2026 VinFuture Prize Opens Nominations for Breakthrough Research Impacting Millions
The VinFuture Foundation has officially opened the nomination portal for the 2026 VinFuture Prize, one of the world’s major international science and technology awards. The Prize recognizes breakthrough scientific research and technological innovations that meaningfully improve the lives of millions of people and advance a more equitable, sustainable future.
Nominations for the 2026 cycle are open until 2:00 PM (GMT+7), April 17, 2026. Submissions received after this deadline will automatically be rolled into the next year’s review cycle.
About the VinFuture Prize
Established to honor impactful scientific and technological innovations, the VinFuture Prize recognizes exceptional inventors and researchers from universities, research centers, laboratories, and professional research environments around the world. The Prize rewards solutions that address pressing global challenges and contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Award Categories & Funding
The VinFuture Prize consists of four annual awards:
Grand Prize — USD 3 million
Awarded for groundbreaking innovations that have already benefited millions of people and have the potential to transform daily life worldwide. Open to individuals or teams, regardless of nationality, gender, age, or background.
Three Special Prizes — USD 500,000 each
Focused on diversity, equity, and emerging fields:
- Special Prize for Innovators from Developing Countries
Awarded to researchers working in institutions in developing countries. - Special Prize for Women Innovators
Recognizes outstanding contributions by women in science and technology. - Special Prize for Researchers in Emerging Fields
Honors innovations at the frontier of interdisciplinary science, such as AI, quantum computing, biotech, IoT, robotics, neuromorphic computing, and more.
Eligible Fields
Nominations are accepted from all branches of science, technology, and engineering, including multidisciplinary fields, provided the innovation:
- Has clear evidence of practical, real-world application
- Has benefited millions in the past decade (Grand Prize) or has the potential to benefit millions in the next decade (Special Prizes)
- Aligns with one or more UN SDGs
- Is scientifically validated through trials, empirical research, or peer review
- Can impact global communities, especially disadvantaged or lower-income populations
Key Nomination Criteria
- End-products must demonstrate measurable human impact
- Work must be driven by researchers/inventors (not only commercial entities)
- Innovations must be scientifically proven and scalable
- Individuals or teams can be nominated
- Preference is given to nominees active in their fields
- A nominee may be eligible for multiple Special Prizes
Who Can Nominate
The VinFuture Prize accepts nominations from prestigious institutions and reputable individuals, including:
- Universities, research institutes, and academies
- Scientific associations and networks
- Corporations, industries, and innovation incubators
- Prominent individuals in related fields
Self-nominations are not accepted.
All submissions must be made in English via the Online Nomination Form.
2026 Timeline
| Phase | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Call for Nominations | January 2026 |
| Nomination Deadline | April 17, 2026 (2:00 PM GMT+7) |
| Pre-Screening | May – August 2026 |
| Review & Selection | September – November 2026 |
| Award Ceremony | December 2026 |
How to Apply
Submit nominations through the official online portal: Click Here
More information and FAQs: Click Here
About the VinFuture Foundation
The VinFuture Foundation partners with leading global academic institutions and scientific organizations to identify groundbreaking innovations that create meaningful, scalable change. By honoring visionary researchers, the Prize seeks to inspire further breakthroughs that uplift humanity.
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