Hanoi (VNA) - VietLeap AI Accelerator, designed to propel Vietnam’s fledging artificial intelligence (AI) startups, was launched in Hanoi on October 2, as part of a forum on promoting innovation and developing strategic technology sectors within the framework of the Vietnam International Innovation Expo (VIIE) 2025.
The launch event was co-hosted by the National Innovation Centre (NIC) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and the Embassy of Japan.
The accelerator marks the start of an annual endeavor to nurture AI startups while highlighting Japan’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s ambition to become a regional hub for strategic technologies, including AI.
Startups selected for VietLeap will gain access to resources to build their products, level up their business skills, score funding, and plug into a global network of investors, offering a critical boost to Vietnam’s nascent AI ecosystem.
Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki said leaders from both countries have agreed to elevate cooperation in sci-tech, innovation, and digital transformation to a new pillar of their relations. The focus, he added, will be on advancing AI and quantum technology.
A June report, “Vietnam AI Economy 2025,” jointly published by JICA and NIC, projects Vietnam’s AI-driven economy could skyrocket to 130 billion USD by 2040. Its blueprint rests on three strategic pillars: cultivating AI talent, fostering startup growth, and pushing AI adoption in public and private sectors, backed by 14 specific recommendations.
To enhance the country's global competitiveness in sci-tech and innovation, Japan remains a committed partner, Ito said, adding that the industry, academia, and Government will team up to roll out initiatives supporting this vision.
VietLeap aims to select 10–15 early-stage AI startups, each with clear growth potential and a need for capital. Those picked will score sweet deals like strategic partnerships, chances to break into new markets, and connections to a global web of investors and corporations.
Participants will tap into advanced infrastructure, including cloud computing credits, high-performance GPU infrastructure, APIs, and essential business toolkits, all provided by leading technology partners, enabling faster product development and efficient scaling.
On top of that, VietLeap will also offer one-on-one mentorship from seasoned industry experts to refine business models, sharpen go-to-market strategies, and enhance operational capabilities. For fundraising, startups will receive tailored support, from crafting compelling pitches to validating their business models and securing introductions to top-tier venture-capital funds and financial institutions./.
