 (From left to right) UNDP Representative in Vietnam Ramla Khalidi , Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki and Director of the National Innovation Center Vu Quoc Huy at the signing ceremony. (Photo: UNDP Vietnam) |
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Embassy of Japan signed an Exchange of Notes in Hanoi on Thursday to launch the "Project for Vitalizing the Vietnam National Innovation Center".
The 18-month project seeks to create a favorable investment environment by supporting the establishment of the Vietnam Innovation Fund under the National Innovation Center (NIC), strengthening the national innovation ecosystem, and improving innovation skills and capabilities.
A key component is the establishment of an incubation hub at NIC Hoa Lac, which will help businesses grow faster using design and testing methods. The project will foster co-innovation by connecting Vietnamese enterprises with international institutions to address societal challenges.
The initiative places a strong emphasis on women’s empowerment and removing barriers to women's participation in the innovation sector. The project aims to make at least 30% of startups in key initiatives women-led.
Vu Quoc Huy, NIC Director, says the project aligns with the Center’s objectives for 2025 and 2026 and will help make NIC Hoa Lac a place for national and regional innovation.
