HCMC launches 2026 Innovation and Startup Award and an AI Center of Excellence MOU

Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Science and Technology held a ceremony on September 30, 2026, at the HCMC Startup Innovation Center (SIHUB) to announce two competitions, according to SGGP English Edition.

I-Star 2026 award

The award is held every two years and honors exemplary individuals, organizations, enterprises and media works in innovation and startups. Key details:

• Up to 12 equal prizes across four categories.
• Each prize is worth VND32 million (about US$1,231), funded from the state budget.
• A council will select up to 10 outstanding entries per category for the finals.
• Registration closes at 5 p.m. on October 31, 2026.

Logo competition

A separate contest seeks a logo for the "HCMC Entrepreneurial University" brand. It runs from September 30 to November 30, 2026.

AI Center of Excellence

At the same event, partners signed a memorandum of understanding to create an AI Center of Excellence. The partners named in the report are Plug and Play Singapore, a global accelerator network, the University of Economics HCMC and SIHUB. The center is to rest on three pillars: AI training, startup acceleration, and testing of proof-of-concept solutions. Implementation details are to be finalized within 30 days.

SIHUB was also officially recognized as a provincial-level startup support center. HCMC People's Committee Vice Chairman Truong Minh Huy Vu took part in the event.

Why it matters

For founders, freelancers and tech professionals in the city, including foreign residents involved in startups, the award deadline is the main actionable item. Eligibility rules were not detailed in the source, so interested applicants should check the official call for entries.

Source: SGGP English Edition.