The National Innovation Center (NIC), operating under the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam, was established by the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 1269/QĐ-TTg dated October 2, 2019. The NIC plays a pivotal role in developing the national innovation and startup ecosystem by promoting a growth model based on science, technology, and innovation. Over the years, the NIC has become a central hub for connecting startups, technology enterprises, academia, and international partners.
Nationwide Innovation Programs and Competitions
NIC has launched and coordinated several large-scale national programs and competitions aimed at identifying and supporting innovative startup solutions. Notably, the Vietnam Innovation Challenge attracted over 750 applications from 12 countries. Among the finalists were prominent tech firms such as VNPT, FPT, CMC, and Misa. The top 12 solutions were honored at the Vietnam International Innovation Exhibition (VIIE), attended by the Prime Minister and leaders from various ministries and localities. These events have fostered innovation visibility and created platforms for solution showcase and partnership building.
Driving the Semiconductor Industry Ecosystem
NIC has emerged as a catalyst for Vietnam’s engagement in the global semiconductor value chain through four main initiatives:
- Facilitating collaboration between local entities and international corporations such as SIA, SEMI SEA, NVIDIA, Cadence, and Synopsys.
- Supporting universities with licensed software and resources to build human capital in chip design and semiconductor manufacturing.
- Hosting the 2023 Vietnam Semiconductor Summit with participation from global industry leaders and associations.
- Launching the Vietnam Semiconductor Innovation Network and the Expert Network in Semiconductors.
These initiatives are part of NIC’s broader effort to position Vietnam as a competitive player in emerging high-tech industries, including artificial intelligence, digital content, and green hydrogen.
Expanding International Collaboration and Acceleration Programs
NIC has partnered with major international stakeholders to deliver acceleration and knowledge-sharing programs:
- Google for Startups Accelerator Vietnam offers mentorship, training, and funding access to Vietnamese startups.
- Inno Vietnam – Japan Fast Track Pitch 2023, jointly organized with Japan’s METI and JETRO, connects Vietnamese startups with Japanese corporates and investors.
- Partnerships with SEMI SEA and the Ministry of Information and Communications led to the successful organization of the Vietnam Business Summit 2023, focusing on regional semiconductor ecosystem integration.
These programs reflect NIC’s strategy of leveraging global networks to empower local startups with knowledge, investment, and international market access.
Organizing Vietnam International Innovation Exhibition (VIIE 2023)
VIIE 2023 was a milestone event, attracting over 50,000 in-person visitors and nearly 60 million digital impressions. The exhibition featured more than 20 parallel programs, including international forums, awards, technology showcases, investment matchmaking, and cultural events. It effectively demonstrated Vietnam’s capacity for innovation and its integration into global knowledge ecosystems.
Strengthening the National Innovation Network
NIC has established the Vietnam Innovation and Entrepreneurship Network (VNEI) comprising 32 innovation centers in universities and colleges. It also collaborates with overseas hubs (e.g., DCamp, KPC in Korea; Hub Brussels in Belgium) to deliver training and facilitate startup exchange programs. NIC’s network development strategy focuses on thematic clusters such as Generative AI, green hydrogen, and big data, ensuring alignment with Vietnam’s future industrial priorities.
Human Capital Development for Innovation
In 2023, NIC launched multiple programs targeting digital talent development:
- The Digital Talent Development Program in collaboration with Google provided over 20,000 scholarships to students, government employees, and corporate workers across 83 institutions.
- Joint initiatives with USAID, in cooperation with partners such as AIE, BKA, and VietAI, trained over 1,400 participants in advanced digital skills.
- Specialized programs such as “New Opportunities” supported blue-collar workers with upskilling and career transition tools.
NIC also partnered with major universities and semiconductor firms (e.g., Intel, Synopsys, VinaCapital) to develop chip design training centers at NIC campuses in Hanoi and Hoa Lac, establishing a foundation for sustainable tech workforce development.
Highlighted Initiatives and Competitions
The NIC has supported or co-organized numerous national-level events and startup competitions, including:
- Startup Wheel and Startup Vietnam by VnExpress.
- Hack4Growth organized by AVSE Global and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- The Youth Innovation Competition 2023.
- National Startup Day for Students (SV_STARTUP 2023).
- Regional High-Level Startup Forums in the Red River Delta and Central Highlands.
These events serve as key drivers for startup exposure, investment attraction, and multi-sector engagement across Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem.
The National Innovation Center has positioned itself as a central enabler of Vietnam’s innovation-driven growth agenda. By providing infrastructure, resources, networks, and policy support, NIC contributes significantly to the country’s aspiration of becoming an innovation hub in Southeast Asia. Its multi-faceted approach – ranging from startup acceleration to semiconductor development – offers a comprehensive model for national innovation ecosystem building.
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