Ho Chi Minh City tech fair showcases 650 national innovations

Administrative robots, robotic surgery systems, UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), and a host of other cutting-edge technologies made their debut at a major tech exhibition celebrating the first Party Congress of Ho Chi Minh City.

The exhibition, titled "Strategic National Technology Products in Ho Chi Minh City," opened on the morning of October 13 at the Ho Chi Minh City Cadre Academy.

The event featured nearly 30 booths and over 650 products across 11 key strategic technology groups. Organized in honor of the 1st Party Congress of Ho Chi Minh City for the 2025–2030 term, the exhibition showcased achievements in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, with a vision toward building a smart, modern city.

A standout innovation was the firefighting UAV, which can integrate with early-warning surveillance drone systems to create a closed-loop fire response chain. It uses thermal data and AI simulation for hazard zoning, supports on-site firefighting and rescue, and transmits real-time images.

At the exhibition, representatives from CT Group introduced the VTOL UAV with a 4.4-meter wingspan, used for patrols, forest fire detection, coastal surveillance, and border monitoring. Another model, the Hexarotor Firefighting UAV, is equipped with fully autonomous AI-driven rescue capabilities that can respond even before firefighting teams arrive.

Visitors also explored the PROV-01 mini underwater robot, developed by the Vietnam-Russia joint venture Vietsovpetro. It operates at depths of 60-100 meters and features full HD cameras, multi-beam sonar, DVL-A50 positioning, and modern sensors. Integrated with AI, it delivers intelligent navigation and target recognition.

This compact and agile remote-controlled underwater survey robot is a "Made in Vietnam" product, developed in collaboration with the Vietnam Petroleum Institute (VPI) and Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST). It is used for offshore infrastructure inspection, cable surveys, environmental monitoring, and scientific research.

In the fields of IT, electronics, AI, and IoT, companies such as CMC, Viettel, QTSC, and Mobifone presented their AI ecosystems, digital transformation platforms, cybersecurity solutions, administrative robots, smart kiosks, and advanced Edge AI cameras.

The smart kiosks on display enable fast digital document searches, online declarations, and file submissions, reducing wait times significantly.

Many robot models could interact directly with visitors, enhancing the exhibition experience.

In the smart healthcare and biomedical technology sector, the spotlight was on the Da Vinci Xi surgical robot and the Modus V Synaptive, both AI-powered. These systems were displayed alongside digital health solutions and IoT-integrated vaccines.

Firefighting robots were also featured, equipped with thermal sensors to navigate narrow alleys and assist emergency responders.

Representing the fields of digital banking, blockchain, and STEM education, HDBank and KDI Education presented interactive educational models and STEM robots, inspiring creativity among young people and local entrepreneurs.

Other highlights included semiconductors, automation systems, smart energy solutions, and robotics from firms like SHTP, Nextwaves, and VB Tech. Technologies in green innovation, new materials, and smart agriculture were also displayed by ALTA Group, Net Zero 2050 Eco-Industrial Park, VSIP, Eastern International University - Becamex IDC, and Unifarm.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, the 2021-2025 period has seen remarkable progress, reinforcing the city's role as a national and regional innovation hub. The digital economy is now a key growth driver and is expected to contribute 25% to the city's GRDP in 2025.

Ho Chi Minh City currently ranks second nationally in both the Provincial Digital Transformation Index and the Provincial Innovation Index (PII). Its startup ecosystem is recognized as 5th in Southeast Asia and 110th globally.

Notably, the city has entered the top 30 globally for blockchain technology, highlighting its readiness to embrace cutting-edge trends.

Looking ahead to the 2025–2030 period, Ho Chi Minh City aims to become an international innovation center, with a digital economy accounting for 30–40% of GRDP and total factor productivity (TFP) contributing 60% to growth.

The city also plans to roll out high-tech human resource development programs, attract global experts, and ensure cybersecurity - viewed not just as a technical requirement but as a matter of digital sovereignty and national security.