Part of VAMIM 2026
Vinmec Innovation Challenge 2026
Where medical ideas compete to make impact
Vinmec Innovation Challenge 2026 is a scientific competition held as part of the Vietnam Annual Conference on Medical Innovation and Healthcare Models, designed to create a rigorous, competitive and rewarding academic platform for researchers, clinicians, postgraduate trainees, technology teams and healthcare startups within and beyond the Vinmec ecosystem.
Overview
The Vietnam Annual Conference on Medical Innovation and Healthcare Models 2026 is an opportunity for Vinmec Healthcare System to review, share and shape the direction of scientific research and healthcare innovation.
Within this framework, Vinmec Innovation Challenge 2026 is organized as a scientific competition associated with the conference, creating a rigorous, competitive and rewarding academic platform.
The competition aims to recognize research ideas, clinical initiatives, healthcare technology solutions and medical products with practical impact potential.
Objectives
Academic Impact
To promote scientific research and recognize outstanding young scientists and researchers within and beyond the Vinmec system.
Strategic Connection
To build a young healthcare talent database and connect promising research and technology teams with Vinmec's scientific and innovation ecosystem.
Choose your track
Four competition pillars for researchers, clinical teams and health innovators.
Young Investigator Award
Big Question. 3 Minutes. Make It Matter.
First Prize: VND 50,000,000
Afternoon, 27 November 2026, 14:00–16:00.
FIT Competition — Fellow in Training Research Challenge
Think Fast. Defend with Evidence.
First Prize: VND 50,000,000
Afternoon, 28 November 2026, 13:30–15:30.
MedTech Innovation — HealthTech Pitch
From Prototype to Pilot.
First Prize: VND 50,000,000
Morning, 29 November 2026, 09:00–11:30.
Poster Competition — Research in a Glance
See it. Scan it. Vote it.
First Prize: VND 5,000,000
Displayed throughout the conference; authors are expected to be present during official judging slots.
Research Themes
- • Smart Healthcare
- • Genomics & Cell Therapy
- • Healthcare Models and Public Health
- • New Medical Products, Solutions and Technologies
Venue
VinPalace Co Loa, Vinhomes Global Gate Urban Area, Hanoi.
- • Competition room: Sapphire 3 Hall, approximately 100 seats, hosting all oral and pitch sessions.
- • Poster area: The conference exhibition area, displayed in an open space combined with partner booths.
Competition Journey
Follow the full path from track reveal to awards day.
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15 July – 31 August 2026
Save the Date / Track Reveal
Announcement of the four tracks and positioning.
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1 September 2026
Registration opens
Online submission begins.
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15 October 2026
Abstract deadline
Submit abstract of maximum 150 words.
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1 November 2026
Selection results announced
Finalists announced.
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20 November 2026
Slide/poster deadline
Submit final presentation or poster.
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27–29 November 2026
Conference and competition dates
Competition tracks take place.
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29 November 2026
Award announcement
Awards presented at the Closing Ceremony.
Three-Day Competition Schedule
| Time | Activity | Details | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00–13:30 | Set up | Finalize competition room, technical setup, poster mounting, projection/audio check and QR voting system check | Competition room, Exhibition area |
| 13:30–14:00 | Competition room opening | Introduce the scientific competition program, track rules and Popular Vote instructions | Competition room |
| 14:00–16:00 | Track 1: Young Investigator Award | Authors present research to the judging panel; expected 15–20 presentations | Competition room |
| 14:00–18:00 | Track 4: Poster Competition | Judges evaluate posters from Groups A and B; delegate voting begins | Exhibition area |
| Time | Activity | Details | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00–09:15 | Opening Plenary Session | No competition, judging or evaluation activities during this time | Main hall |
| 10:00–12:15 | Track 4: Poster Competition | Judges evaluate posters from Groups C and D; complete professional poster evaluation; Popular Vote continues | Exhibition area |
| 13:30–15:30 | Track 2: FIT Competition | Teams present and respond to questions; expected 8–10 teams | Competition room |
| 15:30–16:30 | Track 4: Poster Review | Poster judging panel reviews results from all 4 poster groups and confirms professional award shortlist | Competition room |
| 16:30–17:00 | Judging panel deliberation | Consolidate completed track results, review minutes and handle ties if any | Competition room |
| 20:00 | Gala Dinner | Feature selected research, posters and projects as Top Picks; no official award announcement | Arranged by the Organizing Committee |
| Time | Activity | Details | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00–11:30 | Track 3: MedTech Innovation — HealthTech Pitch | Teams pitch healthcare technology solutions/products, demo and respond to judges; expected 8–10 teams | Competition room |
| 12:00 | Popular Vote Awards | Close voting system, consolidate voting and professional scores, submit final results to judging panel | Competition room |
| 13:30 | Closing and Award Ceremony | Announce and present awards for all tracks, Popular Vote Awards and other awards if any | Main hall |
Registration & Submission Requirements
Participants or teams must complete online registration using the official form issued by the Organizing Committee and provide the following information:
- • Full name of author or team members.
