On February 10 in Hanoi, the National Innovation Center (NIC) formally launched the International Quantum Computing Hackathon (QC4SG 2026).
The occasion marks a strategic step for Vietnam in becoming a member of the worldwide know-how worth chain within the “post-AI” period.
The occasion is co-organized by NIC in collaboration with the Vietnam Quantum Technology Innovation Network (VNQuantum), the Open Quantum Institute (OQI), and the Gia Lai Department of Science and Technology.
The hackathon is just not solely a know-how playground but additionally an effort to implement the Politburo’s Resolution No57 on breakthroughs in science, know-how, innovation and nationwide digital transformation.
The subsequent wave after AI
As main powers such because the US, China, Japan and the European Union make investments billions of {dollars} within the quantum race, consultants say this can be a pivotal second for creating nations like Vietnam to grab the chance.
Lee Eunkyu, Science, ICT and Communications Attaché on the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Vietnam, raised the query: “The world is caught up in intense AI competition, but what comes after AI? The answer is quantum technology.” He burdened that the sphere is now not a distant future however has turn into a decisive think about industrial power and nationwide safety.
Sharing the identical view, audio system on the occasion identified that quantum know-how has moved past the tutorial analysis part and into the industrial software stage. Leading companies akin to IBM, Google, and NVIDIA are aggressively constructing ecosystems and coaching human sources to realize a long-term benefit.
Despite being a brand new and complicated discipline, Vietnam is taken into account to have nice potential within the discipline because of its younger workforce and robust basis in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Vo Xuan Hoai, Deputy Director of the NIC, famous that Vietnam has already made a world mark within the semiconductor and AI sectors, evidenced by NVIDIA establishing its largest AI R&D middle outdoors the US. Hoai believes Vietnam has a strong foundation to develop its quantum business.
However, Vietnam’s technique is to not cowl all the worth chain. “We cannot do everything from start to finish. We need to select a suitable segment to develop together with the world in the most effective way, rather than spreading our investment,” he mentioned, suggesting a deal with supplies, copper wires or smaller elements as potential beginning factors.
The QC4SG 2026 worldwide hackathon is designed as step one on this technique, making a platform to attach younger expertise, analysis communities and worldwide buyers.
Its aim is to find and incubate breakthrough concepts to handle sensible challenges in healthcare, finance, logistics and vitality.
Bringing Quantum to the general public
Rossy Nhung Nguyen, Chair of VNQuantum, mentioned QC4SG 2026 is the primary quantum hackathon in Vietnam and a part of a broader sequence of occasions throughout Southeast Asia.
A key function of the competitors is its openness. “You do not need to be a quantum physicist to come up with quantum solutions,” she mentioned.
The organizers are dedicated to supporting contestants from primary data (Quantum 101) to the prototyping stage, encouraging anybody with a curious mindset to take part.
The occasion can also be supported by the Open Quantum Institute (OQI), a worldwide initiative aimed toward bringing quantum know-how to creating nations.
Registration is open till March 31. From May to June, individuals will obtain core data coaching and hands-on technical apply by means of a Quantum Bootcamp.
Those who move the coaching spherical will journey to Quy Nhon to type groups and work with mentors, together with CEOs and CTOs from main quantum firms, throughout Hackathon Week.
From Paris, Associate Professor Nguyen Luong Quang of the IAS Institute and Head of Research and Development at VNQuantum, mentioned: “This is not just a competition. It is a launchpad for genuine quantum startups. We focus on practical solutions with real-world applicability and game-changing impact in the digital era.”
An attention-grabbing spotlight is the co-organizing function of Gia Lai province. Nguyen Huu Ha, Deputy Director of the Gia Lai Department of Science and Technology, mentioned the province views quantum know-how as a discipline with robust breakthrough potential throughout computing, communications, AI, information and varied socio-economic sectors.
Through cooperation with NIC and VNQuantum, the province hopes to progressively turn into a regional hub for science and know-how experience.
The Korean consultant additionally expressed confidence in cooperation prospects. With an formidable technique to spend money on nationwide quantum clusters, South Korea sees Vietnam as a promising associate given their shut financial ties.
Thai Khang