In recent years, Vietnam’s innovative startup ecosystem has made positive contributions to socio-economic development. Several “unicorns” have emerged, venture capital investment has reached high levels compared to the region, and the supporting infrastructure has diversified with venture capital funds, incubators, business accelerators, and startup support centers at both local and national levels.

In 2025, Vietnam’s global startup ecosystem index ranked 55th worldwide, with Ho Chi Minh City entering the Top 5 in Southeast Asia for the first time (ranked 110 globally). Hanoi rose to 148th place, while Da Nang made a remarkable leap of 130 positions, reaching 766th globally.

International experience shows that many countries such as Israel, South Korea, and Singapore have successfully achieved breakthroughs by promoting innovative startups. A common feature of these models is the establishment of a broad innovation culture, the awakening of nationwide entrepreneurial spirit, and the use of science and technology as the foundation for development.

In the context of global fluctuations—from shifts in investment flows to geopolitical changes—Vietnam faces the urgent need to reposition its innovative startup strategy. This includes clearly identifying priority sectors, perfecting the organizational model of the ecosystem, and building strong mechanisms and policies to create new growth drivers.

On April 5, 2026, the Government officially issued Resolution No. 86/NQ-CP on the National Strategy for Innovative Startups. This marks an important step forward, affirming the Government’s strong determination to create the most favorable environment to unlock the creative potential of the entire population in service of the country’s socio-economic development.

Making Innovative Startups a Nationwide Endeavor

The Strategy defines an innovative startup nation as one in which every citizen has the aspiration and ability to start a business with creativity across all fields, based on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. A culture of innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, boldness, risk acceptance, and tolerance for failure is strongly encouraged and widely spread throughout society.

Vietnam identifies innovative startups as a long-term national strategy to optimize and unleash all potential, mobilize all resources, and enhance strategic autonomy—particularly in mastering strategic technologies—while creating momentum for sustainable socio-economic growth in the digital era.

The national innovative startup ecosystem will be developed in a synchronous, comprehensive, and sustainable manner. Institutions will play a pioneering and breakthrough role, while infrastructure, human resources, and other necessary conditions will be advanced to support startups, aiming toward building a digital nation based on science, technology, and innovation.

The overarching goal of the Strategy is to foster a broad wave of innovative startups, making this activity a key driver of socio-economic growth and a force to strengthen national autonomy.

By 2030, the goal is to make Vietnam a leading nation in innovative startups within the region. A strong ecosystem will be developed with the emergence of tens of thousands of innovative startup enterprises, successfully nurturing several “unicorns.” Vietnam’s innovation and startup ecosystem indices are expected to rise to the top tier in Southeast Asia.

Vision to 2045

Vietnam aims to be among the top 30 countries globally in innovation and innovative startups. The vision is toward a society with a very high proportion of citizens engaged in entrepreneurship and business ownership, accompanied by the boom of a large-scale venture capital market.

To realize this macro vision, the Government directs the synchronous implementation of pioneering solutions, focusing on removing bottlenecks and empowering enterprises.

• Legal and regulatory framework: Establish a superior legal corridor, fully digitize administrative procedures, and pilot special mechanisms to encourage experimentation, such as the “one-person enterprise” model, simplified bankruptcy procedures to facilitate re-startups, and controlled sandboxes for new technologies.

• Human resources and ecosystem development: Integrate entrepreneurship and innovation education deeply into the national education system, from primary to university levels. Build shared infrastructure networks, innovation centers, community startup spaces, and digital platforms to support enterprises nationwide.

• Capital mobilization and international integration: Strongly develop the venture capital market, establish funds at national and local levels, as well as those from enterprises and universities. Promote direct financial support mechanisms, credit guarantees based on intellectual property, and actively integrate internationally by attracting foreign experts and enabling Vietnamese innovative startups to participate in global value chains.