Asia’s first Applied AI Center of Excellence is set to open in Ho Chi Minh City. The new hub promises to link local talent with global AI markets, making it a key story for anyone interested in Vietnam’s tech future.

The centre will be built through a three‑party partnership among Plug and Play, the Startup and Innovation Hub of Ho Chi Minh City, and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City. Its model is designed to solve real‑world business problems and to shorten the journey from research to commercial products.

Saeed Amidi, founder and CEO of Plug and Play, said the centre will help Vietnamese technology startups reach international markets and attract investment capital. He highlighted the city’s dynamic economy and young workforce as strong assets.

Plug and Play will use lessons from its U.S. applied‑AI centres. The San Jose State University AI centre supported about 30 startups in its first year, and the startup Atomic Canyon secured a $3.4 million‑per‑year contract with PG&E.

Leaders plan to visit Ho Chi Minh City in March 2027 to turn Silicon Valley commitments into concrete investment projects. This visit could bring the promised funding and partnerships to Vietnamese innovators, boosting jobs and growth.