Vietnam NIC Innovation Launchpad: Get VND 2.5 Billion in Support to Scale Your Vietnamese Startup

Vietnam’s National Innovation Center (NIC) runs one of Southeast Asia’s most comprehensive startup acceleration programs, providing VND 2.5 billion (approximately $100,000 USD) in services, funding, and support to help Vietnamese startups scale. If you’re building a technology company in Vietnam focused on the digital economy, smart manufacturing, or green growth, this program offers resources and connections that would take years to build independently.

The NIC Innovation Launchpad isn’t just about money—it’s about access. The program connects you directly with Vietnam’s largest corporations, government agencies, and international partners who are actively looking for innovative solutions. You’ll get workspace at NIC’s innovation hubs in Hoa Lac (near Hanoi) or Da Nang, mentorship from successful entrepreneurs and industry experts, technical support and infrastructure access, connections to customers and pilot opportunities, and support for expanding into regional ASEAN markets.

What makes NIC particularly valuable is its government backing and corporate partnerships. NIC operates under Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment, which means it has direct connections to policymakers and can help navigate regulatory challenges. The center has strategic partnerships with major Vietnamese corporations and multinational companies operating in Vietnam, creating pathways to customers and partnerships that startups struggle to access on their own.

The program is designed for startups that have proven their concept and are ready to scale. You’re not building your first prototype here—you’re refining your product, acquiring customers, and preparing for regional expansion. If you’re a Vietnamese startup ready to grow beyond the early stage, this program provides the support infrastructure to make it happen.

Key Details at a Glance

What the Launchpad Actually Provides

The VND 2.5 billion package combines direct funding, in-kind services, and access to resources that would be expensive or impossible to obtain independently:

Direct funding (typically VND 300-500 million) for specific growth activities like product development, market expansion, hiring key personnel, or pilot project implementation. The exact amount varies based on your needs and program track.

Workspace and infrastructure at NIC’s innovation hubs in Hoa Lac Science and Technology Park (near Hanoi) or Da Nang. This includes office space, meeting rooms, high-speed internet, and access to specialized equipment and testing facilities. For hardware startups, this infrastructure access alone can be worth millions of VND.

Corporate partnership opportunities with NIC’s strategic partners including major Vietnamese corporations (Viettel, VNPT, FPT, Vingroup, and others) and multinational companies operating in Vietnam. NIC facilitates introductions, helps structure pilot projects, and supports partnership negotiations. These connections are difficult for startups to make independently.

Government pilot opportunities to test your solutions with government agencies and state-owned enterprises. Vietnam’s government is actively promoting digital transformation and innovation, creating opportunities for startups that can provide solutions.

Mentorship and advisory support from successful Vietnamese entrepreneurs, industry experts, and international advisors. You’ll have regular sessions with mentors who understand the Vietnamese market and can provide strategic guidance.

Technical and business development support including help with product development, go-to-market strategy, business model refinement, financial planning, and operational improvement. NIC staff and advisors work hands-on with startups to address specific challenges.

Market access and internationalization support for expanding into other ASEAN countries. NIC has partnerships with innovation centers and accelerators across Southeast Asia and can facilitate introductions to customers, partners, and investors in the region.

Investor connections through demo days, investor networking events, and introductions to Vietnamese and international VCs, corporate venture funds, and angel investors active in Vietnam.

Legal and regulatory support to navigate Vietnam’s business regulations, intellectual property protection, and compliance requirements. This is particularly valuable for startups dealing with regulated industries or complex legal issues.

The specific mix of support depends on your startup’s stage, sector, and needs. NIC customizes support packages rather than offering one-size-fits-all programs.

Who Should Apply

The Innovation Launchpad is designed for Vietnamese startups that have moved beyond the pure idea stage and are ready to scale. NIC wants to support companies that can become significant players in Vietnam’s economy and represent Vietnamese innovation internationally.

