Twelve individuals and organisations have been awarded the I-Star 2019 prizes, each worth 50 million VND (2,100 USD), for their excellent achievements in startup and innovation activities.
HCM City (VNA) – Twelve individuals and organisations have been awardedthe I-Star 2019 prizes, each worth 50 million VND (2,100 USD), for theirexcellent achievements in startup and innovation activities.
The awards, given at a ceremony held in Ho ChiMinh City on October 19, featured four categories: standoutnewly-established startups; innovative solutions; media work that has greatimpacts on the community; and investors, consultants and incubatororganisations that support innovation and start-ups.
Launched by the city’sDepartment of Science and Technology five months ago, the organising committeereceived 277 applications from which 40 were chosen for the final round.
The first category had three winners: BusMap Company Limited, 689Cloud JointStock Company, and TK25 Technology Joint Stock Company.
A STEAM model from the Le Quy Don Secondary School, an innovation in educationmodel at KDI Education Joint Stock Company, and a simplified process to grantbusiness and tax registration certificates from District 3’s economic bureauwon the second category.
There were three winners in the third category for press work - a special radioprogramme by the Voice of Ho Chi Minh City, a diary posted on the city’sinnovation website, and a lever for startups and innovation broadcast by Ho ChiMinh City Television.
The Centre for Business Incubation of Agricultural High Technology in Ho ChiMinh City (AHBI), the Topica Founder Institute, and the Women’s Initiative forStart-ups and Entrepreneurship (WISE) were honoured as the best incubators andsupporters.
According to Director of the municipal Department of Science and TechnologyNguyen Viet Dung, the I-Star awards contribute to promoting innovation andapplication of research outcomes into production and business, whileencouraging the spirit of startup and innovation in the community to createbreakthroughs for sustainable growth.
The event was part of the Ho Chi Minh City Innovation, Startup andEntrepreneurship Week held by the municipal People’s Committee and the FinnishEmbassy in Vietnam from October 15-19./.
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At the awarding ceremony (Photo: tuoitre.vn) 
