Google and NIC announce initiatives to boost AI startups and AI literacy in community

ABO/NDO- On June 18 in Ha Noi, a signing ceremony was held to announce a series of initiatives aimed at promoting artificial intelligence (AI) entrepreneurship, co-organised by Google Vietnam and the National Innovation Centre (NIC). The event attracted a large number of delegates and was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung, who delivered a keynote address.

"Shaping the Future of Vietnamese AI" is an initiative launched by Google in collaboration with NIC. It represents a concrete step towards realising Viet Nam’s goals of fostering innovation and high-tech scientific development.

To date, the initiative has successfully awarded 60,000 scholarships through the Google – NIC Digital Talent Development Programme. This achievement has been made possible by an extensive network of over 150 partners, including universities and social impact organisations.

Delegates at the ceremony (Photo: nhandan.vn).

In his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung highlighted the strategic role of science, technology, and innovation in Viet Nam’s current development agenda. Among these, AI has been identified as a high-potential technology that can drive innovation nationwide, enabling businesses and institutions to boost revenue, cut costs, and improve operational efficiency.

He reaffirmed the pivotal role of the NIC as a core driver in helping Viet Nam quickly ascend to the ranks of leading countries in innovation and AI, thereby securing its place on the global innovation map. “The Vietnamese Government has enacted numerous effective policies to build a digital ecosystem and digital platforms, and to prepare the infrastructure needed for AI development. In particular, collaboration with domestic and international AI partners is being strongly promoted,” the Deputy Prime Minister stated.

He also praised the cooperation between NIC and Google, noting that it contributes meaningfully to advancing Viet Nam’s startup and innovation ecosystem, especially in strategic technology fields such as AI.

Speaking at the event, Marc Woo, Managing Director for Vietnam at Google Asia, expressed his strong belief that Viet Nam holds a unique position to become a regional leader in AI.

It is projected that AI could generate between 120 and 130 billion USD in value for Viet Nam by 2040, driven by the combined efforts of businesses, the public, and the Government.

(Source: NDO)