Ho Chi Minh City authorities are holding a major competition with the view of looking for innovation projects that effectively utilize artificial intelligence (AI) in the fields of manufacturing, business, and life.

On Thursday, the municipal Department of Science and Technology announced the launch of Ho Chi Minh City Artificial Intelligence 2020 (HAI 2020), which had been delayed for two months because of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

The contest, which seeks to encourage the development of AI technology and human resources in the southern metropolis, is organized by the science department in collaboration with the municipal Department of Information and Communications, Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City, and the National Agency for Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Development (NATEC).

According to Nguyen Viet Dung, director of the municipal Department of Science and Technology, the competition is open to all individuals, teams, companies, and institutions with projects that apply AI systems in various fields including manufacturing, business, transportation, finance, health, education, and agriculture.

The total prize pool is VND550 million (US$23,600), including three grand prizes of VND100 million ($4,300) each and five consolation prizes worth VND50 million ($2,150) each.

On top of that, contestants also have a chance to take part in three months of training activities, mentorship and incubator programs valued at up to VND200 million ($8,600).

Finalists also have the opportunity to present their ideas to top investors to obtain follow-up funding. “In my opinion, [these opportunities] are what individuals and start-ups badly need. They get to work with experts and other parts of the startup ecosystem to make their products or business models more perfect,” Dung said at the press conference announcing the competition on Thursday.

“They would meet with investors from all parts of the country,” he added.

Registrations are open until the end of July 31, 2020.

The final round and prize-giving ceremony are scheduled to be held at the 2020 Ho Chi Minh City Innovation, Startup and Entrepreneurship Week (WHISE 2020) in November 2020.

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