The National Technology Innovation Fund (NATIF) is accepting applications for funding under its 2026 program supporting technology innovation projects that apply artificial intelligence.

State funding is capped at VND3 billion (US$114,000) for each project.

Priority for AI that solves real-world problems

NATIF said each project must be completed within 12 months, with the program targeting AI solutions that can be quickly put into practical use to create new products, services, processes or business models.

Eligible applicants include businesses and other legal entities seeking to use AI to create new products, services, processes or business models, or substantially improve existing ones.

Rather than focusing solely on technological ideas, the program emphasizes the ability to use AI to address specific, real-world problems.

Applications must clearly set out the project’s objectives, scope, implementation plan, expected outcomes, financial plan and funding structure.

Feasibility will be assessed on several factors, including implementation methods, schedule, timeframe and total cost.

Selected projects must be capable of direct application, generating economic benefits or addressing social challenges. They are expected to contribute to higher productivity, quality and competitiveness, as well as environmental protection and sustainable development.

NATIF is prioritizing AI projects in six areas: processing and manufacturing; agriculture and agricultural processing; healthcare and pharmaceuticals; logistics and supply chains; commerce, services and corporate management; and public administration.

Priority locations include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Tay Ninh, as well as other localities seeking to participate.

Data becomes a key requirement

One notable requirement is that applicants must clearly address the data needed to power their AI solutions.

Organizations must identify their data sources, ability and rights to access and use the data, its quality, and plans to prepare the data to meet technical requirements and implementation schedules.

AI solutions must also satisfy specific requirements covering functionality, technical specifications, data, Vietnamese-language capabilities, integration, operational processes or implementation costs.

Applications therefore need to go beyond describing the technology and demonstrate that the proposed solution can operate in a real-world environment and meet the needs of its intended users.

The maximum 12-month implementation period also steers applicants toward relatively mature solutions capable of producing concrete products, services or processes within a short timeframe, rather than long-term research or experimentation.

Up to $114,000 for each project

State funding is capped at VND3 billion (US$114,000) per project.

The lead organization must provide a plan and supporting documentation demonstrating its ability to mobilize lawful funding from sources outside the state budget.

Priority will be given to organizations that have legally binding contracts, agreements or commitments with research institutes, universities, or small and medium-sized enterprises providing AI technology solutions.

The mechanism is intended to connect the AI adoption needs of businesses and organizations with the research capabilities and solutions offered by technology providers.

Projects must also comply with regulations governing intellectual property, technology transfer, standards and technical regulations, safety, environmental protection and other relevant laws.

If the number of eligible applications exceeds the number of projects planned for funding or the budget allocated for 2026, NATIF will select qualified applications based on the order in which they were submitted, within the available funding.

Applications can be submitted online through NATIF’s application system, by post, or directly to the Funding and Commissioning Division of the National Technology Innovation Fund.

Thai Khang