- • Institution or organization.
- • Professional title or position.
- • Email address.
- • Contact phone number.
- • Selection of one competition track only.
- • Research theme.
- • Abstract in Vietnamese or English, maximum 150 words, using the official template.
- • Participation format according to the selected track.
Participation format
- • Oral Presentation/Pitching for Tracks 1, 2 and 3.
- • Scientific poster for Track 4.
Each abstract may be registered for only one competition track.
Track and Theme Selection Guidance
Track 1 — DISCOVER
Individual competition. Suitable for submissions focused on research questions, study design, data/evidence or protocols with a clear validation plan.
Track 2 — DEFEND
Team competition with at least one FIT/resident. Suitable for clinical problem-solving submissions following the logic of Evidence → Decision → Implementation.
Track 3 — BUILD
Suitable for products or solutions with prototype, MVP, PoC, validation or pilot evidence and a clear testing/implementation objective.
Track 4 — SHOWCASE
Suitable for research dissemination through posters. The same abstract cannot be submitted to both Tracks 1–3 and Track 4.
If a submission overlaps between tracks, the Organizing Committee may suggest transferring it to a more suitable track before final eligibility confirmation, with confirmation from the author or team.
Selection Process
The Organizing Committee and expert panel will review submissions and assess the suitability of each abstract for the selected track.
Abstracts that meet the scientific requirements will be selected for the final round and announced according to the official timeline.
Selected authors are responsible for submitting final presentation slides or posters before the deadline for technical review and conference preparation.
Track details
- About this track
- A track focused on individual research capability. The 3+2 minute format requires participants to distill a major research question, research logic and evidence value.
- Format
- Individual competition
- Who it's for
- Open to researchers under 40 years old, including PhD or master's candidates conducting research in healthcare, within and beyond the Vinmec system. Individual competition.
- Best suited for
- Research questions, study design, data or evidence, and protocols with a clear validation plan.
- Presentation
- 3-minute presentation + 2-minute Q&A; maximum 5 slides. Poster not required.
- Suggested content
- Research question; Methodology; Preliminary results or plan; Clinical significance.
- Schedule
- Afternoon, 27 November 2026, 14:00–16:00.
- Expected scale
- 15–20 presentations.
- Judging panel
-
- • 1 expert from Vinmec.
- • 1 expert from VinUni.
- • 1 expert from a university, hospital, research institute, scientific organization or domestic/international academic partner.
- Scoring
- Detailed scoring criteria will be updated by the Organizing Committee in the official guidelines for each track.
- Prizes
-
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First Prize
VND 50,000,000 + abstract publication in the conference proceedings + connection with leading experts at Vinmec/VinUni
-
Second Prize
2 awards, VND 30,000,000 each
-
Third Prize
5 awards, VND 10,000,000 each
-
- Post-conference support
- Top 3 participants may be considered for Vinmec's Young Researcher Network, with opportunities to receive support and join Vinmec's scientific research and innovation ecosystem.
- About this track
- A team-based competition for fellows and residents, emphasizing critical thinking, clinical problem solving and evidence-based decision defense under time pressure.
- Format
- Team competition
- Who it's for
- Teams of 2–5 members, under 40 years old, currently in postgraduate medical training, with at least one team member in FIT/residency/postgraduate training. Open to all institutions.
