Vietnam and Japan startups collaborate to tackle common challenges

On July 12, the National Innovation Centre (NIC), in collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, co-hosted the launch of the “Inno Vietnam - Japan Fast Track Pitch 2024” programme.

Vo Xuan Hoa, NIC deputy director

This initiative is expected to become an annual event within the cooperation framework between the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan.

In its second year, the programme is anticipated to draw numerous innovative startup companies from both Japan and Vietnam. The event aimed to facilitate discussions and find solutions to pressing issues faced by businesses.

Vo Xuan Hoai, deputy director of the NIC, stated that the greatest value of the programme lies in the diversity of participating businesses, including those facing challenges and innovative enterprises from both countries.

“All the challenge-owning businesses have very interesting problems that innovative Vietnamese enterprises can solve,” said Hoai.

“The cooperation between challenge-owning businesses and solution-proposing companies promotes knowledge exchange and creates excellent opportunities for innovative and startup companies to introduce their products and solutions to potential major clients. Notably, outstanding products and solutions will have the chance to be supported and invested in by challenge-owning businesses in the future, aiming to expand markets and participate in the global value chain,” he added.

The 2024 programme features participation from major corporations and businesses such as NTT DATA Vietnam, a subsidiary of NTT DATA, Japan’s largest ICT service company; Phenikaa-X, a technology company in the autonomous vehicle sector; SMC Manufacturing (Vietnam), part of Japan’s SMC Group specialising in automation control equipment like cylinders and valves; VinAI, and Viettel Cyber Security.

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