Ho Chi Minh City Embraces Technology as a New Growth Engine
The Tech4Life 2026 Conference has begun with the aim of increasing artificial intelligence and deep tech applications in the city's economy.
Ho Chi Minh City has designated science, technology, and digital transformation as the primary driving force of development, aiming to bring artificial intelligence, automation, and deep tech fields into practical applications.
A New Technology-Focused Era
Ho Chi Minh City defines science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the driving forces for creating new productivity and expanding the space for development. It is emphasized that artificial intelligence, deep technology, data, and automation must transition from the experimental stage to practical application.
Tech4Life 2026 Conference
The plenary session of the Tech4Life 2026 Exhibition and Conference was held under the theme Core Technology Solves Core Growth Challenges. The event was jointly organized by the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology.
Need for Change in Economic Model
It is stated that the growth model based on labor-intensive production and resource exploitation has reached its limits. It has been expressed that the city needs new growth drivers and that the development space has expanded to encompass the digital space, data, and low-carbon economy areas.
Gap Between Application and Commercialization
It was emphasized that the biggest current bottleneck is the gap between technological capabilities and application and commercialization. To bridge this gap, the city administration is focusing on institutional mechanisms, open data spaces, and digital infrastructure.
Role of the Innovation Ecosystem
It was stated that businesses must be at the center of the innovation ecosystem, while the state assumes a guiding and foundational role. The goal is to transition from technology applications to creating tangible value for production and business activities.
Comprehensive Event Program
Held on September 17-18 under the theme Technology Elevates Life, the program includes exhibitions, conferences, thematic workshops, more than thirty speakers, seventy booths, and the national final round of the VietFuture Awards 2026.