3 Vietnamese cities make spectacular rise on global startup map

3 thành phố của Việt Nam thăng hạng ngoạn mục trên bản đồ khởi nghiệp toàn cầu- Ảnh 1. — Illustration

The Department of Startups and Technology Enterprises (under the Ministry of Science and Technology ) in collaboration with StartupBlink - one of the world's leading organizations in the field of mapping and evaluating the startup ecosystem has just organized an online workshop to announce the 2025 Vietnam Innovation Startup Index.

According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025 Report, Vietnam moved up one place compared to last year, ranking 55th in the world and maintaining its 5th position in the Southeast Asia region. This is the third consecutive year that Vietnam has risen in rank, demonstrating its continuous efforts to improve the national startup environment.

The report noted positive and breakthrough changes in three major startup hubs in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City entered the top 5 Southeast Asian startup ecosystems for the first time, holding the 110th position globally - the highest ever. Hanoi rose 9 places to 148th; while Da Nang made a strong impression with a 130-place increase, reaching 766th, becoming the fastest growing locality in the country.

The report also pointed out the active role of state agencies, especially the Departments of Science and Technology in three major centers. In particular, the Danang Incubator emerged as a bright spot, playing a leading role and effectively supporting local startups.

In addition, strategic funding sources such as the National Technology Innovation Fund (Ministry of Science and Technology) are playing an essential role in promoting finance and technology for Vietnamese startups. Many international organizations such as the Swiss Startup Program, CARE, etc. are also actively implementing initiatives and cooperation programs, contributing to the comprehensive development of the Vietnamese startup ecosystem.

The role of the private sector is increasingly evident, especially in expanding production, services and improving labor productivity. The government has issued many preferential tax and open policies to attract foreign investment capital, creating favorable conditions for venture capitalists such as Antler, 500 Startups, and Singaporean VC to participate in the Vietnamese market.

These investors not only provide early-stage financing, but also bring international networks and mentoring programs to help Vietnamese startups expand globally. Along with that, local organizations such as the BSSC Startup Support Center (HCMC) are playing a bridging role, providing funding programs, mentoring, startup competitions and supporting the young entrepreneur community.

Not only has Vietnam risen in the rankings, it has also impressed in many key indicators such as: Total private investment capital, number of unicorn startups, scale of startup staff, global technology company branch network, and number of businesses supported by international programs.

Vietnam is also highly regarded in new technology fields. Specifically, it ranks second in Southeast Asia in blockchain, with Ho Chi Minh City in the global Top 30 in this field. Meanwhile, Hanoi stands out in the logistics field, holding the 6th position in the region, affirming the role of technology and supply chain in the national startup development strategy.

Vietnam - attractive destination

Mr. Eli David Rokah, Founder and CEO of StartupBlink, commented that Vietnam is emerging as an attractive destination in the context of rising production costs in China and the effectiveness of Vietnam's free trade agreements with the EU, the UK and Asia-Pacific countries.

Mr. Rokah assessed that Vietnam's startup ecosystem has great potential thanks to its market size, rapid growth rate, and the shift of global supply chains. At the same time, he recommended that Vietnam should continue to reform regulations to build a friendly business environment for investors and businesses to develop, while encouraging the building of an open society without Internet restrictions - an important factor for the national startup ecosystem to develop more strongly.

Mr. Pham Hong Quat, Director of the Agency for Startups and Technology Enterprises, emphasized: "Vietnam has a good foundation to go further on the global startup map. However, to achieve the goal of becoming a leading group in the region and the world, it is necessary to address structural challenges, build consistent policies, promote international cooperation and promote the role of the private sector."

The Ministry of Science and Technology affirmed its commitment to continue perfecting the legal framework; increasing resources for startup support funds, improving the capacity of the National Innovation Center and expanding links between universities, research institutes and businesses; creating an open, cooperative and internationally competitive startup environment, contributing to building and developing a strong and dynamic startup ecosystem, making practical contributions to the country's socio-economic development.

Thu Giang

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/3-thanh-pho-cua-viet-nam-thang-hang-ngoan-muc-tren-ban-do-khoi-nghiep-toan-cau-102250528202540604.htm