Vietnam continues to break out on the global startup map

On the evening of May 27, 2025 in Hanoi, 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 startup ecosystems, held an online workshop to announce the results of Vietnam's 2025 creative startups.

Online workshop on Vietnam's innovative startup results 2025.

This is one of the important events in the series of activities to promote the national innovation ecosystem, providing a comprehensive and updated picture of the development level of the global startup ecosystem, including Vietnam. The event attracted the participation of policy makers, experts, investors and the startup community at home and abroad.

Continuously rising in rank, three leading startups make breakthroughs

In his opening speech, Mr. Pham Hong Quat, Director of the Department of Startups and Technology Enterprises, said that cooperating with StartupBlink to publish the Global Startup Ecosystem Index Report 2025 is a strategic step to clearly position Vietnam's position, while helping Vietnam review its achievements, clearly identify its strengths and weaknesses, and determine appropriate development strategies in the coming period.

Mr. Pham Hong Quat emphasized that in recent years, Vietnam’s innovative startup ecosystem has made great strides. Three major cities including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang have been ranked in the top 1,000 startup cities in the world , reflecting joint efforts at both national and local levels. From policy frameworks to grassroots startup energy, the ecosystem is developing rapidly.

Mr. Pham Hong Quat, Director of the Department of Startups and Technology Enterprises, delivered the opening speech at the Workshop.

At the workshop, Mr. Eli David Rokah, Founder and CEO of StartupBlink, officially announced the Global Innovation Startup Ecosystem Index 2025 Report. Accordingly, in 2025, Vietnam moved up one place compared to the previous year, ranking 55th in the world and maintaining 5th place in Southeast Asia. This is the third consecutive year that Vietnam has risen in rank, demonstrating its continuous efforts to improve the national startup environment.

Mr. Eli David Rokah said that Vietnam's startup ecosystem has great potential thanks to its market size, rapid growth rate and the shift of global supply chains. 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. Eli David Rokah also 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 with no restrictions on the Internet - an important factor for the national startup ecosystem to develop more strongly.

Mr. Eli David Rokah, Founder and CEO of StartupBlink, released the Global Innovation Startup Ecosystem Index 2025 Report.

Blockchain and Logistics: Two Emerging Pillars of Vietnam’s Startup Ecosystem

StartupBlink's Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025 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 global position - 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.

Vietnam is also highly regarded in new technology fields. Specifically, it ranks 2nd in Southeast Asia in Blockchain, with Ho Chi Minh City in the global Top 30 in this field. Meanwhile, Hanoi stands out in the field of Logistics, holding the 6th position in the region, affirming the role of technology and supply chain in the national startup development strategy.

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.

Ranking the best industries and sub-industries in Vietnam.

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 funding, 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 (Ho Chi Minh City) 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 network of technology company branches, and number of businesses supported by international programs such as Y Combinator.

Top 3 cities with leading startup ecosystems in Vietnam.

Within the framework of the Workshop, delegates exchanged and discussed the opportunities and challenges of Vietnam's innovative startup ecosystem, and at the same time proposed policy directions to enhance the country's position on the global innovation map.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Pham Hong Quat 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 such as NATIF, 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.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/viet-nam-tiep-tuc-but-pha-tren-ban-do-khoi-nghiep-toan-cau-197250528123856634.htm