TECHFEST Vietnam 2025 reinforces innovation’s role in powering next growth phase

THE HANOI TIMES — TECHFEST Vietnam 2025 is reinforcing innovation as a core engine of Vietnam’s next growth phase, bringing science, technology and startups into the heart of Hanoi’s public space.

Held for the first time in an open cultural setting around Hoan Kiem Lake, the National Innovation and Startup Festival turns pedestrian streets into an interactive platform where the public can experience emerging technologies and new business models.

Running until December 14 under the theme “National creative startups for new growth drivers,” the event highlights the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in shaping Vietnam’s economic momentum in the new era.

“This shift marks a major milestone in embedding innovation into daily urban life and expanding access to the startup ecosystem,” Bui Cong Thanh, a staff of S-Visor that owns a booth at TECHFEST Vietnam 2025, told The Hanoi Times.

Thanh said that the program offers interactive tech experiences, as visitors can explore emerging technologies thanks to the event's open and inspiring approach to spread innovation in the community.

"This spirit aligns with Vietnam’s national strategy to foster an innovation-driven startup culture, one that regards entrepreneurship as a collective mission, driving new sources of growth and opening space for creativity nationwide," said Pham Hong Quat, Director of Authority of Startups and Technology Enterprises, the Ministry of Science and Technology.

He told The Hanoi Times that specialized display zones will create focused spaces for investors and innovators to connect, explore partnerships and pursue technology transfer or investment opportunities.

"By hosting the event in a public space, organizers hope to inspire citizens from all walks of life, including students, entrepreneurs, researchers and ordinary residents, to see innovation as accessible and integral to national development," he emphasized.

The new open space model allows residents to directly explore emerging technologies, creative business models and startup support services. "The shift aligns with the nationwide implementation of Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation," stressed the director.

"The exhibition features booths showcasing digital technologies, smart solutions and innovative business models, enabling the public to engage with new products while providing students, startups and investors with a platform for connection and collaboration," Pham Mai Thanh Hien, a teacher from the Hanoi University of Science and Technology, told The Hanoi Times.

She noted that innovation-driven entrepreneurship is increasingly seen as a core engine for Vietnam’s development in the modern era.

"Visitors have the chance to experience both Hanoi’s cultural vibrancy and the creativity of Vietnamese innovators, while also exploring solutions that Vietnam is developing to address challenges," said Hien.

According to Truong Viet Dung, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, this year’s festival signals a major shift from closed conference halls to an interactive urban model that embeds innovation within daily city life and widens public access to technology.

It underlines the goal of making innovation a broad-based movement accessible to all citizens, emphasizing the capital’s ambition for double-digit growth is dependent on science, technology, innovation and digitalization.

"Spreading across cafés, restaurants and community venues around Hoan Kiem Lake, TECHFEST 2025 reinforces Hanoi’s position as a national innovation hub where knowledge, culture and technology converge," Dung noted.

Omar Borkan, a tourist from the Middle East, shared with The Hanoi Times that he and his wife are very impressed with the open space at TECHFEST Vietnam 2025. "It allowed us to get our hands on cutting-edge new technologies, the experience is really unforgettable," said Borkan.

First held in 2015, TECHFEST Vietnam has grown into a major annual event led by the Ministry of Science and Technology. After nine years, it has become a key platform for policymakers, businesses, investors and startup supporters to strengthen Vietnam’s position on the global innovation map.

In addition to the Opening Ceremony and National Policy Forum, TECHFEST 2025 will feature more than 10 international workshops, specialist panels, technology showcases and interactive demonstrations. There will also be over 20 events aimed at strengthening investment ties and promoting business collaborations between local and foreign partners.

The following booths showcase cutting-edge technologies, innovative business models and start-up support services.