You’re a strong candidate if you:

• Have a Vietnamese-founded startup (at least one founder must be Vietnamese)
• Have a working product or service with early customers or users
• Can demonstrate market traction (revenue, user growth, pilot deployments, etc.)
• Are focused on digital economy, smart manufacturing, green technology, or Industry 4.0 applications
• Have a scalable business model with potential for regional expansion
• Can commit to being based at a NIC hub for the program duration
• Have a capable team with relevant technical and business expertise
• Align with Vietnam’s national development priorities

The program works especially well for:

• B2B technology companies targeting enterprises or government
• Industrial technology and smart manufacturing startups
• Digital platforms and software companies with network effects
• Green technology and sustainability-focused startups
• Startups ready to pilot with large corporations or government agencies
• Companies preparing for Series A fundraising
• Teams with ambitions for regional ASEAN expansion

You’re probably not a good fit if:

• You’re still in the idea or early prototype stage without a working product
• Your startup isn’t Vietnamese-founded (foreign founders can participate as co-founders but not as sole founders)
• You’re focused purely on the consumer market with no B2B or government applications
• You can’t commit to being based at a NIC hub
• Your business model isn’t scalable beyond Vietnam
• You’re not willing to work with corporate or government partners
• Your technology doesn’t align with NIC’s focus areas

NIC prioritizes startups that can demonstrate both commercial potential and contribution to Vietnam’s economic development goals. Pure consumer apps or services with limited economic impact are less likely to be selected than B2B solutions that can drive productivity, efficiency, or innovation in key industries.

Application Process and Selection

The application process is competitive, with typically 200-300 applications for 20-30 spots per cohort. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Online Application - Submit your application through NIC’s website, including company information and registration documents, product description and demonstration, market traction and metrics, team backgrounds, business model and financial projections, and explanation of how you align with NIC’s focus areas.

Step 2: Initial Screening - NIC staff review applications for basic eligibility, stage appropriateness, and alignment with program priorities. About 30% of applications pass this screening.

Step 3: Pitch Presentation - Shortlisted startups are invited to pitch in person at NIC hubs. You’ll have 10-15 minutes to present followed by Q&A with a selection committee including NIC staff, corporate partners, and successful alumni. This is your chance to demonstrate your technology and explain your growth potential.

Step 4: Due Diligence - Top candidates go through due diligence including verification of company registration and legal status, background checks on founders, technical assessment of product, review of financial statements and projections, and reference checks with customers or partners.

Step 5: Selection and Matching - Final selections are made, and startups are matched with appropriate support packages, mentors, and corporate partners based on their specific needs and opportunities.

Step 6: Onboarding - Selected startups go through onboarding including finalizing support agreements, moving into NIC workspace, meeting mentors and partners, and developing detailed program plans.

The entire process from application deadline to program start typically takes 6-8 weeks.

Insider Tips for Getting Selected

Show traction, not just potential. NIC wants to support startups that are already gaining momentum. Demonstrate customer acquisition, revenue growth, user engagement, or pilot deployments. Numbers matter more than aspirations.

Emphasize alignment with Vietnam’s development priorities. Vietnam is focused on digital transformation, industrial upgrading, and sustainable development. If your startup contributes to these goals, make that connection explicit. Review Vietnam’s national innovation strategy and reference it in your application.

Highlight corporate partnership potential. NIC’s value proposition includes connecting startups with corporations. If you can clearly explain how your solution addresses problems that Vietnamese or multinational corporations face, you’re more attractive to the program.

Demonstrate team capability. NIC invests in teams as much as technologies. Highlight relevant experience, complementary skills, and evidence that your team can execute. If you have team members who’ve worked at successful Vietnamese tech companies or have international experience, emphasize that.

Be specific about what you need. Don’t just say “we need help scaling.” Identify specific gaps: “We need introductions to manufacturing companies to pilot our solution, support refining our sales process, and connections to Series A investors.” Specificity shows you’ve thought through your challenges.

Prepare a compelling demo. For the pitch presentation, have a strong product demonstration ready. Show your technology working and solving real problems. Live demos are more convincing than slides.

Show regional ambition. NIC wants to support startups that can represent Vietnamese innovation internationally. If you have plans for ASEAN expansion or have already started exploring regional markets, highlight this.

Address the language question. While many NIC staff speak English, the program operates primarily in Vietnamese. If your team doesn’t include fluent Vietnamese speakers, explain how you’ll handle this. Having Vietnamese-speaking team members is a significant advantage.

