The 2014 Viet Nam Fund for Supporting Technological Creations (VIFOTEC) Awards has honoured 40 projects in Ha Noi.

Four top-prize projects were granted the Government awards worth VND40 million (US$1,900) each. Seven took home the second-place prizes, worth VND25 million, and 11 took the VND20 million third prize. Eighteen won consolation awards worth VND15 million each. VIFOTEC received entries from 92 projects.

The owner of a top-prize materials technology project and an environmentally-friendly project by The Biotech Joint-Stock Company were recommended for the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Awards.

Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Viet Nam Fatherland Font's Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan congratulated the winners and said he highly appreciated the organisers. He said scientists and their inventions would contribute to promoting the country's development, and that the awards acknowledged their contributions to scientific research and technology.

Over the last 20 years, 2,200 projects have entered into the competition. VIFOTEC has granted awards to nearly 700 projects.

The honoured initiatives specialise in scientific areas ranging from information technology, electronics and telecoms to bio-technology, eco-friendly technology and new energies. 

VNS