• Open to Vietnamese individuals or teams of up to 3 members. (Each team can be 1–3 people.) Teams may represent startups, university groups, or independent professionals.
• Projects must address a problem/opportunity relevant to Vietnam (economic development or quality of life). At least one team member should be proficient in English for presentation purposes.
• Each individual/team may submit only one project. Projects must be original work of the team – plagiarism or submission of others’ work will lead to disqualification.
• There is no restriction on project stage; both newly developed prototypes and ongoing projects are allowed, as long as the work is primarily that of the team and not a fully commercialized product yet. (If using existing open-source components or pre-trained models, disclose and focus on your team’s contributions.)

A comprehensive slide deck (PDF format, recommended 10–15 slides, maximum 20) that thoroughly outlines the project. We strongly encourage candidates to use the provided TEMPLATE to ensure all key components are addressed in a clear and professional manner. However, creativity is welcomed, and participants are free to adopt their own presentation style if preferred. . 

• A video of the team pitching the project, 3 minutes max. This is a verbal presentation of the highlights of your project. English subtitles or voice-over required if spoken language is not English. 
• Video format: YouTube/Vimeo link, ensuring that anyone with the link can view your video

• A separate video (up to 5 minutes) focusing on the functional demo of the AI solution. Show the prototype or system in action: for example, screen recordings of software, footage of a device working, or step-by-step usage demonstration. 
• The goal is to convince judges that a working proof-of-concept exists (or at least a simulation if the full system is not built). Include narration or text to explain what’s happening. 
• Video format: YouTube/Vimeo link, ensuring that anyone with the link can view your video

The Semi-Final will be conducted via an online video conference (e.g. Zoom or a similar platform). Each of the 10 teams will join the session during their allotted slot. The structure for each team’s session: 10 minutes presentation + 5 minutes live demo + 5-10 minutes Q&A with judges.

• Teams should prepare a live presentation.  Aim for ~10 minutes to pitch the project, emphasizing key points (problem, solution, impact, progress).
• This is followed by up to 5 minutes of live demo. Teams are expected to show their application or prototype live. This allows judges to see current functionality and perhaps ask the team to perform specific actions to validate the tech.
• Finally, 5-10 minutes of Q&A, where judges will ask probing questions. Judges may ask about technical details, business strategy, implementation challenges, or anything needing clarification.
• Teams must be ready to think on their feet and provide clear answers. The Q&A tests depth of knowledge and how well the team has considered various aspects of their project.

Semi-finalists will be given detailed instructions after Round 1. Key preparation aspects:

• Updated Slide Deck: Teams can update their presentation from Round 1 based on feedback. This deck can be more fine-tuned and can include new developments (e.g. new results, improved demo screenshots, pilot test data, etc.). It must still be submitted in advance (by a deadline a few days before the semi-final event) to organizers for smooth screen-sharing or as backup. The slide limit remains ~15 slides (teams should focus on clarity and impact).
• Live Demo Setup: Teams should ensure their tech environment is ready for screen sharing. If the project is a software, have it running locally or on a server to demonstrate. If it’s hardware, have videos or live webcam feed to show it. A tech rehearsal may be organized a day or two before the semi-final: each team can do a trial run on Zoom to test audio, video, screen share, and demo to avoid technical glitches on the day.
• Presentation Skills: Teams are encouraged to practice their timing. Speaking clearly and within the 10-minute slot is crucial. Organizers will share tips or a coaching webinar on how to make an effective pitch and handle Q&A.
• Backup Video: As a fail-safe, teams may submit a backup video of their intended presentation or demo. This would only be used if live technical difficulties occur (e.g. network outage).

Each of the 3 finalist teams will deliver an on-stage presentation and live demo, followed by Q&A from an expert judge pane. Presentation time is 15-minute maximum.

A polished pitch telling the story of the project from inception to future plans. (Teams will have rehearsed to deliver a compelling narrative.) They can use slides and multimedia, and even include a short video or live demo within this time. Emphasis on vision and impact, as well as progress made since semi-finals.

 High-profile judges (and possibly one or two questions from the audience) will quiz the team. At this stage, questions may focus on scalability, go-to-market strategy, investment needs, or technical robustness for deployment.

• After Semi-Finals until the final event, the 3 finalist teams undergo an intensive 3-week mentorship and coaching program with several AI Experts, Industry Professionals, Subject Matter Advisors, Pitch Coaches. They will refine all aspects of their project and presentation. Specific preparation steps for the final include: 

• Teams must update their pitch deck into a 15-minute presentation. They should incorporate any new developments (maybe they improved their prototype or conducted a pilot in the interim) and craft a strong narrative about the problem, solution, impact, and future roadmap.
• Each team should also prepare a live demo or product showcase for the stage. If it’s software, possibly a live demo; if hardware or if live demo is risky, a high-quality demo video embedded in the presentation.
• A day before the final event (Aug 22, 2025), the teams will have an in-person rehearsal at the venue. They can practice on stage, test their slides on the AV system, and adjust for stage timing. Coaches/mentors will be present to give last-minute feedback. There will also be a briefing on stage etiquette and use of microphones, etc.
• The organizers may also host a networking dinner or welcome event for the teams when they arrive, allowing them to meet judges, mentors, and local tech community members in a casual setting.