The Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC) has announced the launch of the NIC Scale X accelerator program, aimed at enhancing the country’s deep tech startup ecosystem. This initiative, unveiled on January 14, 2026, in Hoa Lac, Vietnam, is a collaboration with the Embassy of Japan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI), and Plug and Play.
NIC Scale X is designed to support high-potential startups within priority technology sectors, such as healthcare, clean energy, and the Internet of Things (IoT). By establishing a multi-stakeholder innovation ecosystem, the program seeks to bring together startups, investors, corporate partners, academia, and government entities. The initiative is part of the broader project “Vitalizing the Viet Nam National Innovation Center,” which is funded by the Government of Japan.
Vu Quoc Huy, Director of the Vietnam National Innovation Center, emphasized the program’s significance. “This deep tech-driven acceleration program underscores NIC’s commitment to building a strong, globally connected innovation ecosystem for Vietnam,” he stated. The collaboration aims to help Vietnamese startups scale their operations sustainably and access international markets, ultimately contributing to national innovation priorities.
Program Structure and Goals
The 13-week accelerator program will focus primarily on deep tech solutions. It will include approximately 80% Vietnamese startups and 20% Japanese startups, fostering opportunities for bilateral knowledge exchange and regional market access. The selection process will involve multiple stages:
1. Top 40 startups will undergo group-based training.
2. Top 20 will be shortlisted to pitch to partners and stakeholders.
3. Finally, 10 finalists will be accelerated through the full program.
Participating startups will benefit from targeted mentorship, expert-led workshops, and hands-on support to refine their business models and operational strategies. This initiative also seeks to enhance investment readiness, enabling startups to engage directly with domestic and international investors.
Ryosuke Ogata, General Director of MRIV International LLC, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Research Institute, noted the program’s importance for fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem. “By supporting entrepreneurs who solve societal issues in both regions, MRI is committed to providing exclusive access to our vast corporate network and insights into Japanese technology and investment,” he said.
Expected Outcomes and Impact
The NIC Scale X program aims to achieve several key outcomes. Startups will enhance their investment readiness through improved pitch decks and business models. Additionally, they will engage in investor speed dating and venture assessments, gaining exposure to global markets through UNDP-supported immersion and networking tours to Japan.
The initiative is designed not only to drive commercial success but also to align with Vietnam’s national science and technology priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Tailored workshops and mentor-sharing sessions will address essential areas such as intellectual property, taxation, and regulatory frameworks specific to the Vietnamese market.
Mike Maceda, Director of Corporate Partnerships & Open Innovation Services APAC at Plug and Play, highlighted the role of public-private partnerships in this initiative. “Plug and Play will broaden these connections and equip these founders with the targeted knowledge and pathways necessary to build sustainable and competitive businesses,” he explained.
The application period for the NIC Scale X accelerator program runs from January 14 to February 27, 2026. Interested startups can apply through the program’s official website. This initiative marks a significant step in developing a more connected, investment-ready, and globally competitive deep tech startup ecosystem in Vietnam, while also strengthening collaboration with Japanese innovation communities.