What to Expect During the Program

If you’re accepted, here’s what a typical program experience looks like:

Month 1: Onboarding and Planning - Move into NIC workspace, meet your mentors and advisors, get introduced to corporate partners, develop detailed program plan with milestones, and begin accessing resources and support.

Months 2-4: Intensive Development - Focus on product refinement and customer acquisition. Work with mentors on strategy and execution. Begin pilot projects with corporate or government partners. Participate in workshops on scaling, fundraising, and market expansion.

Months 5-8: Scaling and Partnerships - Scale customer acquisition and revenue. Deepen corporate partnerships and explore commercial agreements. Prepare for fundraising if appropriate. Begin exploring ASEAN market opportunities.

Months 9-12: Graduation Preparation - Prepare for demo day and investor presentations. Finalize partnership agreements or contracts. Complete fundraising if pursuing investment. Develop post-program growth plan.

Throughout the program, you’ll have weekly check-ins with NIC staff, monthly mentor sessions, and regular opportunities to connect with corporate partners and other startups in the cohort.

The program is demanding but supportive. Expect to work hard, but you’ll have substantial resources and guidance to help you succeed.

Common Challenges and How to Navigate Them

Balancing program demands with running your business. The program requires significant time and engagement, but you still have a business to run. Be strategic about which program activities are most valuable for your specific needs.

Working with large corporations. Corporate partnerships can be slow and bureaucratic. Be patient, maintain regular communication, and have realistic expectations about timelines for pilots and contracts.

Navigating Vietnamese business culture. Relationship-building is crucial in Vietnam. Invest time in building genuine relationships with partners, mentors, and customers. Don’t expect purely transactional interactions.

Language barriers. If your team doesn’t speak Vietnamese fluently, this can create challenges in some interactions. Consider hiring Vietnamese-speaking business development or operations staff.

Regulatory complexity. Vietnam’s business regulations can be complex and sometimes unclear. Use NIC’s legal support resources and don’t try to navigate regulatory issues alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all founders need to be Vietnamese? At least one founder must be Vietnamese, but you can have foreign co-founders.

Can we apply if we’re based outside Hanoi or Da Nang? Yes, but you’ll need to relocate to one of the NIC hubs for the program duration.

How much equity does NIC take? This varies by program track. Some tracks are non-dilutive; others may take a small equity stake (typically 3-5%). Check the specific terms for your cohort.

Can we apply if we’re pre-revenue? You can apply, but you need to have a working product and clear path to revenue. Pure concept-stage companies are unlikely to be selected.

What happens after the program ends? You’ll join the NIC alumni network, which provides ongoing access to some resources, networking opportunities, and continued support. Many alumni companies maintain relationships with corporate partners developed during the program.

Can we apply to multiple accelerators simultaneously? Yes, though if you’re accepted to multiple programs, you’ll need to choose one since they require significant time commitment.

Is the program conducted in Vietnamese or English? Primarily Vietnamese, though some sessions may be in English. Having Vietnamese language capability is important for success.

Can we stay at the NIC hub after the program ends? This depends on space availability and your needs. Some alumni companies continue using NIC workspace; others graduate to their own offices.

How to Apply

Check the NIC website at nic.gov.vn for current program information and application deadlines. NIC runs multiple cohorts throughout the year.

Review the specific focus areas and requirements for the current cohort. These can vary based on government priorities and available resources.

Prepare your application materials carefully:

• Company registration documents
• Product demo or video
• Traction metrics and evidence
• Team bios
• Business plan and financial projections
• Clear statement of what support you need

Submit your application before the deadline. Late applications are not accepted.

If you have questions about eligibility or the program, contact NIC directly through their website. They’re generally responsive to substantive questions, especially if you communicate in Vietnamese.

For Vietnamese startups ready to scale and make an impact both domestically and regionally, the NIC Innovation Launchpad offers comprehensive support that’s hard to find elsewhere. The combination of funding, infrastructure, corporate access, and government connections can significantly accelerate your path to becoming a major player in Vietnam’s growing innovation economy.