Vietnam’s startup ecosystem is showing increasingly strong momentum on the global stage, backed by rapid growth in innovation activities, expanding policy support and rising international integration.​

Vietnam National Innovation Center.

According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2026 released by StartupBlink, Vietnam climbed five places to rank 50th globally, marking its highest position ever in the annual rankings.​

The index, published annually since 2017, evaluates startup ecosystems in countries and cities worldwide based on factors such as ecosystem quality, business environment and scale of startup activities.​

StartupBlink identifies Vietnam among the fastest-growing ecosystems within the global top 21–50 group. The report notes that this segment represents one of the world’s most dynamic ecosystem clusters, with growth rates significantly higher than those of leading startup hubs. Vietnam and Thailand are highlighted as Southeast Asia’s standout performers.​

Vietnam currently has around 4,000 startups, 208 investment funds, 84 incubators and more than 20 startup support centres operating at both national and local levels.​

One of the most notable developments this year is Ho Chi Minh City rising 12 places to rank 98th globally, entering the world’s top 100 startup ecosystems for the first time.​

According to StartupBlink, Ho Chi Minh City now leads Southeast Asia in ecosystem maturity and performs strongly in fintech and blockchain, ranking 60th and 70th globally in the two sectors, respectively.​

Beyond traditional startup hubs such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, innovation activities are increasingly spreading to other localities.​

This year’s report marks the first appearance of Hai Phong in the global top 1,000 startup ecosystems, bringing the total number of Vietnamese cities in the rankings to four.​

Experts said the development reflects the gradual expansion of innovation ecosystems to localities with strengths in manufacturing, logistics and technology rather than being concentrated solely in major urban centres.​

StartupBlink also recognises Vietnam’s growing participation in its global ecosystem partnership network, including the National Startup Support Centre (NSSC), the Startup and Innovation Hub of Ho Chi Minh City (SIHUB), and local innovation ecosystems in Da Nang and Hai Phong.​

The latest achievements come as Vietnam accelerates policies on science – technology, innovation and digital transformation under Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo.​

The Ministry of Science and Technology has recently advised the Government on multiple mechanisms and policies to support startups, technology enterprises and strategic technologies.​

Notably, the 2025 Law on Science, Technology and Innovation officially introduces the concepts of “strategic technologies” and “strategic technology products” into legislation for the first time.​

Based on the law, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 21/2026/QD-TTg on the list of national strategic technologies, identifying ten strategic technology groups and prioritised products such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technology, robotics, low-earth-orbit satellites, green hydrogen and core digital infrastructure.​

Under the 2026 action plan for implementing Resolution 57, Vietnam aims to increase the number of startups by 30%, establish 30–50 spin-off enterprises from universities and research institutes, and develop at least three innovation and startup centres in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.​

The country also targets the commercialisation of at least five strategic technology products, including semiconductor chips, 5G network equipment, industrial robots, AI applications and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), while piloting technology sandbox models in major cities to promote the testing and deployment of new technologies.

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BAC NINH - At TechFest Vietnam 2025, held in Hanoi under the theme “Nationwide Innovation and Entrepreneurship - The New Growth Engine,” leaders of the Ministry of Science and Technology presented certificates of merit to 10 localities recognised for excellence in developing innovative startup ecosystems in 2025, including Bac Ninh province. 

Vietnam to become attractive destination for tech talent, innovative startups: PM

TechFest Vietnam 2025, held from December 12 to 14, is expected to attract more than 60,000 participants both in person and online, with the participation of over 20 corporations, 50 investment funds, more than 100 supporting organisations and incubators, and delegates from Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, North America, and Europe.

 

Bac Ninh promotes e-commerce startups

BAC NINH- The Customs Sub-department of Region 5 on December 4 organised a conference between the taxation authorities and enterprises in 2025 at Kinh Bac Cultural Center (Vu Ninh ward), marking the first time import and export turnover exceeded 200 billion USD and honoring outstanding enterprises in the localities under their management (Bac Ninh and Thai Nguyen provinces).

Bac Ninh promotes e-commerce startups

BAC NINH- The Department of Industry and Trade of Bac Ninh province on December 1 organized the programme “Bac Ninh ecom startup 2025”. 

PM approves 2026–2035 project in support of women-led startups

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40 projects, ideas enter finale of 2025 Bac Ninh Innovation and Startup Contest

BAC NINH- The Judging Panel of the 2025 provincial Innovation and Startup Contest has finished scoring and evaluating the qualifying round and selected 40 projects and ideas to enter the finale.

Google backs Vietnamese startups with AI programme

Google has joined hands with the Vietnam National Innovation Centre (NIC) and the Da Nang Semiconductor & AI Centre (DSAC) to conclude a four-day AI Solutions Lab in Da Nang, marking a new step in fostering Vietnam’s artificial intelligence ecosystem.