Ha Noi, 7 August 2026 – Young innovators across Viet Nam will have the opportunity to receive up to USD 15,000, expert mentoring, real-world testing opportunities and an innovation learning exchange in the Republic of Korea through RE:ACT – Youth Innovation Challenge for Resilient Communities, launched today by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Innovation Center (NIC), with the support from Samsung.

The initiative aims to identify and support youth-led solutions that address practical challenges facing communities across Viet Nam, helping young innovators move from ideas to tested solutions with real social impact. The launch brought together representatives from government agencies, development partners, the private sector, academia, youth organizations, and the wider innovation ecosystem.

RE:ACT is part of the global partnership between UNDP and Samsung to equip young people with the skills, resources, mentorship and opportunities needed to develop practical solutions for more resilient communities. In Viet Nam, the programme is co-led by UNDP and NIC, with support from Samsung.

In 2026, the programme aims to attract over 600 applications from youth-led projects nationwide. Selected teams will receive a comprehensive support package, including non-refundable financial support of up to USD 15,000 per team, six months of technical mentoring and coaching, and access to living labs where they can test, validate and refine their products, services or business models in real-world environments. Participants will also benefit from targeted capacity-building activities and a learning exchange in the Republic of Korea, providing exposure to innovation ecosystems and practices that can help strengthen their solutions.

The initiative comes as Viet Nam accelerates national efforts to advance science, technology, innovation and digital transformation (Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW) while recognizing the private sector as a key driver of development (Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW). RE:ACT supports these national priorities by creating practical pathways for young people to develop, test and scale solutions that respond to community needs.

“Against the backdrop of Viet Nam's rapid digital and technological transformation, establishing practical pathways for innovation to transition into real-world applications is crucial. As a catalyst for the national innovation ecosystem, NIC expects the RE:ACT programme to guide youth-led initiatives from ideation to real-world testing. This journey will enhance their feasibility and capacity to deliver tangible value to communities.” said Mr. Do Tien Thinh, Deputy Director of the National Innovation Center.

Ms. Francesca Nardini, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Viet Nam, highlighted:
"Young people are not only beneficiaries of development. They are partners in shaping it. They understand the challenges in their communities. They see problems differently. They often find opportunities that others miss. RE:ACT brings the capabilities of government, universities and businesses together around young innovators and the communities they aim to serve."

"Under Samsung's CSR vision of 'Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People,' we continue to invest in nurturing future talents so that the next generation can lead the way in technology. Through these efforts, we aim to contribute in strengthening Viet Nam's future competitiveness. Guided by this vision, Samsung is proud to support RE:ACT – Youth Innovation Challenge for Resilient Communities. This initiative represents another step in Samsung's ongoing commitment to foster Viet Nam's innovation ecosystem and empowering young people to leverage technology in developing solutions that contribute to more resilient communities. Samsung will continue to do its utmost to go beyond its role as Viet Nam's largest foreign investor and become the most trusted partner in nurturing the tech talents who will lead the country's future," said Mr. Na Ki Hong, President of Samsung Vietnam.

Applications for RE:ACT - Youth Innovation Challenge for Resilient Communities will open through the official programme portal. Youth-led teams across Viet Nam are encouraged to apply.

Details on eligibility criteria, application timeline, selection process and support package will be available through the official programme portal and official communication channels of UNDP in Viet Nam, NIC and programme partners.