A key highlight of DAVAS 2026, set for May 25–27, is its significantly expanded international scale compared to previous editions, with participation from more than 30 investment funds and investors from Singapore, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United States, the Philippines and Vietnam.

According to organisers, the participating funds collectively manage investment portfolios exceeding US$5 billion. The forum will also attract more than 100 international experts and speakers.

This year’s event has received registrations from over 70 innovative startup projects and companies from Vietnam and abroad across sectors including AI, Web3, blockchain, fintech, education and healthcare. Organisers expect around 5,000 participants to join the series of activities during the three-day forum.

DAVAS 2026 is being held to implement national policies on science and technology development, innovation and digital transformation under Resolution 57. It also aims to promote the role of technology enterprises, investors and social resources in driving rapid and sustainable economic growth.

It will feature a range of activities, including startup pitching sessions before international investors, 1:1 direct investment matching, a Web3 Builders Summit, a technology exhibition with more than 50 booths, and in-depth seminars and discussions on investment and innovation.

Notably, organisers said investor interest in this year’s edition has increased sharply, with many venture capital funds proactively registering to participate instead of requiring direct invitations as in previous years.

Nguyen Viet Toan, director of the Da Nang Startup and Innovation Support Centre, shared that DAVAS 2026 will feature more than 60 pitching teams divided into three fundraising presentation rooms.

“We are highly optimistic about achieving breakthroughs this year. In previous years, it was difficult to invite investment funds, but this year many have proactively expressed interest in joining,” he said.

According to Toan, Da Nang’s leadership is aiming to transform the city into a technology hub and expand its innovation ecosystem, with DAVAS emerging as an early indicator of progress toward that goal.

Da Nang, Sekong coordinate border traffic, immigration during road upgrade

A meeting between officials from Da Nang and Laos’ Sekong province was held in Sekong on May 6 to discuss traffic management and immigration procedures at the Nam Giang – Daktaok international border gates during the Vietnamese city's upgrade of National Highway 14D.