Many of the awarded products have already been applied in practice, addressing real-world challenges, expanding markets, and helping Vietnamese intellectual property reach global stages. They have also contributed significantly to national digital transformation, driving progress across various sectors more efficiently.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has supported award-winning products in promotional, commercial, and investment activities both domestically and internationally. The awards have also created widespread impact, encouraging the growth of Vietnam’s IT and digital technology industries.

According to Nguyen Khac Lich, Director General of the Department of Information Technology Industry under the ministry, the 2025 awards will celebrate outstanding digital products that reflect Vietnamese intellect and pride. These products are expected to promote holistic digital transformation and help Vietnam leap forward in productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness. The ultimate goal is to master core, foundational, and strategic technologies.

This year also marks the debut of a new category: Outstanding Strategic Digital Technology Products. These include technologies listed in the Strategic Technology and Strategic Product List under Decision No. 1131 issued by the Prime Minister on June 12.

This new category will replace the former "New Digital Technology Product" category. Eligible products must involve advanced technologies such as AI, digital twins, virtual and augmented reality, cloud computing, quantum computing, big data, blockchain, next-generation mobile networks (5G, 6G), automation robotics, and semiconductor chip technologies.

The remaining seven categories from 2024 are retained. They cover outstanding digital technology products in the following sectors: industry and construction; agriculture, natural resources and environment; transportation, postal services and logistics; education, healthcare, culture and society; finance, banking, commerce and services; export markets; and emerging potential digital products.

To enhance evaluation quality, the ministry has introduced new criteria this year. These include the product’s research and development input, the strength of the development team, the number of mastered technologies involved, the product’s impact, the number of applicable sectors, and its effect on productivity and quality when deployed.

Each category will award one gold, one silver, one bronze, and ten Top 10 prizes. Applications are open from September 4 to October 22, with the award ceremony expected in December as part of the National Forum on the Development of Vietnamese Digital Technology Enterprises.

Winning products will receive support from the Ministry of Science and Technology and VCCI in investment promotion, commercialization consulting, and market expansion both locally and internationally. The ministry will also recommend the products to relevant ministries, agencies, and provinces for pilot implementation.

Strategic and high-potential products lacking regulatory frameworks will be prioritized for inclusion in sandbox programs, allowing them to be tested in emerging sectors and innovative business models such as AI, big data, blockchain, the sharing economy, and decentralized economies.

Enterprises and organizations may apply via two routes. Option one: preliminary registration from September 4 to October 4, followed by formal submission from October 5 to October 22. Option two: register and submit directly online from September 4 to October 22 at the official award portal: giaithuong.makeinvietnam.mst.gov.vn.

Du Lam