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A Pioneering AI Accelerator Dedicated to Empower Vietnamese Startups

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Accelerating High Potential AI Startup in Vietnam​

In partnership with the Vietnam  National Innovation Center (NIC) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and with strategic support from Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the VietLeap AI Accelerator is fueling a new wave of innovation in Vietnam. The program is designed to unleash the potential of early-stage AI startups in high-impact sectors, empowering founders to tackle today’s toughest challenges with cutting-edge solutions.

Through hands-on mentorship, deep technical expertise, and investor-ready preparation, the accelerator equips founders with the tools to turn bold ideas into scalable, market-ready startups. By connecting entrepreneurs directly with investors, corporate partners, and global innovation networks, it propels Vietnamese startups onto the international stage – bridging Vietnam and Japan while accelerating the country’s rise as a regional powerhouse for AI innovation.

Which startup fits our program?

Early-stage startups

ranging from pre-seed to series A

Scalable product

at MVP stage or later that can expand to international markets

AI-driven

AI-central or AI-related products

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Why join

VietLeap AI Accelerator?

Our launchpad for AI startups

Commercial Growth &
Market Access

Expand your reach through partner matchmaking, corporate connections, and market-entry opportunities to accelerate business growth.

Infrastructure &
Technology Support

Access cloud credits, advanced computing resources, APIs, and essential business tools from leading technology partners to support product development and scalability.

Capability Building &
Mentorship

Receive tailored 1-on-1 guidance from industry experts to strengthen your business model, sharpen go-to-market strategies, and develop leadership capabilities.

Investor
Readiness

Refine your pitch, validate your business model, and prepare for fundraising with introductions to leading VCs and funding partners

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Timeline

Startup Journey

2 Oct - 17 Oct, 2025

Application Process

22 Oct - 23 Oct, 2025

Interview Day

24 Oct, 2025

Final Cohort Announcement

Early Nov, 2025

Intensive Training Week

Nov - Jan, 2026

Accelerator Phase

Early Jan, 2026

Demo Day

Apply here
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Expert

Our Experts

PhD. Cao Anh Tuan

    • Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Genetica - a San Francisco-based company specializing in gene decoding using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
    • Founder of LIFE AI - a pioneering platform applying Web3 technology combined with gene decoding for precision medicine.
    • Ph.D. in Computer Science from Cornell University, USA.

PhD. Cao Anh Tuan is the Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Genetica, a leading San Francisco-based company specializing in gene decoding powered by AI. Under his leadership, Genetica deploys proprietary AI algorithms to analyze complex genetic data, with applications ranging from early cancer risk prediction to personalized health recommendations. This innovation has allowed Genetica to become one of Southeast Asia’s largest gene sequencing and decoding centers, making significant contributions to genetic mapping for Vietnamese and Asian populations.
He is also the Founder of LIFE AI, an advanced decentralized healthcare platform that merges Web3 (blockchain) technology with AI-powered gene decoding. LIFE AI automates clinical trials, health research, and user benefits through a value-based distribution system, promoting both scientific collaboration and user empowerment in healthcare ecosystems.

PhD. Tai Huynh

    • Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kyanon Digital
    • AI Speaker, Advisor and Expert at accelerator programs and major forums such as AI Summit of CIO Vietnam, GenAI Open Innovation Vietnam 2025, …
    • Co-President of the CIO Vietnam community
    • Co-Founder of Vietnam IT Alliance and Agile Vietnam

PhD. Tai Huynh is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kyanon Digital, a pioneering digital consultancy and technology solutions provider headquartered in Vietnam with a strong regional presence including Singapore, Australia, and Thailand. Under his leadership, Kyanon Digital has grown into a respected tech powerhouse known for delivering comprehensive digital transformation solutions with a focus on data analytics, AI, and agile engineering to a diverse range of clients including multinational corporations and leading enterprises across Asia-Pacific.
PhD. Tai Huynh serves as the Co-President of the CIO Vietnam community and is a Co-Founder of both the Vietnam IT Alliance and Agile Vietnam, reflecting his commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in the Vietnamese tech ecosystem. Through these roles, he supports the growth of technology standards, agile methodologies, and digital best practices across the industry.

