Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (fifth from left) at the inaugural ceremony of NIC Hoa Lac, October 28, 2023. (Photo: The Dai)

NIC Hoa Lac will promote innovative startups to help drive Vietnam’s economic growth in a fast, sustainable manner.

“The inauguration of NIC Hoa Lac in combination of the opening of the Vietnam International Innovation Expo 2023 is another step in realizing the national innovation process,” Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said at the inaugural ceremony.

Mr. Chinh said he believes that NIC Hoa Lac will create an innovation space for Vietnam, clearly demonstrating the spirit of daring to think, to do, and to innovate towards turning Vietnam into a role model of innovation and a new creative destination.

(Photo: The Dai)

Covering 2 ha with two office buildings and an international convention center, NIC Hoa Lac will provide an environment for innovation and complete the national startup ecosystem.

The largest innovation facility in Vietnam will provide incentives to attract tech giants, startup organizations, and specialists.

Chey Tae-won, Chairman of the Republic of Korea’s SK group, which is NIC’s strategic partner, suggested three key areas that SK and NIC could work together.

“First, there's energy transition. We are approaching a time, for example, where tariffs will be imposed based on the amount of carbon released in producing a product, known as carbon intensity. Therefore, transitioning to cleaner, carbon-free energy is no longer optional but a necessity to remain competitive and stay in business,” said Mr. Chey.

Against this backdrop, the SK leader said, “SK is committed to leveraging our advanced technologies in fields such as hydrogen, Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS), Small Modular Reactors (SMR), and energy solutions centered on energy storage system (ESS) to support Vietnam's Clean Energy Transition and joint strive for Carbon Net Zero.”

(Photo: The Dai)

The same day, NIC opened Vietnam International Innovation Expo 2023 (VIIE 2023), bringing together government agencies, research institutes, investment funds and incubators, and hundreds of technology companies from Vietnam and other countries.

The 5-day event showcases products in eight key ICT areas: smart factory, smart city, digital communication, environmental technology, cybersecurity, semiconductor industry, hydrogen, and healthcare.

Other activities will include the Vietnam Ventures Summit (VVS), STEAM and robotics activities, the Better Choice Awards 2023, and seminars on semiconductors, hydrogen energy, and the gaming industry.