HCM CITY — The International Technology Exhibition iTECH EXPO 2026 next month will expand display spaces dedicated to specialised hardware, smart devices, and the semiconductor ecosystem, while showcasing innovative "Make in Vietnam" products, organisers have said.

Organised by the Ho Chi Minh City Computer Association (HCA) in partnership with Alta Media and strategic partners, the exhibition will take place from September 30 to October 2 at the Queen Plaza Kỳ Hòa Convention Centre in HCM City’s Hòa Hưng Ward.

Backed by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the city People’s Committee, the event aims to position technology as a key driver of economic development in line with the Politburo’s Resolution No 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation.

According to the organisers, last year's event recorded over 1,600 B2B and B2G business connections, a 60 per cent increase from 2024, and visitor numbers more than doubled from 4,000 to over 9,000 attendees.

Under the theme “New Tech, Innovation Unleashed,” this year’s event targets 10- 20 per cent growth in both scale and performance compared to its previous edition and is expected to feature nearly 100 booths set up by domestic and foreign tech firms.

The 2026 exhibition marks a strategic shift by expanding beyond software solutions into specialised hardware, smart devices, and the integrated circuit and semiconductor ecosystem.

Leading technology corporations, including Faraday Technology Vietnam and ASRock, are set to participate, according to the organisers.

HCA is also working with the Investment and Trade Promotion Centre of HCM City to organise the HCM City Pavilion, giving small and medium-sized technology enterprises the opportunity to promote and commercialise innovative “Make in Vietnam” solutions.

Speaking at a press conference to introduce the expo, Lâm Nguyễn Hải Long, HCA’s chairman, said the boundaries between hardware and software had increasingly disappeared in the digital era.

“The ultimate value of technology does not lie separately in lines of code or semiconductor wafers, but crystallises in the seamless convergence where software embeds deeply into hardware, uniting with AI and IoT chips.

“This is the golden key to creating high-value ‘Make in Vietnam’ products and propelling Vietnamese enterprises move up the global value chain.”

The exhibition will feature specialised conferences on semiconductors and integrated circuits, smart factories, digital culture, information security, circular agriculture, green energy, technical workshops, and B2B matchmaking to promote technology transfer and help Vietnamese enterprises expand into international markets.

The Ministry of Science and Technology, the Department of Science and Technology, and HCA will also host a forum connecting technology agencies and computer associations in southern provinces and cities to promote knowledge sharing, technology transfer and digital-economy development.

Exhibitors and visitors will have access to upgraded digital tools, including an AI-powered real-time translation system, an enhanced business-matching app, and interactive 360-degree virtual spaces.

Nguyễn Hữu Yên, deputy director of the HCM City Department of Science and Technology, said Resolution 57 is increasingly being translated into practical action, with the city identifying the digital economy as a new development model to help restructure the economy and create new growth momentum.

He praised iTECH EXPO for expanding its focus on key technologies such as AI, semiconductors, integrated circuits, smart factories and the Internet of Things, adding that it showcases domestic technological capabilities while connecting local businesses with international experts and companies to promote technology transfer and commercialisation. — VNS