Rostek, which provides intelligent automation and digital transformation solutions to the industrial sector, has won the first prize in the first Qualcomm Vietnam Innovation Challenge.

Its autonomous guided vehicles and fleet management system offer a high-tech, digitised solution for moving goods around warehouses and factory floors.

The first runner up was AIOZ, a deep-tech start-up that researches and develops AI technologies for mobile robotics systems, smart cities and others, won the second prize.

AOIZ’s BeetleBot indoor delivery robot uses artificial intelligence and a voice interface to deliver things like food or parcels in indoor settings, and is well suited for use in hospitals during COVID-19.

BusMap was the second runner up.

BusMap’s bHub AI-enabled camera system lets users monitor various safety factors in driving, and has strong on-device image recognition and monitoring capabilities to help ensure both driver and passenger safety.

They won cash prizes of US$100,000, $75,000 and $50,000.

Launched last year, a jury of experts chose nine shortlisted teams based on product value, technology differentiation and localisation, intellectual property opportunities or history, and business models to move to the incubation stage.

Each received grants of up to $10,000 and reimbursements of up to $5,000 for filing a maximum of two patents each in the incubation stage, which also included business training in a range of topics such as operations, customer development, competitive analysis, product management, global market entry strategy, mastering the pitch, intellectual property, and fundraising.

Alex Rogers, president, Qualcomm Technology Licensing & Global Affairs, said the contest is designed to encourage start-ups to come forward with innovative ideas and demonstrate the strength and creativity of Viet Nam’s start-up eco-system.

“These three finalists impressed the jury, and we believe they have great potential in helping the world connect through innovation and collaboration, which is absolutely necessary in building and sustaining a prosperous future with an innovation-driven economy.”

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Van Tung said: “Viet Nam is entering a new era of 5G, AI, cloud computing, and diverse IoT technology applications.

“Programmes such as the Qualcomm Vietnam Innovation Challenge provide Vietnamese start-up companies the support they need to become members of the global business eco-system. We would like to applaud the three finalists and encourage all of our local start-ups to continue to demonstrate f Viet Nam’s ability for accelerated innovation.”

Qualcomm said applications for next year’s QVIC are open. — VNS