Vietnam and South Korea strengthen startup cooperation through investment connectivity, technology development, shared research infrastructure and joint product commercialisation.
Vietnam and South Korea are expanding cooperation between their startup and innovation ecosystems, focusing on investment connectivity, technology development, market access and joint product commercialisation. The initiative was discussed at the Vietnam-Korea Startup Networking Day held in Hanoi on November 12, 2026, bringing together government representatives, startup support organisations, venture capital funds and businesses from both countries.
South Korean Ambassador to Vietnam Lee Miyon highlighted the growing importance of startups in strengthening national competitiveness amid rapid technological developments in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors and biotechnology. She noted that South Korea recorded approximately 13.6 trillion won in new venture capital investments in 2025, the second-highest level in its history, while the number of unicorn companies reached 20.
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She also highlighted Vietnam's expanding digital market, young workforce and developing startup ecosystem as complementary strengths for bilateral cooperation. Both countries aim to improve connections between investors and businesses, facilitate international market access and address information and regulatory barriers affecting cross-border business activities.
Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Hoang Minh said the country is shifting its approach from supporting individual startups towards developing an integrated innovation ecosystem. The strategy seeks to connect businesses with research institutes, universities, investors and startup support organisations to encourage the development of commercially viable technologies and products.
Vietnam's startup ecosystem improved five positions to rank 50th globally in 2026. Investment in its innovative startups exceeded US$500 million in 2025, covering approximately 120 deals. The government sees cooperation with South Korea as an opportunity to leverage Korean technology expertise, corporate networks and investment resources while expanding opportunities for Vietnamese startups.
The deputy minister identified three priority areas for bilateral engagement. These include strengthening business-to-market connections and startup participation in supply chains, linking venture capital funds and public and private investment resources, and sharing technology infrastructure, laboratories and research facilities. The proposed approach also encourages companies from both countries to jointly develop products and pursue international commercial opportunities.
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The networking event featured an investor pitching session involving seven startups presenting solutions across different technology and service sectors. Participating companies included Edu-FAB, which offers semiconductor training solutions; Invest Global, focused on recruitment and human resource management; Paywatch, which provides earned-wage access services; and Beberia, a parenting community platform.
Other participants included AROThinking, DIGITERIOR and LifeX, which presented digital lifestyle, interior and exterior design, and prenatal care-related solutions. The presentations provided opportunities for businesses to introduce their models to investors, receive expert feedback and explore potential partnerships.