Vietnam is putting state money behind AI projects ready to move beyond experimentation. Its National Technology Innovation Fund, or NATIF, is offering businesses and organizations up to VND3 billion, or about $114,000, per project to put artificial intelligence to practical use.
NATIF began accepting applications Sept. 16 for its 2026 AI technology innovation program. Businesses and organizations with legal-entity status can apply to create or substantially improve products, services, processes, or business models using AI.
Under NATIF’s 2026 funding call, projects must be completed within 12 months and demonstrate direct application, economic value, or a measurable social benefit. The timeline favors projects mature enough for near-term deployment.
The program follows Vietnam’s Aug. 28 approval of a national AI strategy through 2030, with a vision through 2045. Vietnam’s FPT also said it joined the OpenAI Partner Network in August as it pursued enterprise AI deployments across the Asia-Pacific region.
Funding favors deployment-ready AI projects
Applicants must explain the problem they intend to solve, implementation plan, expected results, schedule, budget, and funding structure. NATIF will assess whether a proposal can realistically be deployed and generate economic benefits or address a social problem.
Organizations must also show they can provide lawful funding from outside the state budget. Proposals supported by legal agreements with research institutes, universities, or small and midsize businesses providing AI solutions receive priority consideration.
NATIF expects to select 15 projects, with the government co-funding part of the cost and participating organizations covering the remainder. Eligible expenses include AI specialists, technology services, testing and evaluation, technology transfer, and work needed to prepare AI technology for deployment.
The emphasis on measurable outcomes comes as APAC companies increase AI spending while struggling to prove returns. An August KPMG survey found only 5% had established ROI backed by demonstrated business outcomes.
Six areas receive priority: manufacturing and processing; agriculture and agricultural processing; healthcare and pharmaceuticals; logistics and supply chains; trade, services and corporate management; and public administration. Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Tay Ninh are priority locations, along with other localities seeking to participate.
Regional investment is expanding alongside adoption. Databricks announced a $350 million Singapore expansion in September as it grew its APAC workforce and technical operations.
Data readiness and deadlines shape applications
Applicants must identify their data sources, establish access and usage rights, assess data quality, and explain how the data will be prepared.
Depending on the proposal, NATIF may also assess functionality, technical specifications, Vietnamese-language requirements, system integration, business processes, and deployment costs. Funded projects must comply with applicable rules covering intellectual property, technology transfer, technical standards, safety, and environmental protection.
Applications can be submitted through NATIF’s online system with a digital signature or delivered in hard copy to its Hanoi office. The deadline is 5 p.m. on Oct. 10, 2026. Proposals will then be evaluated before funding agreements are signed and money is disbursed according to project progress.
Submission timing could affect the outcome if demand exceeds available funding. NATIF says qualified applications will be considered in valid submission order if eligible proposals exceed either planned awards or the available 2026 budget.
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