HCM City People’s Committee officials on Thursday launched the I-Star Award 2023 competition for creativity, innovation and business start-ups.

The awards, given by the city Department of Science and Technology, are divided into four categories: small and medium business start-ups showing creativity, economic efficiency and positive impact on society; organisations and individuals offering innovative solutions that benefit the community; media that has a great impact on the community; and investors, experts, and incubator organisations that support innovation and start-ups.

There are three prizes in each category. The winners will be chosen by a group of experts and online voters from the community.

Nguyen Viet Dung, director of the city’s Department of Science and Technology, said the organisers want to build a culture of innovation and start-ups in all fields and spread the spirit of creativity and innovation.

In recent years, start-ups have grown rapidly in the city, attracting domestic and foreign investors.

Individuals and organisations can register online until August 31 by filling out the form at the website www.doimoisangtao.vn.

Individuals, organisations and businesses will receive the 2023 I-Star Award and a cash prize of VND50 million (US$2,150). — VNS