Ha Noi, 14 January 2026 - The “Viet Nam–Japan Innovation Nexus Day,” held today in Ha Noi, marked the official launch of the next phase of Viet Nam–Japan innovation acceleration. Co-organized by the Viet Nam National Innovation Center (NIC), the Embassy of Japan, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the event also reflected on a year of strong progress in strengthening Viet Nam’s innovation ecosystem.

The year 2025 marked two years since Viet Nam and Japan elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with tangible advances in innovation financing, bilateral collaboration, ecosystem infrastructure, and capacity building. The year marked a critical phase of laying the institutional and technical foundations needed to support ecosystem scale-up in the coming years.

Under the Japan-funded “Vitalizing the Viet Nam National Innovation Center” project implemented by UNDP and NIC, the Viet Nam - Japan Innovation Challenge supported nearly 100 applicants nationwide, selecting 32 teams for incubation and advancing 12 startups into cross-border collaboration with Japanese partners. 

In parallel, the VietLeap AI Accelerator, led by NIC in collaboration with JICA, BCG, and the Embassy of Japan, attracted more than 60 applications, from which 9 startups were selected to participate in the program and present the outcomes of their acceleration journey at today’s Demo Day. Together, the two programs enabled over 50 business-matching engagements, accelerating proof-of-concept development and early commercialization.

Beyond startup showcases, participants experienced a preview of the future Japan – Viet Nam Innovation Hub at NIC Hoa Lac through an immersive Virtual Reality walkthrough. The Hub is envisioned as a permanent platform for co-creation, piloting, and cross-border market expansion, enabling startups, corporates, researchers, and investors to collaborate in a shared innovation space.

“I believe this “Japan-Vietnam Innovation Hub” will serve as a symbolic crossroads of wisdom and knowledge of two nations.” said Mr. Watanabe Takakazu, Minister-Counselor, Chief of Economic Section, Embassy of Japan in Viet Nam

Building on this momentum, the event marked the official launch of NIC Scale X, a new deep-tech acceleration programme designed to help high-potential startups move faster from innovation to commercialization across priority technology sectors.

NIC Scale X is part of the “Vitalizing the Viet Nam National Innovation Center” project, funded by the Government of Japan and co-implemented by UNDP and NIC, in partnership with Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI) and Plug and Play. Anchored at NIC Hoa Lac, the programme connects startups with investors, corporate partners, academia, and policymakers to unlock scale, market access, and cross-border collaboration between Viet Nam and Japan.

“UNDP is proud to partner with Viet Nam and Japan at this inaugural stage of government-led innovation, when the country continues to strengthen its institutional capacity, enabling infrastructure and human resources to scaling up innovation and digital transformation,” said Ms. Do Le Thu Ngoc, UNDP Assistant Resident Representative and Head of the Inclusive Growth Unit. “Through the Viet Nam–Japan partnership, UNDP serves as a bridge between policy and markets, startups and enterprises, helping to translate innovation into long-term, sustainable development impact.”

The 13-week intensive acceleration programme will support startups developing solutions in healthcare, clean energy and ESG, smart manufacturing, agritech, Internet of Things (IoT), and digital infrastructure. Approximately 80% of the cohort will be Vietnamese startups and 20% Japanese startups, creating a strong platform for bilateral learning, technology transfer, and regional market expansion.

Startup selection follows a competitive multi-stage process:

- Top 40 startups selected for group-based training
- Top 20 startups shortlisted to pitch to partners and investors
- 10 finalists advancing into the full acceleration programme

Selected startups will receive tailored mentorship, expert-led workshops, and hands-on advisory support to strengthen business strategy, product-market fit, and investment readiness. The programme also facilitates direct investor engagement, international exposure through supported immersion programmes in Singapore or Japan, and opportunities to pilot solutions with corporate partners through Plug and Play’s global network.

“Through strategic partnerships with UNDP, Mitsubishi Research Institute, and Plug and Play, we are establishing a high-quality acceleration platform that not only supports high-potential deep tech startups, but also strengthens critical linkages between technology development, investment, and real-world deployment. The program is designed to enable Vietnamese startups to scale sustainably, access international markets, and contribute meaningfully to national innovation priorities.” said Mr. Do Tien Thinh, Deputy Director of the National Innovation Center. 

Applications for NIC Scale X are now open. The programme aims to cultivate a more connected, investment-ready, and globally competitive deep-tech startup ecosystem, while deepening innovation partnerships between Viet Nam and Japan.