HCM City (VNA) – The annual “Open Innovation Day (OID) 2025”, themed “Technological Breakthroughs – Promoting Green and Digital Transformation”, took place from October 25–26 at Quang Trung Software City in Ho Chi Minh City, gathering government officials and representatives from major economic groups, international organisations, investment funds, research institutes, universities, and the start-up community.
Hosted by the National Agency for Startups and Technology Entrepreneurship (NATEC) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, the two-day event has become one of Vietnam’s leading platforms for connection and cooperation within the national start-up and innovation ecosystem.
The event is expected to promote in-depth dialogue and foster practical business linkages to accelerate innovation-driven growth.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Hoang Minh said open innovation was becoming a key driver of Vietnam’s development strategy.
“OID 2025 is designed to turn policy into practice — to link startups, corporations and research institutions in solving real-world challenges,” he said.
“We want to move from talking about innovation to living it in every business, every city, and every community,” he added.
Nguyen Loc Ha, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, said the city aimed to become a driving force behind Vietnam’s innovation-led transformation.
“HCM City is determined to lead the way in science, technology, and innovation,” he said. “Our vision is to integrate green and digital transformation into every aspect of our economic and social life.”
Throughout the two days, eight thematic panel discussions were held to analyse bottlenecks, address policy and technical challenges, and propose breakthrough initiatives in key areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, digital infrastructure (including cloud computing and data centres), energy transition, new materials, and sustainable supply chains.
Samuel Ang, Advisor at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), described the event as “truly remarkable,” adding that it is a wonderful opportunity to see the public and private sectors working hand in hand to tackle the major challenges facing Vietnam, particularly in the industrial sector.
The event witnessed meaningful collaborations and insightful exchanges among participants, he stated, elaborating that he was especially impressed with today’s discussions, where speakers shared valuable practical experiences and perspectives.
Sharing a similar view, Tran Huong Giang, Head of Experimentation at UNDP Vietnam Accelerator Lab, said this year’s programme was highly practical.
In her opinion, the Open Innovation Day served as a platform that offered actionable insights and solutions, helping strengthen partnerships among stakeholders and contributing meaningfully to Vietnam’s sustainable development.
Such feedback underscores OID’s growing value as more than a forum for discussion but also a catalyst for concrete action and measurable outcomes.
Alongside the plenary and panel sessions, a series of side activities were held, including Tech Showcase 2025, which displayed exemplary technological solutions, including OID.Match, an expanded business networking session, and Executive Matchmaking, designed specifically for senior leaders.
A highlight on the second day was the OID Lunch, featuring an innovative “four touchpoints” model that fostered strategic dialogue across four key pillars: institutions–infrastructure, technology–human resources, markets–investment, and public–private partnerships.
With its mission to build a cross-sectoral connection platform linking businesses, localities, start-ups, academia, and experts, OID 2025 not only reflected the rapid maturation of Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem but also demonstrated the country’s strong commitment to seizing opportunities from the global technology wave and shaping a sustainable future powered by science, technology, and innovation./.
