Qualcomm has officially launched the Qualcomm Vietnam Innovation Challenge (QVIC) 2026, marking the sixth edition of its annual program that supports the growth of Vietnam’s technology startup ecosystem. The initiative, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology, aims to nurture next-generation innovators in fields such as artificial intelligence, 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, smart cities, and automotive technology.
The 2026 program was kicked off at the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) in Hanoi. Organizers said QVIC is not only a competition but also a hands-on training platform offering specialized courses on innovation & fundraising and intellectual property (IP). By integrating IP into the training curriculum, QVIC seeks to help startups secure, protect, and commercialize their ideas — a crucial step when pitching to investors or expanding into global markets.
Over the past five years, QVIC has supported dozens of Vietnamese startups, helping many raise investment and introduce products through Qualcomm’s network. Participants have filed more than 200 intellectual property registrations, including patents, trademarks, and design rights — a sign of growing awareness about IP protection in Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem.
A key highlight of QVIC 2026 is the introduction of L2Pro (Learn to Protect), Qualcomm’s global online learning platform on IP rights, now officially available in Vietnam. Already implemented in the United States, India, and Taiwan, L2Pro provides free educational resources for students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to understand how to protect and monetize their innovations.
Applications for QVIC 2026 are open from October to December 2025, with final presentations scheduled for August 2026. The top three teams will receive funding, technical mentorship, and opportunities to connect with global investors and partners.
According to Qualcomm executives, Vietnam’s vibrant startup community is emerging as a regional hub for innovation. The QVIC program reflects Qualcomm’s long-term commitment to supporting local talent, strengthening intellectual property awareness, and accelerating the digital transformation of the Vietnamese economy.
Sources: Vietnam Government Portal, VnEconomy, VietnamNet, Sở hữu Trí tuệ Online
