Vietnam Launches NIC Scale X Accelerator for Deep Tech Startups

The Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC), in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI), and Plug and Play, has launched the NIC Scale X accelerator program. Announced on January 14, 2026, this initiative aims to bolster Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem by supporting the growth of startups in key technology sectors.

This program is part of a broader initiative titled “Vitalizing the Vietnam National Innovation Center,” which is funded by the Government of Japan. The project seeks to address significant challenges within Vietnam’s innovation landscape, including limited access to capital, stakeholder fragmentation, and skills gaps in critical areas.

Building a Collaborative Ecosystem

The NIC Scale X program will establish a multi-stakeholder innovation ecosystem at the NIC in Hoa Lac, uniting startups, investors, corporate partners, academia, and government actors. By leveraging the combined strengths of its partners, the initiative aims to tackle scalability issues faced by early-stage deep tech startups and enhance collaboration between Vietnam and Japan.

Vu Quoc Huy, Director of the Vietnam National Innovation Center, emphasized the program’s commitment to fostering a globally connected innovation ecosystem. “Through strategic partnerships, we are creating a high-quality acceleration platform that enables Vietnamese startups to scale sustainably and access international markets,” he stated.

The 13-week program will focus on deep tech solutions in sectors such as healthcare, clean energy, smart factories, agritech, the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital infrastructure. The participant cohort is expected to consist of approximately 80% Vietnamese startups and 20% Japanese startups, fostering bilateral knowledge exchange and technology collaboration.

Startups will undergo a structured selection process, receiving targeted mentorship, expert-led workshops, and hands-on support to refine their business models and operational strategies. This program is designed to enhance investment readiness specifically for the Vietnam and Southeast Asia markets.

Fostering Sustainable Innovation

Ryosuke Ogata, General Director at MRIV International LLC, highlighted the strategic importance of the NIC Scale X initiative in building a vibrant innovation ecosystem. “We are committed to providing exclusive access to our corporate network and insights into Japanese technology and investment,” he said.

The program aims not only for commercial success but also emphasizes impact-driven innovation. It aligns with Vietnam’s national science and technology priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through tailored workshops and mentorship sessions, the initiative will strengthen startup knowledge in areas such as intellectual property, taxation, regulatory frameworks, and growth strategies.

Mike Maceda, Director of Corporate Partnerships & Open Innovation Services APAC at Plug and Play, noted the significance of public-private partnerships in accelerating innovation. “This collaboration will broaden connections and equip founders with the knowledge necessary to build sustainable and competitive businesses,” he remarked.

NIC Scale X is expected to enhance Vietnam’s deep tech startup ecosystem, ensuring it is more connected, investment-ready, and globally competitive, while promoting collaboration between Vietnamese and Japanese innovation communities.

Applications for the NIC Scale X accelerator program are open from January 14 to February 27, 2026. Interested parties are encouraged to visit the official website for more information.

The NIC, under the Ministry of Finance, serves as the national hub for innovation in Vietnam, connecting a robust network of domestic and international venture capital investors. The UNDP, operating in Vietnam since 1978, focuses on eradicating poverty and reducing inequality, while MRI provides research and consulting solutions addressing societal challenges globally.

Plug and Play, headquartered in Silicon Valley, connects startups with corporations and venture capital firms, fostering innovation across various industries.