Vietnam Launches NIC Scale X Accelerator for Deep Tech Startups

The Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC) has officially launched the NIC Scale X Accelerator Program, a new initiative designed to bolster the country’s innovation ecosystem. Announced on January 14, 2026, in Hoa Lac, the program is a collaborative effort involving the Embassy of Japan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI), and Plug and Play. Its primary goal is to support high-potential startups in deep tech across various priority sectors.

This initiative is part of the broader project titled “Vitalizing the Viet Nam National Innovation Center,” which receives funding from the Government of Japan. It aims to create a multi-stakeholder innovation ecosystem that connects startups, investors, corporate partners, academia, and government entities. By leveraging the unique strengths of each partner, the program seeks to tackle significant scalability challenges that early-stage deep tech startups often encounter.

Program Details and Goals

According to Vu Quoc Huy, Director of the Viet Nam National Innovation Center (NIC), “This deep tech-driven acceleration program underscores NIC’s commitment to building a strong, globally connected innovation ecosystem for Vietnam.” He emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships with UNDP, MRI, and Plug and Play, noting that the program aims to support startups in scaling sustainably and tapping into international markets.

The NIC Scale X program will span 13 weeks and will focus on technologies in sectors such as healthcare, clean energy, smart factories, agritech, the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital infrastructure. Approximately 80% of the participating startups will be Vietnamese, while 20% will be Japanese, fostering an environment rich in 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 comprehensive approach is designed to prepare them for investment readiness in the Vietnamese and Southeast Asian markets.

Strengthening Ecosystem Capacity

Ryosuke Ogata, General Director of MRIV International LLC, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Research Institute in Vietnam, stated, “NIC Scale X stands as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem while bridging Vietnamese and Japanese startups to scale sustainably.” He highlighted the program’s focus on addressing societal issues through entrepreneurship.

The NIC Scale X program is committed to creating not just commercial benefits but also impact-driven innovations that align with Vietnam’s national science and technology priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The initiative will conduct tailored workshops to enhance startup knowledge in critical areas such as intellectual property, taxation, regulatory frameworks, and specific growth strategies for the Vietnamese market.

Mike Maceda, Director of Corporate Partnerships & Open Innovation Services APAC at Plug and Play, remarked, “This collaboration highlights the power of public-private partnerships in accelerating innovation.” He noted that the program’s international reach would enhance connections among talent, customers, and investment opportunities, ultimately benefiting Vietnam’s startup landscape.

Applications for the NIC Scale X Accelerator Program will be open from January 14 to February 27. Interested parties are encouraged to apply through the program’s official website. The initiative promises to significantly contribute to developing a more connected, investment-ready, and globally competitive deep tech startup ecosystem in Vietnam, while also enhancing collaboration between Vietnamese and Japanese innovation communities.

For further details about the project “Vitalizing the Viet Nam National Innovation Center,” which is co-implemented by NIC, UNDP, and other ecosystem partners, visit the NIC’s official website.