From August 4 to 5, 2026, the Hai Phong Department of Science and Technology, in collaboration with Vietnam Maritime University (VMU), hosted the TECHFEST HAI PHONG 2026 under the theme “Convergence of Intelligence - Advancing Innovation.”
As Hai Phong’s largest annual events dedicated to science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, TECHFEST HAI PHONG 2026 brought together more than 3,000 delegates and featured over 150 exhibition booths, connecting policymakers, scientists, universities, research institutes, businesses, enterprises, investors, and the startup community. The event aimed to promote innovation, technology transfer, the commercialization of research outcomes, and international cooperation.
The festival showcased cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, semiconductor technology, green technology, smart automation, robotics, digital transformation, digital economy solutions, and new energy technologies. A key highlight was the “Five Tech Ports” exhibition area, inspired by Hai Phong’s identity as a major port city and designed to facilitate technology exchange, investment opportunities, and collaboration among research institutions, universities, enterprises, and investors.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Duc, Vice President of Vietnam Maritime University, joined leaders of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Hai Phong City, and other distinguished guests in the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open “TECHFEST HAI PHONG 2026: Convergence of Intelligence - Advancing Innovation”
Strengthening VMU’s Role in the Innovation Ecosystem
For Vietnam Maritime University, co-hosting TECHFEST HAI PHONG 2026 holds particular significance as the University is actively implementing the Government-approved Project on “Develop Vietnam Maritime University to become the National key university for education and research serving the sustainable development of Vietnam’s seaward economy by 2030, with a vision to 2045”, approved under the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 1901/QĐ-TTg dated September 5th, 2025.
Over the past year, the University has accelerated the modernization of its academic programs in line with international standards, developed strong interdisciplinary research groups, invested in advanced laboratories, simulation centers, and digital infrastructure, and expanded scientific research, innovation, technology transfer, and international partnerships. TECHFEST HAI PHONG 2026 provided an excellent platform for VMU to showcase its academic and research achievements while strengthening collaboration with enterprises, investors, research organizations, and international partners.
Connecting Research, Technology and High-Quality Human Resources
TECHFEST HAI PHONG 2026 officially opened on August 4 at Vietnam Maritime University with the participation of Mr. Hoang Minh, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology; Mr. Hoang Minh Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People's Committee; Mr. Nguyen Cao Thang, Director of the Hai Phong Department of Science and Technology; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Duc, Vice President of Vietnam Maritime University; together with representatives from ministries, government agencies, universities, research institutes, enterprises, investment funds, international organizations, and the innovation community.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Hoang Minh Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People's Committee, highlighted the important role of TECHFEST HAI PHONG 2026 in mobilizing resources, promoting technology transfer and commercialization, and strengthening Hai Phong's innovation and startup ecosystem.
Mr. Hoang Minh Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee, delivered the opening address at TECHFEST HAI PHONG 2026.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Hoang Minh, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, praised Hai Phong's remarkable progress in developing its innovation ecosystem and reaffirmed the Ministry's continued commitment to supporting science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation nationwide.
Mr. Hoang Minh, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, delivers remarks at TECHFEST HAI PHONG 2026.
Following the opening ceremony, delegates participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibition area, officially opening more than 150 exhibition booths showcasing scientific research achievements, innovative technologies, and digital transformation solutions developed by universities, research institutes, and enterprises from Vietnam and abroad.
Throughout the two-day event, participants engaged in international forums, policy dialogues, scientific seminars, technology demonstrations, business matching sessions, investment networking, and technology transfer activities. On August 5, dedicated technology and talent matchmaking sessions connected enterprises with research institutions and universities before the festival concluded at noon.
As part of the exhibition, Vietnam Maritime University presented a wide range of research outcomes and technological innovations in maritime engineering, logistics, mechanical engineering, automation, information technology, energy, digital transformation, and the marine economy, demonstrating the University's strong research capacity and its potential for technology commercialization.
Advancing VMU’s Vision as the National Key University
According to the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index released in May 2026, Hai Phong's startup ecosystem was included in the global rankings for the first time, placing 765th worldwide and 23rd in Southeast Asia. This milestone reflects the city's rapidly growing potential in science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The Delegation visited the University’s scientific research and innovation products showcased at the exhibition.
VMU's active participation in TECHFEST HAI PHONG 2026 further demonstrates its commitment to strengthening the innovation ecosystem of Hai Phong and Vietnam while contributing to the implementation of Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, alongside the effective implementation of Prime Minister's Decision No. 1901/QĐ-TTg.
Guided by its vision of becoming a leading center for education, research, innovation, and technology transfer in maritime affairs, logistics, and the marine economy, Vietnam Maritime University will continue to foster collaboration among government agencies, academia, research institutions, and industry; develop highly qualified human resources; and contribute to the sustainable development of Vietnam's marine economy and the country's international competitiveness.