Ha Noi, 14 May 2026 – Five startups in the “Viet Nam - Japan Incubation Program” sealed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and contracts with Japanese partners, establishing concrete cross-border partnerships at the Demo Day 2026, co-hosted by the Viet Nam National Innovation Center (NIC), the Embassy of Japan, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

These innovators are among 12 outstanding startups that completed a six-month incubation program, a key initiative of the “Vitalizing the Viet Nam National Innovation Center” project, funded by the Government of Japan and co-managed by UNDP and NIC, with BK Holdings as the implementing partner.

Leveraging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced manufacturing, these startups address critical social and environmental challenges in sectors including agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, decarbonization, and education.

In high-tech agriculture and manufacturing, several startups worked toward integration into the global supply chain by standardizing production processes to meet international standards and bring Vietnamese products to the Japanese market. Meanwhile, in the healthcare area, one startup entered investment due diligence with their mental health platform.

The program enabled startups and enterprises from both countries to co-create solutions, share market insights, and pilot operational models in the environmental and urban infrastructure sectors.

“Guiding startups from ideation to commercialization, the program provided them with over 60 training sessions and more than 100 direct matchmaking sessions with a network of enterprises, experts, and market partners. Through this process, the startups demonstrated their capacity to co-develop with international partners.”  said Ms. Do Le Thu Ngoc, UNDP Assistant Resident Representative and Head of the Inclusive Growth Unit.

Taking place on the occasion of Viet Nam Science, Technology, and Innovation Day (18 May), Demo Day 2026 connects market needs with technological solutions. As part of the Viet Nam - Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the event provides collaboration opportunities, enabling Vietnamese startups to access international technologies, standards, and global networks through open innovation.

“The challenges that these startups are addressing are not only issues in Viet Nam, but also global issues, including Japan. I hope that the promotion of partnerships and cooperation between startups and companies in both countries will lead to the social and economic development of both countries through the collaboration among NIC, UNDP, and the Government of Japan.” said Mr. Taro Makino, Commercial Attaché, Embassy of Japan in Viet Nam.

Based on the 5Ps assessment framework (People, Purpose, Product, Plan, Progress), the cohort reported progress in developing their business models and achieving market validation. Nearly 20% of the startups have initiated international commercial or investment partnership opportunities, particularly with Japanese counterparts.

“To date, the initiative has facilitated the establishment of more than 10 investment and commercial partnerships, reflecting the enterprises' adaptability to international standards and co-creation of sustainable value.” said Mr. Do Tien Thinh, Deputy Director of the National Innovation Center.

The Demo Day features a networking exhibition space where delegates can view the startups' solutions and observe the Viet Nam - Japan co-creation process. The program includes pitching sessions by the 12 startups, presentations from investors and strategic partners, and an exchange ceremony for the Memoranda of Understanding to formalize collaboration opportunities.

Through the program, NIC continues to serve as a national innovation networking platform, promoting international cooperation and piloting standardized models for startup support.

Demo Day marks the beginning of long-term collaborations between Vietnamese startups and Japanese enterprises, investors, and technology partners. Following the event, a market expansion field trip to Japan will be organized in June 2026 to connect Vietnamese founders with the Japanese ecosystem. The program aims to facilitate further collaborative opportunities, contributing to an open and sustainable innovation ecosystem.