Vietnam AI Stars 2026
Accelerating Vietnamese Startups
Enter as a Startup
You’re building an AI product that could change world. We’ll connect you with world-class mentors, judges, and investors — and a stage in Silicon Valley. VAS is a non-profit, all mentorships are free.
- 3-round competition, finals in Silicon Valley
- Mentorship from Google, Yahoo & AI experts
- Investor readiness coaching
- 85K+ global online audience from 2025
- Open to Vietnamese founders worldwide
Join as Mentor or Volunteer
Vietnam AI Stars (VAS) connects accomplished global Vietnamese network in tech with the founders who need them most.
- Mentor promising AI startups 1-on-1
- Join a global Vietnamese tech network
- Recognition from the broader community
- Flexible commitment — trial & formal tracks
- Be part of Vietnam’s AI origin story
Bridging the Gap to Global Startup Readiness
Vietnam AI Stars (VAS) empowers Vietnamese AI talents to build investment-ready startups. Leveraging our global network and Silicon Valley expertise, VAS equips founders with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to compete on the world stage — from developing robust prototypes to achieving investor readiness.
What truly sets us apart is our community. Beyond training and mentorship, VAS connects entrepreneurs with a powerful network of accomplished Vietnamese in tech — previous generations who collaborate to lift up the next. As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” At VAS, that village is our unique strength, fostering collaboration, creativity, and shared success.
Our mission is to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem where Vietnamese innovation can thrive, and to bridge the gap for Vietnamese founders striving for global startup readiness.
Vietnam AI Stars 2025 Recap
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New contest - Vietnam AI Stars 2026
Who Can Participate?
Eligibility Criteria
Open to Vietnamese origin candidates around the world, having passion about using Al to create meaningful value and impact.
Team Composition
A team can consist from 1 up to 5 members with at least 1 Vietnamese. Teams may represent startups, university groups, or independent professionals.
Travel Notice
However, please note that Final Round presentations will take place on stage in Silicon Valley. The finalist teams are responsible for their own visa applications and travel arrangements.
Judges
Format, Timeline and Scoring Criteria
Purpose: Filter and identify the 10 most promising AI projects from the pool of applicants, based on the quality of their idea, technical implementation, and the business impact.
Timeline: Feb 2026 (Launch) – April 15, 2026 (Submission Deadline).
Submission Requirements (Round 1): By April 15, 2026, teams must submit a complete application package through Vietnam AI Stars website (in English). The package includes:
1. Pitching Deck
A slide deck (PDF format, 10–15 slides recommended, max 20) outlining the project in depth. It should be structured like a professional pitch deck and cover:
- Problem Statement & Importance: What specific problem or need in Vietnam does the project address? Who are the beneficiaries or target users? Provide context or any relevant stats.
- Solution Overview: What is the AI-based solution? Describe the product or prototype and how it works at a high level. Include any unique innovation in algorithms or approach.
- Technical Implementation: Describe the AI technologies used (e.g. machine learning model type, data sources, architecture). Highlight any technical results (accuracy, performance metrics) or demo screenshots.
- Impact & Potential: How will this solution improve economic growth or quality of life? What is the potential scale of impact (e.g. number of people affected, cost savings, efficiency gains)?
- Feasibility & Plan: Explain how you plan to develop and deploy the solution in Vietnam. Mention current project status (prototype, MVP) and next steps. Address feasibility: do you have access to necessary data, expertise, partnerships?
- Team Strength: Introduce the team’s capabilities – why is this team suited to build and implement this project (experience in AI or the domain)?
- (Optional) Market or Sustainability: If relevant, outline the business model or sustainability plan (especially if it’s a startup idea). How might it continue after the competition, any potential customers or investors?
- The deck may include diagrams, charts, or visuals. Keep text concise and font readable. Slides must be in English. Ensure the deck is well-structured and clearly conveys the story of the project.
2. Pitching Video (optional)
- A video of the team pitching the project, 3 minutes max. This is a verbal presentation of the highlights of your project (like an elevator pitch combined with key slides or prototype glimpses). It should cover the problem, solution, why it’s innovative, and what impact it can have – essentially a condensed version of the deck in a compelling narrative. The video can feature team members speaking, slides, and/or a brief demo clip. English subtitles or voice-over required if spoken language is not English.
- Video format: YouTube/Vimeo link, ensuring that anyone with the link can view your video
3. Demo Video (optional)
- A separate video (up to 5 minutes) focusing on the functional demo of the AI solution. Show the prototype or system in action: for example, screen recordings of software, footage of a device working, or step-by-step usage demonstration.
- The goal is to convince judges that a working proof-of-concept exists (or at least a simulation if the full system is not built). Include narration or text to explain what’s happening.
- If the pitch video already contains a full demo, this can be an extended technical demonstration.
- Video format: YouTube/Vimeo link, ensuring that anyone with the link can view your video
All submission materials should be uploaded by the deadline via website https://vietnamaistars.com/. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted (unless there are extenuating circumstances and the organizers announce an extension). Each team must ensure all files are accessible (correct links, proper file formats). The organizers will keep submissions confidential and only share with judges.
For Mentor
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Why Volunteer With VAS?
Genuine Impact
Your guidance directly shapes AI companies that could transform Vietnam’s economy. This is the kind of work that still matters years from now.
Global Vietnamese Network
Connect with accomplished Vietnamese technologists from Google, Yahoo, Silicon Valley and beyond — a community you’ll carry for life.
Early Access to Talent
Work alongside tomorrow’s AI founders before anyone else. Investors and company builders find their best hires through programs like this.
Flexible Commitment
Start with a trial mentoring session. No long-term obligation until you’re ready. Formal mentoring and advisory tracks available for those who want more.
Join the mentors shaping Vietnam's AI future.
