From July 17 to 19, 2026, the final round of the Vietnam AI Innovation Challenge 2026 (VAIC 2026) took place at FPT Tower in Hanoi. As a program partner, FPT provided event infrastructure, AI computing resources, experts, and financial support, enabling participants to directly develop AI-native products.
Through VAIC 2026, FPT and the co-organizers are helping bridge the gap between “knowing AI” and “building AI products.” Rather than focusing solely on theoretical knowledge, young participants gain access to computing infrastructure and technology tools, receive support from experts, and tackle real-world challenges faced by businesses and society.
This hands-on environment is an important step toward nurturing a generation of engineers who not only use technologies developed elsewhere but can progressively research, develop, and master Make in Vietnam AI products, contributing to greater AI self-reliance and advancing Vietnam’s ambition for national AI sovereignty.
VAIC 2026 is a hackathon focused on developing core AI applications under the Vietnam Innovation Challenge 2026. The program is jointly organized by the National Innovation Center, Meta, Duy Tan University, and AI for Vietnam Foundation, with support from FPT and other Vietnamese and international technology companies and organizations.
The competition attracted nearly 2,000 registrations, with more than 300 teams completing their lineups. Before the final round, teams participated in a five-week intensive training program focused on AI-native product development skills.
VAIC 2026 is a hackathon focused on developing core AI applications under the Vietnam Innovation Challenge 2026.During the 48-hour competition, participants directly develop solutions, optimize source code, operate AI models, and complete demonstration-ready products. Solutions are evaluated based on technological quality, innovation, problem-solving effectiveness, and real-world deployment potential.
Working on real-world challenges helps participants understand that mastering AI involves more than building a technology model. Developers must also identify the right problems, organize data, select appropriate technologies, and demonstrate that their solutions can create tangible value in practice.
Through VAIC 2026, FPT and the co-organizers are helping bridge the gap between “knowing AI” and “building AI products.”FPT Provides Infrastructure and Expert Support for Young Technology Talent
At VAIC 2026, FPT sponsored the venue, event infrastructure, and USD 5,000 in financial support. FPT also provided AI computing resources through the FPT AI Factory ecosystem, enabling teams to build, test, and optimize solutions throughout the competition.
Access to computing infrastructure allows participants to spend less time setting up technology environments and focus more on model development and product features. Throughout the 48-hour hackathon, FPT technical teams directly support participants in using the infrastructure, operating models, and addressing technical issues.
FPT experts also participate as mentors and judges, bringing perspectives on technology, product thinking, operational feasibility, and enterprise requirements to assess the viability and development potential of each solution.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Duy Khuong, Deputy Director of the Quantum AI & Cyber Security Institute, FPT Corporation, emphasized the importance of community and collaboration in advancing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and open source.
According to Mr. Khuong, expanding access to technology and connecting researchers, engineers, enterprises, and young talent can help accelerate innovation and bring technology into real-world problem-solving. FPT remains committed to supporting the technology community and expanding research, development, and applications of core technologies, creating value for Vietnam while contributing to a more open, collaborative, and equitable technology ecosystem.
FPT also hosted a booth at the event showcasing capabilities in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and high-performance computing infrastructure. Participants, experts, and visitors could explore the FPT AI Factory ecosystem, connect with FPT technology teams, and learn from practical experience in deploying AI in enterprise environments.
VAIC 2026 also creates opportunities for recruitment and for promising solutions to be applied within the operational systems of FPT and participating enterprises. The competition therefore goes beyond recognizing winning teams by connecting young technology talent with real-world market demand.
By opening infrastructure, technology, and expert resources to the community, FPT aims to help nurture a generation of engineers capable of turning knowledge into products and ideas into solutions, while progressively mastering core AI technologies.
The event also provides a platform for more Make in Vietnam AI products to emerge, develop, and move into real-world applications, contributing to Vietnam’s technological self-reliance and advancing the country’s ambition for AI sovereignty.