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The world is entering a broad transformation driven by science and technology, innovation and digital transformation, with national competitiveness increasingly defined by mastery of technology, the quality of the workforce, and the ability to develop value chains in strategic technology sectors. Science and technology and innovation are not only new growth engines but are becoming core factors shaping each country's position in the global value chain.
At a press briefing, Ms. Kim Ngọc Thanh Nga, Deputy Director of the National Center for Innovation (NIC), said that in Vietnam, the Party and State have identified science and technology, innovation and digital transformation as key drivers for fast and sustainable development in the new period.
In this direction, Vietnam is prioritizing the development of technology sectors with high value added and wide spillover effects to the economy, including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, big data, biotechnology and other advanced technology fields. The focus is aligned with Prime Minister's Decision 21/2026/QD-TTg on the List of strategic technology sectors.
NIC is cooperating with the Private Capital Investment Development Organization (VPCA) and DO Ventures to organize the official information reveal for the Vietnam Innovation Investment Forum 2026 (VIPC Summit 2026).
VIPC Summit, formerly the Vietnam Venture Summit, has been hosted by the Ministry of Planning and Investment (now under the Ministry of Finance) since 2019. It aims to establish a policy dialogue platform and connect investment between domestic and international funds and Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem.
Building on previous editions, VIPC Summit 2026 positions itself as Vietnam’s leading investment forum for innovation, bringing together policymakers, investment funds, international financial institutions, global technology groups, innovative enterprises, and top experts in technology and finance.
At a press conference, Max F. Scheichenos, CEO of NGF Partner and former partner at Mekong Capital, said Vietnam has implemented far-reaching institutional reforms in its economic development history, which economic and media experts have described as “Do Moi 2.0.”
He cited reforms including the Securities Law 2024, the removal of the margin requirement for foreign investors, promotion of market upgrades, and development of new capital-raising mechanisms for technology and innovation enterprises.
He also noted that FTSE Russell is projected to upgrade Vietnam to emerging market status by September 2026, describing it as a milestone expected to attract substantial foreign capital into Vietnam.
“The policy window has opened. VIPC 2026 will be a venue to convert that reform momentum into real capital flowing into strategic sectors of Vietnam,” he said.
“Vietnam is no longer in the phase of seeking recognition as a potential investment destination. Market data show this has become a reality,” Max stressed.
Findings referenced at the briefing indicate a capital shift toward strategic sectors such as semiconductors, AI, digital infrastructure, healthcare, consumer technology and green growth. The report also points to the maturing of Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem.
As part of VIPC Summit 2026, NIC, in partnership with the Vietnam Private Capital Agency and other partners, will host a series of activities to connect and showcase Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem.
These include an exhibition area for potential startup enterprises supported by NIC, featuring technology solutions and innovative business models across strategic sectors. The program will also organize specialized activities connecting provinces with funds, startups with investors, and technology firms with international partners to promote investment collaboration and expand opportunities for Vietnamese startups.
The activities are implemented with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to enhance capacity of the innovation ecosystem, promote sustainable development and improve access to international resources for Vietnamese startups.
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