The registration for AI Accelerator Challenge 2021 (AAC 2021) organised by the Vietnam Silicon Valley Foundation (VSV Foundation) opened from 0:00 on February 25.

The registration for AI Accelerator Challenge 2021 (AAC 2021) organised by the Vietnam Silicon Valley Foundation (VSV Foundation) opened from 0:00 on February 25.

Under the auspices of the Vietnamese Ministry of Science & Technology and support from the Aus4Innovation Programme, AAC 2021 is a brand-new national competition calling for all innovators to share their bright ideas for rolling out artificial intelligence-driven innovation into new areas of industry, fields of science, and the day-to-day lives.

AI startup has undoubtedly been gaining a lot of attention in recent years in Vietnam, but they often lack the support or visibility they need to grow. AAC 2021 provides an exciting opportunity for innovators to receive seed funding and incubation training to help them maximise their chances of success.

The programme is designed to open to any individual and team who want to contribute to the economic and social development of Vietnam by using AI technology.

During the first phase, applications will be screened online based on the answers on the application form and selected for the next round.

The 15 selected starts-up will enter an intensive one-month bootcamp programme in order to evaluate their personalities, mindsets, and collaboration with the programme.

These selected startups will be invited to make a 15-30-minute presentation in front of an expert panel.

The five selected startups will enter three-month intensive bootcamp programme with access to mentoring and up to VND200 million (US$8,723) in no equity funding.

Andrew Barnes, Australian Chargé d' Affaires to Vietnam, highlighted achievements Vietnam has recorded in the COVID-19 combat, saying Australia is realising its strong commitments to supporting the country’s efforts in overcoming the pandemic and reviving the national economy for a long-term through sponsoring initiatives promoting AI-driven innovations.

Thach Le Anh, Founder of the VSV Foundation, said the VSV Foundation forms part of the programme, aiming to help AI startups get access to consultants in order to develop their business and call for investors.