Mr. Nguyen Huy Hung

  • Head of Digital and Technology - Talentnet, a leading strategic human resources consultancy in Vietnam with a wide regional presence.
  • 20+ years driving technology strategy, product innovation, and digital transformation
  • Track record of scaling platforms and delivering large-scale, resilient systems
  • Deep expertise in cloud, AI/ML, and enterprise architecture
  • Focused on innovation, efficiency, and sustainable business growth
  • Dedicated to shaping the next wave of AI-driven solutions and startup innovation

Mr. Vu Thanh Thang

    • Chairman & Founder, AIZ Joint Stock Company
    • Founder & Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO) at Smart Cyber Security (SCS)
    • Former Director of Bkav SmartHome; Former Vice President of Hardware, Former Vice President of R&D, and Former Director of AI Institute of Bkav company at Bkav
    • AI Expert, Speaker, and Judge at major forums, including Vietnam AI4VN, AI Awards, and ESG Forums

Mr. Vu Thanh Thang has 25 years in the field of SmartHome, Smartphone, 10 years with AI Agents, and AI Camera. He is currently the Founder and Chairman of AIZ Corporation, a pioneering company specializing in smart AI solutions and innovative technology platforms in Vietnam. Mr. Thang is also the CEO and co-founder of SCS AI JSC (SafeGate), a company focused on next-generation cybersecurity and AI-driven platforms.
Mr. Vu Thanh Thang holds a Master’s degree in Information Technology from Hanoi University of Science and Technology, with a certification in SoC development from Seoul National University (Korea) and in electronics manufacturing from Taiwan.
With over 20 years of experience in electronics and smart home solutions, Mr. Thang has held key positions, including Former Director of Bkav SmartHome; Former Vice President of Hardware, Former Vice President of R&D, and Former Director of AI Institute of Bkav company at Bkav. He is also recognized for advancing core technology platforms and AI applications, including management software and AI image analysis systems like VMS, VA, GIS, and AI View Cloud.
In addition, Mr. Thang regularly serves as a judge, advisor, and keynote speaker at major AI and technology events such as AI4VN, AI Awards, and ESG innovation forums, and is recognized for his practical guidance on deploying AI at scale in enterprise and industry settings.

Ms. Quynh Nguyen

    • Founder, CEO of BambuUP - Open Innovation & Information Connection Platform
    • Founder, Chairwoman of The Blue Ocean Consulting & Ventures
    • Former General Director of Nielsen Vietnam & Cambodia
    • Key expert in top local and international accelerators, including Global Shinhan Innoboost 2025 (specializing in AI, digital banking, insurance, CX and data security), Toward Zero Waste Accelerator (focused on circular economy solutions) …

Ms. Quynh Nguyen is the Co-founder and CEO of BambuUP, an one-stop innovation platform that connects businesses with solutions, making innovation accessible, scalable, and borderless. She is also the Founder and Chairwoman of The Blue Ocean Consulting & Ventures, a strategic business consulting organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build and scale their businesses.

She is a key expert in:
– Leading local and international accelerators, summits, and conferences, including the Global Shinhan Innoboost 2025 (AI, digital banking, insurance, CX, and data security), Toward Zero Waste Accelerator (circular economy), Ho Chi Minh City Artificial Intelligence Conference 2025 …
– AI-related research in areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Twin Transition for Vietnamese Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Vietnam Open Innovation Ecosystem Report 2021 – 2023, Ho Chi Minh City Open Innovation Startup Ecosystem Report, ….

Previously, she served as General Director of Nielsen Vietnam & Cambodia, where she gained extensive experience in market insights and consumer behavior analytics. Her leadership at Nielsen contributed significantly to the company’s growth and influence in the region.

