Do Le Thu Ngoc, Assistant Resident Representative and Head of Inclusive Growth at UNDP Vietnam (Photo: NIC)

More than a business incubator, NIC Scale X is a mission-driven program aligned with global sustainable development goals. It offers a rigorous 13-week acceleration journey. From an initial applicant pool, the top 40 startups receive group training, the top 20 advance to investor pitching, and the final 10 undergo full-scale acceleration.

Officially opening applications until February 27 this year, the program includes intensive mentoring, product-market fit refinement, and direct exposure to international markets such as Singapore and Japan.

By focusing on key sectors like healthcare, clean energy, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), smart manufacturing, and high-tech agriculture, it ensures that technological breakthroughs serve both the economy and society. Do Le Thu Ngoc, Assistant Resident Representative and Head of Inclusive Growth at UNDP Vietnam, praised NIC Scale X for well aligning with UNDP’s global policies and priorities on digital and AI development, as well as with what UNDP in Vietnam is currently doing.

“Our priorities in AI and digital transformation are ultimately to achieve sustainable development while contributing positively to social, economic, and environmental outcomes,” said Ngoc.

This emphasis on inclusivity and ethics sets NIC Scale X apart from traditional accelerators. The program challenges startups to consider the true cost of innovation, particularly the responsible use of natural resources such as water and electricity required by AI infrastructure.

“What can innovation do to deliver its intended impact while ensuring that natural resources are used responsibly? With technical support from UNDP, Japan, and Singapore, startups can refine their solutions and better apply science and technology to address social and environmental challenges. And so, in a sense, that is already one step toward sustainable business,” said Ngoc. 

A core strength of NIC Scale X lies in its collaboration with Plug&Play, a world-renowned Silicon Valley-based incubator. The partnership brings global standards and international experience to Vietnam’s startup ecosystem.

Do Tien Thinh, Deputy Director of NIC, highlighted the value of this cooperation, adding since 2006, Plug&Play has incubated 35 technology unicorns, many valued at billions of dollars, along with thousands of startups across deep-tech sectors worldwide.

“They operate in many countries, including China, Japan, and South Korea. Connecting startups to global markets is only one part of NIC Scale X. More importantly, we are implementing a world-class incubation model customized for Asia, not limited to the US,” said Thinh.

Do Tien Thinh, NIC Deputy Director (Photo: NIC)

The ambition of NIC Scale X extends well beyond its first cohort of 10 startups. The program aims to generate a broader impact across Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem, engaging not only small and medium-sized enterprises but also state-owned enterprises and universities, according to Thinh.

“The State must play a leading role in driving innovation through two main actions. First is to create a favorable business environment and second is to allocate sufficient resources using the right methodology. The key is funding innovation in the right way to achieve breakthroughs,” he noted.

By blending international best practices with local talent, NIC Scale X is setting a new benchmark for responsible innovation. The program seeks to demonstrate that Vietnamese startups can compete globally, scale profitably, and remain ethically grounded and environmentally conscious.