With advanced technologies developed and tested in Australia, the projects are expected to have a positive impact on the innovation ecosystem and socio-economic development in Vietnam.

Selected from nearly 70 project proposals in the 3rd year funding round of the Aus4Innovation Program with the topic “Strengthening Digital Transformation”, the projects are implemented by a collaborative partnership among universities , research organizations and enterprises of Australia and Vietnam, including:

Augmented reality application to improve medical examination and treatment in remote areas: This initiative is based on the application of augmented reality (AR) technology to improve the efficiency of remote support among medical professionals, central health professionals with less experienced medical staff in remote areas of Vietnam. Complicated and urgent cases will be better supported for treatment. The project is implemented by the University of Tasmania and Bach Mai Hospital with a budget of AUD 387,245;

Smart Eye technology improves sugarcane productivity: The project will develop a system using unmanned aerial vehicles and artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) technology to help farmers in Thanh Hoa monitor constant nutrient content and pest status in sugarcane fields, thereby improving yield and reducing production costs. The project is implemented by the University of Wollongong and VIGREEN Technology Company with a budget of AUD 300,000;

AI and IoT applications in search and rescue: The project aims to strengthen search and rescue in natural disasters in Vietnam with the latest technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), artificial intelligence (AI) and remote sensors. The project is implemented by the Sydney University of Technology and Le Quy Don University (Military Engineering Academy) with a budget of AUD 440,000;

Ecosystem environment management with AI technology: The project will bring together leading experts in artificial intelligence, machine learning, Internet of things (IoT), environmental technology and biological conservation to support environmental management in Tram Chim National Park. The project is implemented by the University of Wollongong and Ho Chi Minh City Polytechnic University with a budget of AUD 250,000.

Speaking congratulating the selected projects, Ms. Robyn Mudie, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam said: “Building on the success of two previous funding rounds of the Aus4Innovation Program, we are delighted to continue to support the Aus4Innovation Program initiatives to help Vietnam solve pressing problems in socio-economic development. In the period of economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic, promoting international cooperation projects in science and technology, such as AI or IoT becomes extremely important, especially in the fields of health, responding to natural disasters, developing sustainable agriculture and protecting natural resources – digital transformation in these areas will make a positive long-term impact.”

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy said: “The Covid-19 pandemic, with its increasingly complex developments globally, shows us the important role of digital transformation in socio-economic development. The funded projects this time are not only highly practical, promoting the application of high technology in areas of demand in Vietnam, but are really meaningful in the current context. We expect these advanced Australian technologies to be applied in the innovation ecosystem and create a strong spillover effect in Vietnam.”

The Aus4Innovation program has implemented two funding rounds in 2019 and 2020 with 8 selected high-tech projects. This third funding round is conducted in the context of the increasingly complex Covid-19 pandemic to support Vietnam's early sustainable recovery. Information about the projects funded this round can be found at the website of the Aus4Innovation Program.

The Aus4Innovation program, implemented for the period of 2018-2022 with a total budget of AUD 13.5 million, aims to help strengthen the capacity of Vietnam's innovation system and prepare for the future of technology and the digital economy. The program is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), managed by the Australian Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) with a strategic partner of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam.

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