Mr. Takeru Kawashima

    • Executive Director of 01Booster Capital - a Japan-based investment firm, specializes in global startup investments
    • Former Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer - Startup Embassy Japan

Mr. Takeru Kawashima is the Executive Director of 01Booster Capital, a Japan-based seed-stage venture capital firm specializing in global startup investments. 01Booster focuses on startups from seed to mid-late stages.

He is the Former Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Startup Embassy Japan, a platform that supports global startups and entrepreneurs entering Japan through coworking spaces, mentorship, and assistance with visas and incorporation. This role emphasized strategic support and ecosystem building for startups expanding into Japan.

He provides insights on Japan’s startup ecosystem, investment trends, and corporate innovation strategies, highlighting Japan’s particular approach to venture capital and accelerator markets. Kawashima notes an increasing but cautious interest in generative AI among Japanese investors, and 01Booster’s diverse portfolio includes sectors such as deep tech, pharmaceuticals, and content IP.

Mr. Bao Trinh

    • Co-founder, Builder of Rework.com - a universal platform for business operations that unifies software, business processes, and AI agents in one system
    • Former Co-Founder & Former Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Base.vn
    • Expert in AI Service Builder

Mr. Bao Trinh is the Co-founder and Builder of Rework.com, a universal platform designed to unify software, business operations, and AI agents into a single, integrated system. Rework.com aims to revolutionize business operations by combining advanced AI capabilities with streamlined workflows to enhance efficiency and operational intelligence for organizations globally.
As an expert in AI Service Builder, Mr. Bao is deeply involved in designing AI-driven services that empower businesses to automate complex tasks and improve operational workflows.
Previously, he was the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Base.vn, where he played a key role in scaling the company’s SaaS offerings focused on business management and digital transformation for enterprises. His experience in building scalable and impactful software solutions underpins his expertise in operational technologies and AI service design.

Ms. Tuyet Nguyen

    • Chief Operating Officer of BambuUP - Open Innovation & Information Connection Platform
    • Co-Founder & Deputy Director of VietFerm JSC – fermented food production
    • Startup and Investment Advisor for over 100 startup ventures

Ms. Tuyet Nguyen is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of BambuUP, an one-stop innovation platform that connects businesses with solutions, making innovation accessible, scalable, and borderless.

She is the Co-Founder and Deputy Director of VietFerm JSC, a company specializing in fermented food production, where she contributes to business operations and development in the food sector.

Ms. Tuyet Nguyen advises over 100 startups and investment ventures, leveraging her extensive experience in project management, business development, and mentoring. Her involvement spans multiple sectors, focusing on guiding startups in growth, fundraising, and scaling activities.

Mr. Shinsuke Hamamiya

    • Investment Director of 01Booster Capital - a Japan-based investment firm, specializes in global startup investments
    • Former Venture Capital Business Development Manager - Startups at Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Mr. Shinsuke Hamamiya is the Investment Director of 01Booster Capital, a Japan-based seed-stage venture capital firm specializing in global startup investments. 01Booster focuses on startups from seed to mid-late stages.

Before joining 01Booster Capital, Mr. Hamamiya served as a Venture Capital Business Development Manager for Startups at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he focused on supporting startup growth in cloud technology and innovation ecosystems. His experience at AWS provided him with deep insights into startup scaling, venture capital dynamics, and technology enablement.

