Vietnam Hosts International Quantum Hackathon Focused on Real-World Applications

Insider Brief

• Vietnam hosted the finals of the 2026 Quantum Computing for Social Good International Hackathon, bringing together 27 finalist teams from 30 countries and territories.
• The event focused on developing quantum computing applications across areas including AI, cybersecurity, logistics, finance, energy, healthcare, and sustainability.
• The hackathon aligns with Vietnam’s broader strategy to develop quantum technologies as a national priority through research, talent development, and industry collaboration.

The finals of the 2026 Quantum Computing for Social Good International Hackathon opened on July 24 in Gia Lai province, bringing together 27 finalist teams comprising nearly 100 contestants from a pool of more than 500 applications submitted by participants from 30 countries and territories, Vietnam Investment Review reported.

The event is organised by the National Innovation Centre (NIC), the Gia Lai People’s Committee, and the Vietnam Quantum Innovation and Technology Experts Network (VNQuantum), with support from domestic and international partners. Around 50 experts and mentors are participating in the programme, which runs from July 24 to 28 and includes training sessions, technical mentoring, solution development, and product demonstrations before an expert judging panel on Demo Day.

The competition is the largest quantum hackathon of its kind in the region to date, the publication reported.

Policy Context

The hackathon takes place against a backdrop of formal government classification of quantum technologies as a national priority. Vietnam Investment Review reports that the Politburo’s Resolution No.57-NQ/TW identifies science, technology, and digital transformation as key drivers of economic growth, while Prime Minister’s Decision No.21/2026/QD-TTg classifies cybersecurity and quantum technologies as strategic technologies. Quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum sensing are designated as priority technologies for development under that framework.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam has reiterated the need for Vietnam to pursue quantum technology with a long-term strategic vision, describing it as a critical foundation for advancing science, technology, innovation, national competitiveness, and technological self-reliance.

Competition Scope

The hackathon focuses on applying quantum computing to challenges across AI, cybersecurity, logistics, finance, energy, agriculture, healthcare, and sustainable development. Problem statements are drawn from real-world industry and societal needs, and teams are encouraged to develop solutions connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The programme follows a structure described as a training–mentorship–investment matching–incubation model, aimed at helping promising ideas develop into commercially viable projects.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, former Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung said the participation of researchers and young talent from around the world reflected Vietnam’s ambition to engage with frontier technologies. “Quantum technology is creating opportunities across multiple industries,” he said. “Competition in this field extends beyond technology itself to talent, research capability, and innovation ecosystems. Vietnam must engage early, gradually master these technologies, and build competitive advantages through Vietnamese innovation and expertise.”

Organisers

Vo Xuan Hoai, deputy director of the NIC, said in a statement cited by Vietnam Investment Review: “Vietnam must simultaneously strengthen fundamental research, talent development, application-driven research, and collaboration among government agencies, businesses, universities, research institutes, and international partners to participate more effectively in global value chains.”

The NIC has established and supported 15 domestic and overseas expert networks with more than 2,000 members and runs programmes covering talent development, startup incubation, investment promotion, and technology transfer. The centre also supported the establishment of VNQuantum, which it describes as a platform connecting researchers, businesses, and international partners.

Lam Hai Giang, Vice Chairman of the Gia Lai People’s Committee, said hosting the Gia Lai Quantum Year 2026 and the hackathon finals reflects the province’s commitment to advancing strategic technologies and attracting researchers, technology companies, and skilled talent to support a knowledge-based economy.

Next steps

Alongside the competition, the VNQuantum Dealroom will connect teams, research groups, and startups with corporations, investors, and technology partners. Following the finals, the NIC and VNQuantum will continue supporting promising projects through the end of 2026, helping teams refine their technologies, strengthen business models, and connect with enterprises, investors, and domestic and international partners to accelerate real-world deployment, the publication reported.