The Vietnam Trade Office in Canada, in coordination with the Ho Chi Minh City Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (HCMC C4IR), cordially invites Canadian technology companies, start-ups and innovation-driven organizations to attend the AEF 2026 and apply for the Rising Star Arena, a special technology and innovation showcase within the Autumn Economic Forum 2026 (AEF 2026) in Ho Chi Minh City.
Date: October 27, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Venue: ThiSky Hall, Sala Urban Area, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Website:
Application deadline: October 9, 2026
See attached file for more details.
Hosted by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee and co-branded with the World Economic Forum (WEF), AEF 2026 is expected to convene approximately 1,500 delegates, including senior leaders of the Government of Viet Nam and Ho Chi Minh City, government and ministerial representatives from partner countries, senior representatives of WEF and the global C4IR network, global business leaders, investors, financial institutions, research institutes, universities and the innovation ecosystem.
Showcase Canadian Innovation at the Rising Star Arena
Under the theme “Converging Innovation, Shaping the Future – Rise, Showcase, Scale,” the Rising Star Arena is designed to bring high-potential technologies closer to markets, partners and resources for growth.
Only 30 participating organizations will be selected to showcase their technologies, products and innovative solutions across four rotating stages. Each selected company will receive a dedicated 30-minute live presentation slot, with simultaneous English–Vietnamese interpretation and technical support provided by the Organizing Committee. The format also includes dedicated networking sessions, enabling participating companies to engage directly with potential partners, investors and decision-makers.
Canadian companies and start-ups with proven technologies and innovation solutions are particularly encouraged to apply in areas including AI, data and digital infrastructure; emerging technologies; smart manufacturing and robotics; green technologies and energy; circular economy; smart cities; FinTech and digital economy; agriculture and food technologies; healthcare and biotechnology; and other breakthrough technologies with strong commercialization potential.
Why Participate?
Participation in the Rising Star Arena offers Canadian companies an opportunity to:
- Present their technology directly to senior government representatives, business leaders, investors and potential partners;
- Explore opportunities for pilot projects, investment and technology transfer in Viet Nam;
- Gain visibility through the Forum’s website, agenda and communications channels;
- Participate in selected AEF 2026 activities and business networking opportunities; and
- Build longer-term connections through HCMC C4IR and Ho Chi Minh City’s innovation ecosystem.
Canadian companies interested in participating are encouraged to contact the Vietnam Trade Office in Canada for further information and application support.
Vietnam Trade Office in Canada
Email: ca@moit.gov.vn | vntradetoca@gmail.com
Website: vntradetoca.org
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