Mr. Do Bui

    • Founding Partner & CEO, ThinkZone Ventures - The leading Vietnamese VC that manages multiple tech-focused funds across AI, Fintech, Edtech and Transportation. The funds under management include: ThinkZone Fund I, ThinkZone Fund II, and BK Fund.
    • Former Product Development Director at Five9 Vietnam - a pioneering company in Telecommunications & Software

Mr. Do Bui is the Founding Partner and CEO of ThinkZone Ventures, the leading Vietnamese venture capital firm that manages multiple tech-focused investment funds specializing in AI, Fintech, Edtech, and Transportation sectors. The funds under management include: ThinkZone Fund I, ThinkZone Fund II, and BK Fund. Under his leadership, ThinkZone has grown significantly since its founding in 2018, managing over $27 million in assets and investing in early-stage startups with a focus on scalable innovation.
Prior to founding ThinkZone Ventures, Mr. Do Bui accumulated extensive experience in strategic planning, product development, and operations. He served as Product Development Director at Five9 Vietnam, a pioneering telecommunications and software company with significant market presence and revenue.
Mr. Do Bui holds a bachelor’s degree in computer software engineering from Hanoi University of Science and Technology (Vietnam) and La Trobe University (Australia). His expertise spans startups, global and local businesses, product development, and venture capital.

Mr. Do Tien Thinh

  • Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Innovation Centre (NIC)

Mr. Do Tien Thinh is the Deputy Director of the National Innovation Centre (NIC) in Vietnam, an influential institution under the Ministry of Finance. NIC plays a central role in supporting and developing Vietnam’s startup and innovation ecosystem, driving the country’s transition toward a science and technology-based growth model and integration into the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Mr. Arnaud Ginolin

  • Managing Director and Partner - BCG Vietnam

Mr. Arnaud Ginolin is the Managing Director and Partner of Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Vietnam. He is a core member of BCG’s Industrial Goods, Energy, and Public Sector practices in Vietnam, Asia Pacific, and Europe. With over 15 years of experience in strategy and transformation consulting, he has advised leading public and private-sector clients on large-scale and digital transformations to overcome market challenges and drive sustainable growth.

Mr. Ginolin brings a wealth of expertise in driving digital transformation, with a proven track record of spearheading cutting-edge AI initiatives across Vietnam corporations. Most recently, he led the BCG team in close partnership with the Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to launch Vietnam AI Economy 2025 – a bold national agenda designed to accelerate the country’s AI-powered future.

Mr. Duc Tran

    • CEO of Vietnam Startup Accelerator Fund (VIISA) - an accelerator and seed-stage fund powered by FPR and Dragon Capital
    • Former Director of FPT Ventures - a venture capital fund of FPT Corporation that supports tech startups in Vietnam by providing capital, resources, technology, and management expertise

Mr. Duc Tran is the CEO of Vietnam Startup Accelerator Fund (VIISA), an accelerator and seed-stage fund powered by FPT Corporation and Dragon Capital. Since its founding in 2016, VIISA has focused on investing in early-stage Vietnamese tech startups, providing capital, resources, technology support, and management expertise to help startups grow and scale.
Prior to his current role at VIISA, Mr. Tran served as Director of FPT Ventures, the venture capital arm of FPT Corporation, where he managed investments and supported technology startups in Vietnam. His work involved providing funding, strategic advice, and facilitating connections to corporate and technology resources to accelerate startup development.
Mr. Tran holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems from Hanoi University of Science and Technology and an MBA from Hanoi School of Business. He has extensive experience in technology, venture capital, financial management, and startup ecosystem development, making him a key figure in Vietnam’s startup investment landscape.

Dr. Le Huynh Phuong Thuc

    • Founder & CEO of Talent Connect Plus - The applied learning platform integrating mentoring, training and consulting
    • Executive Industry Expert in Marketing, Commercial Excellence, Omnichannel Retail, and Leadership for Business Transformation
    • Former Managing Director at Guardian Vietnam
    • Former General Manager - CPD at L’Oréal Vietnam

Dr. Le Huynh Phuong Thuc, Founder & CEO of Talent Connect Plus, is a strategic leader with over 25 years of experience at leading multinational corporations such as Unilever, L’Oréal, and Guardian Vietnam. She is the executive industry expert in Marketing, Commercial Excellence, Omnichannel Retail, and Leadership for Business Transformation. Guided by the principle “Leading with Purpose and Performance,” she founded Talent Connect Plus as an applied-learning platform integrating mentoring, training, and consulting to advance Vietnamese talent and promote the value of lifelong learning.

