Funding Plan for Artificial Intelligence-based Technology Innovation Projects (Vietnam)

Deadline: 10-Oct-2026

The National Technology Innovation Fund (NATIF), under Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, is offering grants in 2026 to Vietnamese businesses and organizations developing technology innovation projects that apply artificial intelligence (AI) to create or significantly improve products, services, processes, or business models. Eligible projects can receive up to VND 3 billion (approximately US$118,000) in state-budget funding per project. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to mobilize additional non-state funding in accordance with applicable Vietnamese regulations. The 2026 funding initiative is designed to accelerate the adoption and development of AI technologies in Vietnam. It supports projects that translate scientific and technological innovation into practical applications with measurable economic, social, environmental, or productivity benefits. The program is administered by the National Technology Innovation Fund under Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology and is aligned with national policies and legislation supporting science, technology, innovation, and enterprise development. The funding is particularly relevant to organizations seeking to integrate AI into existing operations or develop new AI-powered products, services, processes, and business models. Projects should use artificial intelligence as a meaningful component of technology innovation. Eligible projects may involve: Development of new AI-powered products or services. Significant improvement of existing products or services through AI. Development or improvement of business models using AI. AI-based process innovation and automation. Application of AI to increase productivity and operational efficiency. AI solutions that address specific social or economic challenges. AI applications supporting environmental protection or sustainable development. Technology innovation projects with potential for direct market or organizational application. Projects should demonstrate that the proposed AI technology can move beyond research or conceptual development toward practical implementation and measurable impact. The maximum state-budget contribution is VND 3 billion per project, equivalent to approximately US$118,000, depending on the applicable exchange rate. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to mobilize additional funding from non-state sources where required under Vietnamese law. The maximum implementation period for an individual project is 12 months. Applicants should therefore develop a realistic implementation schedule covering technology development, testing, deployment, monitoring, and expected results within the permitted timeframe. Eligible applicants include Vietnamese businesses and organizations with legal status and the appropriate technical, financial, and organizational capacity to implement a technology innovation project.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate:

Legal status in Vietnam. Relevant organizational and technical capacity. A clearly defined AI-based innovation project. Feasible project objectives and expected results. A detailed implementation plan. Capacity to comply with applicable laws and regulations. Ability to mobilize required non-state funding. Potential for practical application and measurable impact. A proposing organization must also have a legally binding agreement with a research institute, university, or small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) that provides AI technology solutions. The funding initiative identifies several sectors where AI-driven technology innovation can be particularly relevant.

Priority areas include:

Manufacturing and processing: AI applications for production, automation, quality control, and operational efficiency.

Agriculture and agricultural product processing: AI solutions for agricultural production, processing, monitoring, and productivity.

Healthcare and pharmaceuticals: AI applications supporting healthcare services, pharmaceutical activities, diagnostics, or related innovation.

Logistics and supply chains: AI-driven optimization, forecasting, transportation, inventory, and supply-chain management.

Trade: AI applications that improve commercial activities and customer or market processes.

Services and business administration: AI solutions that improve service delivery, administration, productivity, and decision-making.

Government agencies: AI applications supporting public-sector operations and service delivery.

Projects from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Tay Ninh, and other interested localities are encouraged to participate. To be considered for funding, projects should have clearly defined objectives and demonstrate practical feasibility.

Important requirements include:

Clear innovation objective: Explain precisely what technological problem the project will solve.

AI application: Demonstrate how artificial intelligence will be used as part of the solution.

Feasibility: Provide evidence that the proposed technology can be developed and implemented successfully.

Implementation plan: Present activities, milestones, responsibilities, and a realistic timeline.

Practical application: Explain how the resulting technology, product, service, or process will be used.

Expected impact: Identify anticipated economic, social, productivity, environmental, or sustainable-development benefits.

Additional financing: Demonstrate the ability to mobilize non-state capital where required.

Legal compliance: Ensure compliance with intellectual property, technology transfer, technical standards, and other relevant regulations.

Data management: Provide a clear plan for collecting, managing, integrating, and using data required by the AI solution. can help Vietnamese enterprises and

Partnership: Maintain a legally binding agreement with an eligible research institute, university, or SME providing AI technology solutions.

Implementation period: Complete the project within a maximum of 12 months.

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