors, entrepreneurs, lecturers, and students, creating a vibrant atmosphere and strongly inspiring a desire for innovation and a spirit of entrepreneurial dedication.
With the motto "Breakthrough - Advancement," Techfest Nghe An Open 2025 is expected to further affirm Nghe An's position as a bright spot on the national startup map – a place where bold ideas take flight, where the "Song Lam" spirit continues to spread and shine brightly on the journey of innovation.
