The Top 20 Startup Competitions in Vietnam You Should Enter

 The Top 20 Startup Competitions in Vietnam You Should Enter 

Vietnam is emerging as a hotspot for startups in Southeast Asia, with its vibrant economy, young and tech-savvy population, and supportive government policies. One of the best ways to gain traction and propel your startup to the next level is by participating in startup competitions. These events not only provide funding opportunities but also valuable exposure, mentorship, and networking. Here are the top 20 startup competitions in Vietnam you should consider entering.

1. TechFest Vietnam

What it is: The largest annual startup and innovation event in Vietnam, hosted by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Why enter: High visibility, extensive media coverage, and significant funding opportunities.

Website: TechFest Vietnam

2. Startup Vietnam Foundation (SVF) Pitch Competition

What it is: A national competition organized by the Startup Vietnam Foundation, focusing on innovative startups across various sectors.

Why enter: Comprehensive mentorship, networking with investors, and potential funding.

3. Vietnam Startup Day

What it is: An annual event that brings together startups, investors, and industry leaders for networking and pitching opportunities.

Why enter: Extensive exposure, networking opportunities, and access to potential investors.

4. Topica Founder Institute Demo Day

What it is: A pitch event for graduates of the Topica Founder Institute, one of Vietnam's leading startup accelerators.

Why enter: Access to Topica's network of mentors and investors, and potential for significant funding.

5. Saigon Innovation Hub (SIHUB) Pitch Competition

What it is: An initiative by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology to support startups through pitch competitions and incubation.

Why enter: Government backing, extensive mentorship, and access to funding.

6. VietChallenge

What it is: A global startup competition for Vietnamese entrepreneurs, organized by the Vietnamese community abroad.

Why enter: International exposure, mentorship from global industry leaders, and significant funding opportunities.

Website: VietChallenge

7. Mekong Innovative Startups in Tourism (MIST)

What it is: A competition focused on innovative tourism startups in the Mekong region, including Vietnam.

Why enter: Sector-specific mentorship, regional exposure, and potential funding.

8. Swiss EP Demo Day

What it is: A pitch event by Swiss Entrepreneurship Program, aimed at supporting early-stage startups in Vietnam.

Why enter: International mentorship, exposure to Swiss investors, and funding opportunities.

Website: Swiss EP

9. Shark Tank Vietnam

What it is: The Vietnamese version of the popular TV show, where startups pitch their ideas to a panel of investors.

Why enter: High visibility, potential for significant funding, and media coverage.

Website: Shark Tank Vietnam

10. Vietnam Frontier Summit

What it is: An annual event focusing on frontier technology startups, including a pitch competition.

Why enter: Access to technology experts, potential funding, and media exposure.

11. Youth Co Vietnam

What it is: An initiative by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to empower youth-led startups.

Why enter: Support from international organizations, mentorship, and funding opportunities.

Website: Youth Co

12. InnoVEX Vietnam

What it is: A part of the InnoVEX series, this event includes a pitch competition for tech startups.

Why enter: Access to a global network of tech experts, potential funding, and media exposure.

13. Viettel Advanced Solution Track

What it is: A competition by Viettel Group, focusing on innovative tech solutions across various industries.

Why enter: Corporate backing, access to Viettel's resources, and potential for strategic partnerships.

14. Fintech Challenge Vietnam

What it is: A competition organized by the State Bank of Vietnam to support fintech innovations.

Why enter: Sector-specific mentorship, potential for regulatory support, and funding opportunities.

15. Lotte Accelerator Pitch Day

What it is: A competition by Lotte Accelerator, targeting innovative startups in various sectors.

Why enter: Corporate support, potential for strategic partnerships, and funding opportunities.

16. K-Startup Grand Challenge Vietnam

What it is: Part of the K-Startup Grand Challenge, this event focuses on Vietnamese startups looking to expand into Korea and beyond.

Why enter: International exposure, mentorship from Korean experts, and funding opportunities.

17. Vietnam Startup Wheel

What it is: An annual competition organized by Business Startup Support Center (BSSC), one of the largest startup events in Vietnam.

Why enter: Extensive media coverage, mentorship, and significant funding opportunities.

Website: Vietnam Startup Wheel

18. Vietnam IoT Hackathon

What it is: A competition focusing on Internet of Things (IoT) innovations, organized by leading tech companies in Vietnam.

Why enter: Access to tech resources, mentorship, and potential funding.

19. Vietnam Innovative Startup Accelerator (VIISA) Demo Day

What it is: A pitch event for graduates of the VIISA accelerator program.

Why enter: Access to VIISA's network of investors and mentors, and potential funding.

Website: VIISA

20. FPT Techday

What it is: An annual event by FPT Corporation, featuring a pitch competition for tech startups.

Why enter: Corporate support, access to FPT's tech resources, and potential funding.

Conclusion

Vietnam offers a rich and diverse ecosystem for startups to grow and thrive. By participating in these top 20 startup competitions in 2024, you can gain invaluable exposure, mentorship, and funding opportunities. Whether you're a tech innovator, social entrepreneur, or looking to expand internationally, there's a competition tailored to your needs. Embrace these opportunities and make 2024 a breakthrough year for your startup journey in Vietnam.