The competition, named the Au Lac Grand Prize, is open to a wide range of participants, including programmers, students, scientists, engineers, research teams, startups, and technology enterprises.

The award is initiated by the Au Lac AI Alliance, with sponsorship from FPT Corporation. Its core mission is to encourage technological self-reliance while celebrating Vietnamese intelligence on the global technology map.

At its heart, the prize seeks solutions that are not only innovative but also proven in real-world applications. Eligible projects must demonstrate measurable socio-economic impact within Vietnam, validated through deployment and feedback from partners or users.

Submissions are open until July 31, 2026. The evaluation process will take place from August to October, with the final award ceremony expected in November.

Applicants are required to submit their entries via the program’s official website, selecting categories aligned with their solution’s contributions. These include improving quality of life - such as healthcare, environment, and agriculture - enhancing learning and productivity, strengthening critical systems like public services and infrastructure, as well as advancing future industries and technologies.

Beyond technical excellence, the judging criteria emphasize sustainability, scalability, and global applicability. Solutions must show the potential to expand beyond Vietnam and address broader challenges at an international level.

Ethical considerations are also central. Participating solutions must ensure transparency, protect data privacy, and minimize societal risks. All entries must be legally owned intellectual property developed and controlled by Vietnamese individuals or organizations.

According to Truong Gia Binh, Chairman of the Au Lac AI Alliance, the ultimate goal is to build sovereign AI capabilities for Vietnam. By fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation, the award aims to inspire more Vietnamese talents to engage in AI research, development, and practical application.

He noted that the true value of the prize lies not only in recognizing a single outstanding product, but in its ability to spark broader momentum - encouraging a community-wide commitment to mastering advanced technologies.

The launch of the Au Lac Grand Prize comes at a time when Vietnam is accelerating efforts in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Artificial intelligence has been identified as a strategic pillar, critical to enhancing national competitiveness and ensuring sustainable development.

The award is expected to run annually over the next three years, marking a sustained push to position Vietnam as a serious player in the global AI landscape.

Thai Khang