Ho Chi Minh City, June 2026 – Three youth-led digital solutions tackling urban waste and mobility barriers for people with disabilities emerged as winners of the GRAB the Future Hackathon 2026, a nationwide innovation challenge co-hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Grab Viet Nam, in collaboration with the National Innovation Center (NIC) and the International University - Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City (IU-VNUHCM). Selected from nearly 600 applications across the country, the winning ideas showcase how young innovators are using technology to build greener, more inclusive cities.

The hackathon demonstrated how collaboration between the public, private and development sectors can create opportunities for young people to turn innovative ideas into practical solutions for a greener, more resilient, and inclusive urban future. Over an intensive 36-hour innovation sprint, teams developed functional prototypes with guidance from mentors and experts in technology, sustainability, business, and public policy.

The winning solutions addressed two pressing urban challenges: reducing waste through circular consumption and improving accessibility for people with disabilities.

The First Prize went to GreenCart, an AI-integrated marketplace  connecting consumers with discounted near-expiry products to reduce waste and emissions.

Second Prize winner CLB Mất ngủ with RideNow help visually impaired users navigate ride-hailing services more independently.

Third Prize winner Team Panikotta with OpenPath provides real-time accessibility information to support people with mobility difficulties in navigating  urban spaces.

"Our web app hub aims to help people with mobility challenges get around more easily, both inside buildings and on the streets. This platform allows users to share information about physical barriers as well as accessible facilities. We also want to develop a feature that gives users real-time updates on the conditions of specific routes.” said Nguyen Viet Anh Khoa from Team Panikotta and a student at International University – Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (IU-VNU HCM)

Creating an Enabling Environment for Youth-Led Innovation 
Supported by 38 mentors from Grab Viet Nam and experts from the wider innovation and business ecosystem, teams received continuous, hands-on feedback to strengthen the feasibility and impact of their ideas. The programme emphasised practical problem-solving, responsible and inclusive use of digital technologies, and strong alignment with real urban challenges.

In the pre-hackathon phase, teams participated in capacity-building workshops focused on problem exploration, design thinking, and responsible technology development. This foundation enabled participants to enter the competition with clearly defined challenges and well-developed approaches, allowing them to make the most of the hackathon and further strengthen their solutions.

A multi-sector judging panel, comprising representatives from the innovation ecosystem, development organizations, public institutions, and the tech industry, evaluated the final pitches. Solutions were assessed based on their relevance to pressing urban challenges, quality of problem framing, feasibility, and potential for scaling in real-world contexts.

Phan Kim Vinh Phuc, a student from International University - Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (IU-VNUHCM), shared: “From the programme, I learned that to solve any problem, we must understand the wider system and address its root causes. Through this journey, I’ve met many like-minded friends to collaborate with, and I feel extremely fortunate for that.”

Fostering Multidisciplinary Support Networks and Career Pathways for Youth
Beyond the competition, the programme created opportunities for young people to connect with mentors, experts, and peers across the innovation ecosystem, gaining practical insights into product development and exposure to private-sector environments and relevant career development pathways, including potential internship opportunities with Grab Viet Nam.

Selected teams will continue to receive post-hackathon support to further refine their solutions, while the winning team will participate in a regional youth innovation forum, where they can exchange ideas and connect with young innovators from across Asia and the Pacific.
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About the GRAB the Future Hackathon
Grab the Future Hackathon is a digital innovation challenge for youth co-hosted by Grab Viet Nam and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam, in collaboration with the National Innovation Center (NIC) and International University - Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City (IU–VNUHCM). The programme encourages Vietnamese youth aged 18-24, particularly those in technology-related fields, to develop practical digital solutions for sustainable urban living.
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For additional information, please contact: 
Nguyen Thu Thao, Communications Associate, UNDP in Viet Nam
Email: nguyen.thu.thao@undp.org, phone: 0866793095