- Best suited for
- Clinical problem-solving submissions following the logic of Evidence → Decision → Implementation.
- Presentation
- Round 1: 5-minute presentation + 3-minute Q&A; maximum 10 slides.
- Rapid Fire Challenge
- 3 standardized questions per team; 30 seconds preparation per question; 90 seconds response per question.
- Schedule
- Afternoon, 28 November 2026, 13:30–15:30.
- Expected scale
- 8–10 teams.
- Judging panel
-
- • 3–5 members, consisting of experienced senior clinicians from Vinmec Healthcare System, representing different specialties.
- Scoring
- Detailed scoring criteria will be updated by the Organizing Committee in the official guidelines for each track.
- Prizes
-
-
First Prize
VND 50,000,000
-
Second Prize
2 awards, VND 30,000,000 each
-
Third Prize
3 awards, VND 10,000,000 each
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- Post-conference support
- High-performing teams may be considered for Vinmec's scientific research and innovation ecosystem and connected with suitable departments or researchers within the system.
- About this track
- A track designed for startups, R&D teams and solutions with a minimum maturity level such as prototype, MVP, proof of concept or validation. Its distinctive value is bridging demo-ready ideas with potential pilot opportunities within Vinmec's ecosystem.
- Format
- Team competition
- Who it's for
- Startups, research and development teams, AI labs, engineering schools, and medical device and technology companies; small teams of up to 5 members with healthcare technology products or solutions. Open to all institutions and nationalities.
- Best suited for
- Products or solutions with a prototype, MVP, proof of concept, validation or pilot evidence, and clear testing or implementation objectives.
- Presentation
- 7-minute pitch + 5-minute Q&A. Live demo preferred; recorded demo or simulation allowed if live demo is not feasible.
- Schedule
- Morning, 29 November 2026, 09:00–11:30.
- Expected scale
- 8–10 teams.
- Judging panel
-
- • 1 Vinmec leader in charge of technology, digital transformation or innovation.
- • 1 Vinmec clinical expert.
- • 1 business representative, investment fund representative or invited innovation expert.
- Scoring
- Detailed scoring criteria will be updated by the Organizing Committee in the official guidelines for each track.
- Prizes
-
-
First Prize
VND 50,000,000 + Vinmec Pilot Package, including access to a clinical testing environment and technical support from Vinmec teams
-
Second Prize
2 awards, VND 30,000,000 each + direct connection with Vinmec Technology team and leadership
-
Third Prize
5 awards, VND 10,000,000 each
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- Post-conference support
- Special Collaboration Award, independent of prize ranking: the panel may select up to 2 teams to join Vinmec's research and innovation ecosystem through collaboration mechanisms suitable for each project.
- About this track
- This track turns the poster area into a continuous conference experience. QR voting creates delegate interaction while remaining separate from professional judging scores. Outstanding posters may be featured as Top Picks or Flash Talks if the program allows.
- Format
- Scientific poster competition
- Who it's for
- All delegates, including physicians, nurses, residents, PhD and master's candidates, researchers within and beyond Vinmec, medical students, and abstracts that need a showcase channel.
- Presentation
- A0 vertical poster using the official template provided by the Organizing Committee. Displayed in the conference exhibition area, combined with partner booths.
- Rules
- Each abstract may be registered for only one track. The same abstract cannot be submitted to both Tracks 1–3 and Track 4.
- Display
- Displayed in the conference exhibition area, in an open space combined with partner booths.
- Interaction
- Delegates scan the QR code on each poster to vote; each delegate may vote for up to 3 posters per day.
- Schedule
- Displayed throughout the conference; authors are expected to be present during official judging slots.
- Judging panel
-
- • 1 researcher or lecturer experienced in research methodology.
- • 1 scientific reviewer or scientific committee member.
- • 1 expert with relevant expertise in the field of the submitted work.
- Scoring
- The Poster Competition includes professional evaluation by the judging panel and delegate voting via QR code. Each delegate may vote for up to 3 posters per day.
