Vietnam Plans New Funding Programme to Accelerate AI Adoption Among Businesses
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: The National Technology Innovation Foundation (NATIF) is preparing a new funding programme aimed at accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) among businesses and expanding opportunities for domestic AI solution providers.
The programme was discussed during a working session between NATIF and the Vietnam Association of Science and Technology Enterprises (VST) at the Ministry of Science and Technology on September 26. The meeting focused on proposals for technology innovation projects applying AI to practical business needs.
Chử Đức Hoàng, Chief of NATIF’s Office and Head of its Funding and Commissioning Division, said the programme was being developed under Vietnam’s new legal framework, including the 2025 Law on Science and Technology and Decrees No. 267/2025/NĐ-CP on science and technology tasks and No. 268/2025/NĐ-CP on innovation activities.
Under the programme, NATIF plans to select and sign contracts for around 15 key AI application projects in 2026. From 2027, the initiative is expected to expand to approximately 50 projects annually.
The programme is based on an adapted version of Singapore’s “100 Experiment” model. Participating projects may receive funding of up to US$150,000, equivalent to approximately VNĐ3 billion, with the model adjusted to reflect Vietnam’s business and technological environment.
The initiative brings together three key groups. The State, represented by NATIF, will provide funding and strategic direction; businesses will identify practical problems and provide relevant data; while research institutes, universities, experts, research teams and technology companies will develop appropriate solutions.
Medium- and large-sized manufacturing and business enterprises with practical AI needs and sufficient data will be prioritised as applicants seeking solutions. Technology companies, including small and micro enterprises, will be able to participate as AI solution providers.
Under the proposed mechanism, the State will finance up to 50 percent of an approved project’s total cost, subject to a maximum of VNĐ3 billion. Participating businesses will cover the remaining costs, with cash contributions prioritised.
Funding will be disbursed according to project progress rather than being based solely on final settlement. Hoàng said payments could be made in three stages: 20 percent after the AI problem has been clearly defined and the necessary data prepared; 30 percent following successful development of the AI model; and the remaining 50 percent once the model has been deployed in the enterprise, its economic effectiveness demonstrated and productivity measured.
The mechanism is intended to link public funding to measurable milestones throughout the AI adoption process, from problem identification and data preparation to model development and deployment in actual production or business operations.
The programme has already attracted considerable interest from the business community. Nguyễn Thị Hương Liên, Standing Vice Chairwoman of VST and Vice Chairwoman of Sao Thai Duong JSC, said the association had received 26 proposals shortly after members were informed about the initiative.
Of these, 14 enterprises registered as “buyers”, seeking to apply AI to their operations, while 12 registered as “sellers”, offering AI-based solutions.
Liên said the State’s 50 percent funding support would provide significant assistance to domestic manufacturing enterprises seeking to overcome the cost barriers associated with AI adoption, particularly in areas such as automation, sales management, quality control and competition with foreign technology solutions.
During the discussion, businesses also raised questions regarding application and evaluation procedures, as well as how appropriate AI problems should be identified and defined. Participants highlighted the need for stronger connections with expert networks to better understand specific technological requirements and identify suitable solutions.
Hoàng said NATIF would assist businesses in defining their AI challenges, adopting a structured approach to innovation and connecting with suitable experts.
He also proposed that VST establish a dedicated consulting team with appropriate training to provide direct guidance and support to member enterprises across the country.
