The annual awards, first launched in 1995 by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Viet Nam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA), and VIFOTEC, aim to encourage scientists and businesses to apply new inventions for production and daily life.

In the past 16 years, nearly 2,000 project entries had joined the competition, and 500 had won awards, being applied effectively nationwide and contributing to socio-economic development, said VIFOTEC and VUSTA President Dang Vu Minh.

This year, entries were received in the fields of mechanical automation, materials technology, information technology, electronics, telecommunications, bio-technology, environmentally-friendly technology, proficient use of natural resources, energy conservation, and new energy sources.

Three first prizes, nine second prizes, 16 third prizes and 13 fourth prizes were presented.

Speaking at the awards ceremony yesterday, April 19, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan praised the contribution of the inventions to the country's development.

"The awards also express the creativity and initiative of Vietnamese youth," he said.

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) also presented its awards for patents, best project, best female scientist, and best young scientist.

Dr Vu Thi Thuan from Traphaco Joint Stock Co, who earned the WIPO nod as best female scientist, said she and her colleagues researched and produced the herbal liver medicine which not only profited the company but helped herb growers escape poverty.

Prof Pham Hong Khoi and partners from the Material Science Institute were given the WIPO award for their project on production and application of carbon nanotubes material.

The project also earned VIFOTEC's first prize.