The top three finalists of the fourth season of the Qualcomm Vietnam Innovation Challenge. — Photo courtesy of Qualcomm

HCM CITY — Vbee - Conversational AI platform, HSPTek - Anti-static real-time monitoring wearable device, and Met EV -Affordable smart E2W with an AI-power battery swapping solution, have been named as the top three finalists of the 2024 Qualcomm® Vietnam Innovation Challenge (QVIC), with awards of US$100,000, $75,000, and $50,000, respectively.

All participants will join Qualcomm Technologies’ global network, enhancing their industry exposure and opportunities in global tradeshows and customer meetings.

Organised by Qualcomm Technologies Inc, a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, and supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, since its launch in 2019, QVIC has aimed to encourage the development of emerging technology ecosystem in Việt Nam.

Utilising Qualcomm Technologies’ cutting-edge mobile platforms and technologies, the programme identifies and nurtures innovative small- and medium-sized companies which are designing products in important technology areas such as AI, 5G, IoT, robotics and drones, smart cities, wearable devices, and multimedia technologies.

Utilising the patent filing incentive of the programme, QVIC startups have filed over 101 patent applications.

Sudeepto Roy, vice president, Engineering, Qualcomm Incorporated, said: "The 2024 programme not only featured the highest number of applications in our programme’s history but also showcased a strong lineup of startups specialising in edge-AI technologies, which account for 70 per cent of our finalists.

“These companies are at the forefront of sectors such as biometric security, robotics, healthcare automation, wearable tech, smart mobility, AI-powered entertainment, retail analytics, multi-camera systems, conversational AI, and sustainable energy solutions.

“Their innovative contributions are propelling Việt Nam's economic growth by creating new industries and job opportunities, ensuring Việt Nam's prominent position on the global stage and its competitive edge in the international market."

Phạm Hồng Quất, director of the ministry’s National Agency for Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Development, said: “After four years of companionship, we are very grateful for the contribution of the QVIC to Việt Nam's innovation ecosystem, especially for creating a favourable environment for Việt Nam's young technology talents to be trained, gain experience and participate in solving global challenges in a new context.” — VNS