Beyond her achievements as a distinguished executive in global corporations, she is also an inspiring speaker and trainer dedicated to accompanying startups on their journey of knowledge, growth, and career success such as 2025 Global Shinhan Innoboost, Startup Wheel 2025, MMA Global Vietnam 2025, …

PhD. Son Do Lenh

    • Deputy CEO of Strategy, Technology, and Transformation at Talentnet Group
    • Led the digital product team at a technology startup recognized as one of the Top 100 Hot Startups worldwide in 2012, and included in Gartner’s Cool Vendors list.
    • Led to inventing cutting-edge technologies recognized by multiple awards including 3 scientific awards, a STELLAR Distinct Award, and a Best Demo Award.
    • PhD in Human-Computer Interaction from EPFL, Switzerland, and conducted research at Harvard Initiative in Innovative Computing.
    • PhD EPFL - Harvard Research
    • Head of Experience, Wealth Management Technology - Leading private bank in Switzerland

Dr. Son Do Lenh is the Deputy CEO of Strategy, Technology, and Transformation at Talentnet Group, a leading strategic human resources consultancy in Vietnam with a wide regional presence. His role focuses on driving digital transformation, technology innovation, and strategic development across various industries.

Son obtained his PhD from EPFL, Switzerland, accompanied by research projects at Harvard Initiative in Innovative Computing. His expansive industry journey features accomplishments across sectors such as banking, shipping, data, education and consulting. Most recently, Son was Head of Experience, Wealth Management Technologies at a prestigious Swiss private bank where he rebuilt its portfolio management platform, one of the most sophisticated in the industry and also offered to 10 other banking and financial groups across the globe.

Previously, he worked for one of the world’s largest shipping companies, where he devised strategies across 20 transformation projects to streamline employee and customer experience in 155 countries. Son also led a digital product team for a startup, playing a pivotal role in its place among the Top 100 Hot Startups worldwide in 2012, an accolade further endorsed by Gartner’s inclusion in the Cool Vendors category.

He received 3 Scientific Awards, including 1 STELLAR Distinct Award and 1 Best Demo Award, a testament to his prowess in inventing cutting-edge technologies in applied settings. The esteemed EUROCONTROL, European Organization for Safety of Air Navigation offered an invitation to conduct research at its Innovative Research unit.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

📄

Questions & answer

Your Questions Answered

01

The accelerator is jointly organized by the National Innovation Center (NIC) and JICA DXLab, with strategic support from BCG and implementation guidance from BambuUP.

02

This is a 3-month program, beginning on October 20th and ending on January.

03

The program will be delivered in a hybrid format. Most training, mentoring, and office hours will be held online, while key activities such as the orientation, intensive training week, networking events, and Demo Day will take place offline in Hanoi.

04

No. The program is completely free of charge.

05

Company stage
Product readiness
Business validation
AI-centrality
Sector fit

06

Yes. AI must be a core or supporting feature to your product or solution

07

You’ll kick off with a week of hands-on workshops on business strategy, fundraising, and technical skills. After that, expect weekly 1-on-1 mentorship sessions designed around your startup’s specific challenges.

08

Every startup gets matched with at least one lead mentor who fits your sector, stage, and goals. We’ll also connect you with other experts whenever you need specialized support.

09

Demo Day is your chance to showcase your progress by pitching your solution to investors, corporates, government partners, and international stakeholders.

Organizers

Contacts

  • Enterprise Support Department, Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC)
    Ms. Trinh Hong Thu Trang
  • Email: trangtht@nic.gov.vn
  • Website: http://nic.gov.vn
  • Address: NIC Building, Alley 7 Ton That Thuyet, Hanoi
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