- Prizes
-
-
First Prize
VND 5,000,000
-
Second Prize
VND 3,000,000
-
Third Prize
VND 2,000,000
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- Post-conference support
- Outstanding posters may be featured in conference communication, academic activities or post-conference networking.
Prize Pool
Young Investigator Award
-
First Prize
VND 50,000,000 + abstract publication in the conference proceedings + connection with leading experts at Vinmec/VinUni
-
Second Prize
2 awards, VND 30,000,000 each
-
Third Prize
5 awards, VND 10,000,000 each
FIT Competition
-
First Prize
VND 50,000,000
-
Second Prize
2 awards, VND 30,000,000 each
-
Third Prize
3 awards, VND 10,000,000 each
MedTech Innovation
-
First Prize
VND 50,000,000 + Vinmec Pilot Package, including access to a clinical testing environment and technical support from Vinmec teams
-
Second Prize
2 awards, VND 30,000,000 each + direct connection with Vinmec Technology team and leadership
-
Third Prize
5 awards, VND 10,000,000 each
Poster Competition
Poster group awards:
-
First Prize
VND 5,000,000
-
Second Prize
VND 3,000,000
-
Third Prize
VND 2,000,000
Popular Vote Awards
6 posters with the highest QR votes.
-
First Prize
VND 1,500,000
-
Second Prize
2 awards, VND 1,000,000 each
-
Third Prize
3 awards, VND 500,000 each
Post-Conference Support
Outstanding individuals and teams may receive opportunities for connection and development within Vinmec's research and innovation ecosystem.
Talent Database and Post-Conference Connection
Through the Scientific Competition Program, Vinmec aims to build a database of young researchers, clinicians, postgraduate trainees and healthcare innovation teams, including individuals and organizations beyond the Vinmec system.
This long-term database will support expert connection, research network development, high-quality talent attraction and development, interdisciplinary research team formation, scientific collaboration, innovation and product development within Vinmec.
After the conference, the Organizing Committee will compile a VAMIM 2026 Young Talent Report, providing an overview of research talent by specialty, institution, age group and research field. This report will serve as a reference for Vinmec leadership in scientific research development.
Awarded authors and outstanding teams may be invited to join Vinmec's Research and Innovation Network to maintain connection, share collaboration opportunities and participate in scientific activities in future conference editions.
Additional professional information to collect
- • Specialty and field of expertise.
- • Research interests.
- • Scientific publications or completed research projects.
- • Experience in research collaboration or innovation, if any.
Judges & Mentors
Named judges will be announced by the Organizing Committee. Below is the panel structure for each track.
Detailed scoring criteria will be updated by the Organizing Committee in the official guidelines for each track.
The Poster Competition includes professional evaluation by the judging panel and delegate voting via QR code. Each delegate may vote for up to 3 posters per day.
Young Investigator Award
- • 1 expert from Vinmec.
- • 1 expert from VinUni.
- • 1 expert from a university, hospital, research institute, scientific organization or domestic/international academic partner.
FIT Competition
- • 3–5 members, consisting of experienced senior clinicians from Vinmec Healthcare System, representing different specialties.
MedTech Innovation
- • 1 Vinmec leader in charge of technology, digital transformation or innovation.
- • 1 Vinmec clinical expert.
- • 1 business representative, investment fund representative or invited innovation expert.
Poster Competition
- • 1 researcher or lecturer experienced in research methodology.
- • 1 scientific reviewer or scientific committee member.
- • 1 expert with relevant expertise in the field of the submitted work.
Who should apply
Each track is designed for a distinct participant group, helping applicants choose the most suitable category based on their capability, idea maturity and professional direction.
Track 1 — YIA
PhD and master's candidates, postdoctoral researchers, young lecturers and research teams at institutes, universities and hospitals.
Track 2 — FIT
Residency programs, specialist training programs, fellowships, teaching hospitals and young physician networks.
Track 3 — MedTech
Healthtech startups, incubators/accelerators, AI labs, engineering schools, R&D teams, medical device and technology companies.
Track 4 — Poster
The broader scientific community, nurses, postgraduate trainees, medical students, early-stage researchers and abstracts that need a showcase channel.
FAQ
Ready to join the challenge?
Choose your track, prepare your abstract and submit before 15 October 2026.