HCMC Ho Chi Minh City is emerging as the most dynamic creative startup ecosystem in Vietnam and aims to become a regional innovation and creativity center.

On November 26, the Ho Chi Minh City Innovation, Science and Technology and Creative Startup Week 2025 (WISE HCMC⁺ 2025) was officially opened. The program was chaired by the City People’s Committee and organized by the Department of Science and Technology.

Attending the event were Ms. Tran Thi Dieu Thuy, Member of the Party Committee, Vice Chairwoman of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City, representatives of leaders of departments, departments, branches, organizations, associations of provinces, cities and the domestic and international startup community.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Tran Trong Tuyen – Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City – said that in the era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, innovative startups have become an important driver of economic growth. And in Vietnam, the Government considers Innovative Startups as a pillar of sustainable development with many reforms and supporting policies.

Ms. Tran Thi Dieu Thuy – Vice Chairwoman of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City spoke at the event

In that context, Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City has emerged as the most dynamic creative startup ecosystem in Vietnam. The city currently attracts nearly 50% of the total number of startups in the country and is home to 3 of the 4 Vietnamese technology unicorns, including VNG, MoMo and Sky Mavis, affirming its position as both an “economic locomotive” and a “creative startup center” of the country.

In the period of 2026-2030, Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City aims to become a regional innovation center, an international financial center based on digital technology, and an ASEAN Intelligence Center – a place where experts, startups and global investors converge. The city has SIHUB – City Innovation Startup Center; there are Hi-Tech Parks, High-tech Agricultural Parks, venture capital funds, strong research universities, and a potential creative young force.

“Ho Chi Minh City deserves to become the destination of Vietnam’s biggest technology and creative dreams. To take concrete action, I would like to invite all of us – don’t just talk about the future, let’s create the future together. Let’s spread knowledge and transfer technology into life. Entrepreneurs should invest in innovation like investing in their own future. Startups should not only look for the Vietnamese market, look at the region and the world. Young people should not just participate, be pioneers and act,” Mr. Tuyen emphasized.

City leaders and delegates attending the opening ceremony of the Ho Chi Minh City Innovation, Science and Technology and Creative Startup Week. Ho Chi Minh City in 2025.

In order to demonstrate the pioneering role of Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City in leading and promoting innovation in creativity, science and technology and digital transformation, especially in the development and creative startup ecosystem. Ms. Tran Thi Dieu Thuy – Member and Vice Chairwoman of the City People’s Committee said that implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 of the Politburo, Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City has been actively innovating thinking, building institutions ahead, creating an environment to encourage creativity, testing new models and strongly promoting human resources.

At the same time, the city proactively sets a goal to become an international innovation center in the period of 2025-2030, with the digital economy accounting for 30-40% of GRDP and total social expenditure on research and development (R&D) reaching 2-3% of GRDP, allocating at least 4-5% of the total annual budget expenditure for science, technology, and digital transformation.

Vice Chairwoman of the City People’s Committee Tran Thi Dieu Thuy affirmed: “With the determination to make science and technology, innovation and digital transformation the core foundation for socio-economic development, Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City has identified 2025 as the year of action and determination, reflected in the theme: Focusing on organizing the apparatus lean – compact – strong – efficient – effective; promoting digital transformation; Resolution No. 98/2023 of the National Assembly; basically solving the city’s problems and backlogs.

The City Government is committed to always accompanying the innovation community in all stages of development, and at the same time maximizing its role in orienting, leading, connecting, cooperating and sharing. This is not only a task but also a strategic vision to promote innovation, contributing to positioning Ho Chi Minh City as the leading creative center of the region and the world.”

WISE HCMC⁺ Week 2025 will take place for 3 days from November 26 to 28, 2025, with more than 15 events and nearly 200 booths with innovative products and services introduced to the community.

This is an extremely meaningful event, part of a series of activities to promote spirit, innovation, connection in knowledge, technology and innovation aspirations to create a future for the development of the startup ecosystem in Vietnam.

At the same time, this is a valuable opportunity for businesses, investors and the startup community in the country and internationally to meet, exchange as well as share new ideas, where to honor scientific and technological achievements and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

Source: Kinh Te Moi Truong