Within the framework of TECHFEST Vietnam 2025, the final round of the National Innovation Startup Talent Search Competition took place on December 12 at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square in Hanoi.

The event brought together the top 10 teams selected from hundreds of domestic and international applications.

The competition was co-organized by the National Innovation Startup Support Center under the Department of Technology Startup and Enterprises of the Ministry of Science and Technology, together with partners including Startup World Cup Vietnam, Impact Square, and the Institute for Sustainable Development Management Research.

With the theme "Green growth and digital transformation: innovation for a sustainable Vietnam", TECHFEST Vietnam 2025 promotes startup models aligned with social and environmental responsibility and long-term vision.

It prioritizes high-tech, eco-friendly projects closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals as a foundation for Vietnam's digital economy and green future.

A key highlight of this year's final was its open-air venue at Hoan Kiem Lake's pedestrian zone, allowing residents, visitors, and the startup community to directly experience innovative products and solutions.

The open space helped spread innovation spirit and strengthen connections between startups and society.

For the first time, TECHFEST Vietnam welcomed international teams to jointly address real-world challenges in Vietnam, enhancing integration, professional quality, and global knowledge exchange.

At the opening, Le Toan Thang, Director of the National Innovation Startup Support Center, said TECHFEST 2025 implements Resolution 57 on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, and Resolution 68 on private sector development.

He said the competition not only selected promising projects but also supported capacity building through multiple rounds from October to December, helping startups refine products, business models, and ESG standards.

From an international perspective, Silvie Park, CEO of Startup World Cup Vietnam, said Vietnam's startup ecosystem is entering a strong growth phase, reflected in the confidence and adaptability of competing teams.

Many teams now match regional peers in technology, business models, and sustainable orientation, she said.

Silvie Park said Startup World Cup will continue supporting Vietnamese projects in accessing global investment networks.

Nguyen Phuong Linh, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Development Management Research, said a major change in TECHFEST 2025 was integrating social, environmental, and sustainability impact criteria.

She emphasized that Vietnam now startups not only for growth but for responsible development.

After presentations and evaluations, the jury assessed projects based on innovation, feasibility, operational quality, scalability, and impact.

The championship prize of US$20,000 and a ticket to represent Vietnam at Startup World Cup 2026 in San Francisco went to Growlab, a biotech startup with patented tissue culture technology producing uniform, high-yield coconut seedlings at scale.

The runner-up prize of $7,000 went to Volterra, a platform supporting electric vehicle charging infrastructure using digital twins, AI optimization, and dynamic load management.

The third prize of $20,000 went to Biglead, a solution by IDO E-commerce that optimizes multi-platform customer care and automates sales processes for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Two additional awards of $15,000 each went to Dayladau, selected by investors for growth potential, and Plantner, recognized for converting agricultural waste into organic fertilizer.

After the final, teams will continue receiving support from the TECHFEST ecosystem to commercialize products, expand markets, raise capital, and increase social impact.

TECHFEST 2025 reflects a clear message: innovation must serve people, communities, and a green, digital, and sustainable Vietnam.