Delegates discuss opportunities for Vietnamese startups to integrate into international networks at a seminar titled “Next Wave of Growth: Innovation Ecosystem in the AI Era” held in HCM City on Wednesday. —VNS Photo Thu Hằng

HCM CITY — Vietnamese start-ups are encouraged to strengthen connections with international investment networks and global innovation ecosystems as the country enters a new growth phase driven by technology, innovation, digital transformation and private sector development.

The message was highlighted at a dialogue forum titled 'From Việt Nam to Silicon Valley: How start-ups enter global innovation ecosystems', held in HCM City on Thursday by Plug and Play Tech Centre, Saigon Asset Management (SAM) and the University of Economics HCM City (UEH).

It brought together government officials, international experts, investors, and people from startups, enterprises, universities, research institutions, and innovation support organisations.

A highlight of the seminar was the participation of Plug and Play, a leading global innovation platform from Silicon Valley in the US.

Its participation is expected to contribute to HCM City’s innovation ecosystem in three key areas: expanding access to international capital and investment networks, sharing a Silicon Valley-standard acceleration model through training, mentorship, incubation, acceleration, and corporate engagement, and opening more opportunities for startups in HCM City to connect with global markets and Plug and Play’s network of corporate partners worldwide.

Lê Thanh Minh, deputy director of the HCM City Department of Science and Technology, told the seminar: “The implementation of Resolution No. 57 by the Politburo has created strong momentum for the development of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation, opening up new opportunities for startups, enterprises, and investors.

“HCM City places great importance on working with reputable global organisations such as Plug and Play to connect the city’s innovation ecosystem with global knowledge, technology, markets, and investment networks.”

The city’s entry into the Top 100 global startup ecosystems in the 2026 StartupBlink is not the final destination, but a foundation for HCM City to deepen international cooperation, attract investment, and enable Vietnamese innovators to reach global markets, he said.

Plug and Play’s success in supporting startups worldwide and helping technology companies grow into unicorns serves as both an inspiration and a valuable source of experience for emerging innovation ecosystems such as Việt Nam, he said.

Potential areas of cooperation include startup acceleration, international investment partnerships, open innovation programmes for enterprises, innovation and entrepreneurship talent development, and initiatives that help Vietnamese startups access global markets and innovation networks, he added.

Mike Maceda, vice president of Plug and Play, promised to build a local platform that brings innovation, growth, and competitiveness across the wider Vietnamese ecosystem.

“Our ambition is to support Việt Nam’s transition into a best-in-class innovation ecosystem defined by stronger collaboration, deeper capabilities, and increased international reach.”

Louis Nguyễn, chairman and chief executive officer of Saigon Asset Management, said: “To attract more international capital into the local startup ecosystem, HCM City should continue to build a transparent, open, and globally connected environment for innovation.”

Investor interest in Việt Nam has been rising rapidly, as reflected in the country’s share of start-up investment within the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region increasing from 6 per cent to 12 per cent. At the same time, Việt Nam’s highly skilled technical workforce, together with steadily growing investment inflows, is making the country an attractive market for AI investment and development both now and in the years ahead.

Representatives from investment funds said Vietnamese startups need to better understand international investors’ expectations and keep up with global AI and technology trends to improve their chances of fundraising and expanding into international markets, including Silicon Valley. — VNS