Director of Bắc Ninh Province’s Department of Science and Technology Nguyễn Văn Dũng and Deputy Secretary of the Bắc Ninh Provincial Youth Union Hà Thái Sơn present certificates and emblems to representatives of Digital Citizen Contest’s partner units. — Photos courtesy of Bắc Ninh Province's Department of Science and Technology

BẮC NINH — Bắc Ninh Province authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to accompanying and creating favourable conditions for innovative ideas to be implemented, technology projects to be developed and young talents to have an environment to innovate, contribute and grow.

Mai Sơn, Standing Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, has made the statement at the closing ceremony of the National Innovation and Start-up Festival (Techfest 2025) on December 19.

The Bắc Ninh provincial People’s Committee recently held the closing ceremony of the Provincial Innovation and Start-up Festival (Techfest), presented the Journalism Awards for Science and Technology and awarded prizes for the Bac Ninh Digital Citizen Contest 2025.

These events carry strong practical significance, reflecting the province’s determination to build an innovation ecosystem, promote the application of science and technology, accelerate digital transformation, foster digital citizens and spread the value of scientific and technological knowledge throughout society.

Bắc Ninh’s Techfest 2025 recorded the highest-ever number of products, works, projects and ideas submitted to competitions and award programmes.

The festival attracted more than 231 start-up ideas and projects, many of which feature high technological content, creative thinking and strong practical applicability.

The projects focus on digital technology, supporting industries, artificial intelligence, automation and high-tech agriculture, marking a strong shift from a broad-based movement to greater depth and quality.

Also at the closing ceremony, the organising committees presented the Journalism Awards for Science and Technology and Digital Citizen Award.

The Journalism Awards for Science and Technology received more than 104 individual and grouped entries, honouring the persistent efforts of journalists and editors who have accompanied the province in science and technology communication.

Their works have helped shape scientific thinking and foster a culture of innovation in society.

Many journalistic pieces not only reported on developments but also provided in-depth analysis, spreading knowledge and inspiring public engagement.

The organising committee presented two Grade B prizes, four Grade C prizes, eight consolation prizes and seven subsidiary awards.

Standing Vice Chairman of the Bắc Ninh provincial People’s Committee Mai Sơn presents the first prize to winners of the Digital Citizen Contest.

The Digital Citizen Contest attracted more than 1.2 million participants, creating a platform for spreading digital knowledge, skills and habits across all segments of society, while strongly promoting the message that every citizen is a 'digital cell' of the digital government, digital economy and digital society.

The organising committee awarded prizes to 24 individuals who won weekly awards and six units that received collective awards in the final round of the online multiple-choice competition.

Vice Chairman Sơn said in 2025, the province maintained a high growth momentum, becoming one of six localities nationwide to record double-digit growth, while the business and investment environment continued to improve.

The province ranked first nationwide in the index measuring services for citizens and businesses, particularly in the electronic environment, he said.

These achievements have been directly supported by science, technology and innovation. Enterprises have stepped up the application of new technologies, robotics, automation and artificial intelligence in production, he said.

Standing Vice Chairman Mai Sơn and Director of the provincial Department of Science and Technology Nguyễn Văn Dũng present certificates and emblems to the first winner at the Bắc Ninh Innovation and Startup Contest 2025.

He said public governance has advanced significantly through the use of digital data, online public services, specialised databases and digital infrastructure. Meanwhile, residents now have easier access to technology in areas such as digital payments, digital healthcare, digital education and e-commerce.

He called on departments and localities to further improve mechanisms and policies to attract science and technology enterprises and promote the formation of research and development (R&D) centres within the province.

He also urged stronger digital transformation in state management, greater application of digital data and artificial intelligence in smart urban development, education, healthcare, environmental protection, transport and corporate governance. — VNS