On May 26, 2026, Hai Phong City will host a conference to implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City People's Committee and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), while officially launching Techfest HaiPhong 2026 and the Innovative Startup Talent Search Contest. This event demonstrates the city's determination to attract international resources to transform into a smart and modern urban area.
Actualizing Strategic Cooperation with KIST Korea
The event, held at the Hai Phong Department of Science and Technology, is a practical step to implement commitments signed in April 2024 and November 2025. Under Plan No. 333/KH-UBND, Hai Phong aims to concretize cooperation based on principles of equality and mutual benefit, targeting substantive outputs for the innovation ecosystem.
The center of this initiative is the establishment and operation of the “KIST-HaiPhong Technology Center and Research and Development Center” (KIST-HaiPhong Techhub). This center is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026 and will serve as the "nucleus" for receiving and transferring technology from South Korea. A key highlight of the upcoming conference is the MOU signing for a technology transfer project involving the Hai Phong Innovation Center, KIST Gangneung, and ECO-HOPIA Company, marking the transition of laboratory research into practical business applications.
Human Resource Training and High-Tech Research
Beyond infrastructure, Hai Phong is prioritizing the training and development of science and technology human resources. The cooperation plan includes three specialized training modules: R&D Management, technology transfer, and innovation ecosystem development. These will involve short-term courses in South Korea and periodic training sessions in Hai Phong led by KIST experts, with a target of at least three courses annually.
Research efforts will expand into high-tech sectors where KIST excels and Hai Phong has high demand, particularly Biomedicine and Biotechnology (Bio-Tech). Joint research topics include marine medicinal resource surveys, eco-friendly materials for shipbuilding and coastal construction, and bio-additives for sustainable engine exhaust treatment. Local universities and institutes have also been tasked with proposing interdisciplinary research groups to collaborate with KIST on major pilot projects.
Techfest HaiPhong 2026 and the "Smart City Operations" Contest
The conference will also introduce Techfest HaiPhong 2026, the city’s premier startup festival connecting investors and experts with potential projects. To inspire the younger generation, the Department of Science and Technology will launch the “2026 Innovative Startup Talent Search” with the theme “Smart City Operations”. This contest seeks technological solutions for optimizing urban management in areas like transportation, energy, and public services. Core challenges and prize structures will be announced at the conference to allow teams to begin their preparations.
Strategic Vision and System-Wide Involvement
This cooperation is a high-level strategic priority; as early as 2025, the City Party Secretary directed that KIST provide consultancy on transforming industrial zones and clusters into high-tech industrial parks. To ensure maximum efficiency, the City People's Committee has assigned specific responsibilities to various departments:
- Economic Zone Management Board: Coordinate infrastructure for R&D centers and attract technology satellites.
- Department of Foreign Affairs: Manage protocol and international delegation exchanges.
- Department of Finance: Balance the budget for the KIST-HaiPhong Techhub’s infrastructure and operations.
- Department of Industry and Trade: Survey the actual technological needs of local enterprises to guide joint research.
The May 26 conference marks the beginning of a new breakthrough phase. The synergy between "external resources" from South Korea's leading research institute and the "internal resources" of the city's entrepreneurial spirit is expected to drive Hai Phong firmly into a digital and sustainable era.