On January 14, 2026, the Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC) officially launched the NIC Scale X Accelerator Program in Hoa Lac. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI), and Plug and Play, aims to enhance Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem and support high-potential startups in key technology sectors.
The NIC Scale X program is part of a broader project titled “Vitalizing the Viet Nam National Innovation Center,” funded by the Government of Japan. It seeks to create a multi-stakeholder innovation ecosystem at the NIC, bringing together startups, investors, corporate partners, academic institutions, and government entities. By leveraging the strengths of its partners, the program addresses critical scalability challenges faced by early-stage deep tech startups while fostering collaboration between Vietnam and Japan.
Program Details and Objectives
According to Vu Quoc Huy, Director of the Vietnam National Innovation Center, “This deep tech-driven acceleration program underscores NIC’s commitment to building a strong, globally connected innovation ecosystem for Vietnam.” The program aims to establish a high-quality acceleration platform that not only supports promising startups but also strengthens connections between technology development, investment, and practical implementation.
The 13-week acceleration program will focus on deep tech solutions in various sectors, including healthcare, clean energy, smart manufacturing, agritech, the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital infrastructure. Approximately 80% of the participating startups will be Vietnamese, while the remaining 20% will come from Japan, encouraging knowledge exchange and technology collaboration.
The selection process for startups will be rigorous, consisting of multiple stages: initially, the top 40 startups will undergo group-based training, followed by shortlisting of the top 20 to pitch to partners and stakeholders. The final 10 startups will complete the full 13-week program, receiving tailored mentorship, expert-led workshops, and practical support to enhance their business strategies and investment readiness.
Expected Outcomes and Long-term Impact
Key outcomes of the NIC Scale X program include improved investment readiness through refined pitch decks, direct engagement opportunities with both domestic and international investors, and exposure to global markets facilitated by UNDP-supported networking tours in Japan. Startups will also have the chance to explore potential partnerships through Plug and Play’s extensive global network.
“This collaboration highlights the power of public-private partnerships in accelerating innovation,”
said Mike Maceda, Director of Corporate Partnerships & Open Innovation Services APAC at Plug and Play. He emphasized that the program addresses critical technology sectors, expecting significant impact from the participating businesses in Vietnam.
Beyond financial outcomes, the initiative focuses on fostering impact-driven innovation that aligns with Vietnam’s national science and technology priorities as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The program will include tailored workshops and mentoring sessions to build long-term capacity in the startup ecosystem, covering essential topics such as intellectual property, taxation, and regulatory frameworks specific to the Vietnamese market.
The NIC Scale X Accelerator Program is set to contribute to the growth of a more connected, investment-ready, and globally competitive deep tech startup ecosystem in Vietnam. Applications for the program will be accepted from January 14 to February 27, 2026.
For more information about the application process, interested parties can visit the NIC’s official website.
As Vietnam continues to strengthen its innovation capabilities, initiatives like the NIC Scale X program are crucial in positioning the country as a hub for technological advancement and sustainable economic growth.
