Vietnam’s technology industry has experienced rapid growth over the past decade, attracting global giants like NVIDIA and fostering local innovation. With the Vietnamese government aiming to make the digital economy contribute 30% to GDP by 2030, foreign investments and advancements in AI are at the forefront of this transformation. This case study explores how NVIDIA’s involvement in Vietnam, including its previous collaboration with VinBrain, has contributed to AI innovation and shaped Vietnam’s position in the global tech landscape.
The Rise of Vietnam’s Tech Industry
Vietnam has emerged as a key player in Southeast Asia’s technology sector, driven by government initiatives, a strong talent pool, and increasing foreign investment. The country’s digital economy is projected to reach US$52 billion by 2025, with AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation playing critical roles. In 2023, Vietnam ranked 55th out of 181 countries in the Global AI Index, showcasing its rapid progress in AI adoption and development.
Several factors contribute to this growth:
- Government Support: Policies such as the National Digital Transformation Program and investments in smart cities have encouraged the development of AI-driven technologies.
- Startup Ecosystem: Vietnam is home to over 3,800 startups, with AI and deep tech leading the way in securing international funding.
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): The country attracted over US$27.7 billion in FDI in 2023, with technology being a priority sector.
- Skilled Workforce: Vietnam produces over 50,000 IT graduates annually, fueling the demand for AI and data science expertise.
NVIDIA’s Role in Vietnam’s AI Ecosystem
NVIDIA, a world leader in AI computing, has been actively expanding its presence in Vietnam. By providing cutting-edge GPU technology and AI frameworks, NVIDIA supports businesses and research institutions in accelerating their AI capabilities. The company has trained over 3,000 AI professionals in Vietnam and collaborated with leading universities to build a strong AI workforce. Its contributions enhance Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem, making advanced AI tools more accessible to startups and enterprises. NVIDIA’s key contributions include:
- AI Hardware & Software Infrastructure: Providing GPUs and AI toolkits that enhance research and industrial applications.
- Industry Collaborations: Partnering with companies in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing to optimize AI implementation.
- Educational Partnerships: Working with top universities to develop AI curricula and practical training programs.
VinBrain’s Contribution (Prior to Acquisition)
VinBrain, prior to its acquisition by NVIDIA, specialized in AI-driven healthcare solutions. The company gained recognition for developing AI-powered medical imaging solutions that enhanced diagnostics and improved healthcare accessibility. By leveraging NVIDIA’s AI infrastructure, VinBrain developed technologies such as DrAid, an AI-powered diagnostic tool that analyzed over 2 million medical images, significantly improving early detection of diseases like tuberculosis, lung cancer, and strokes. VinBrain’s AI solutions achieved:
- 95% Accuracy Rate in detecting pneumonia, tuberculosis, and lung diseases.
- 70% Reduction in misdiagnosed cases through AI-assisted radiology.
- Deployment in Over 100 Hospitals, expanding access to AI-powered diagnostics nationwide.
NVIDIA’s Acquisition of VinBrain
VinBrain was acquired by NVIDIA Corporation in Santa Clara, California, USA, in November 2024 and is no longer an independent business entity. The collaboration between NVIDIA and VinBrain, before the acquisition, highlighted Vietnam’s growing influence in AI innovation. Key aspects of this former partnership included:
- Advanced AI Research & Development: VinBrain, leveraging NVIDIA’s GPUs and AI models, developed medical imaging solutions, which aimed to reduce diagnostic time.
- Healthcare Transformation: The AI-powered diagnostics developed by VinBrain improved efficiency and accuracy in detecting diseases.
- Global Recognition & Investment: This collaboration helped position Vietnam as a participant in AI-driven healthcare solutions.
- Scalability & Future Applications: VinBrain was exploring AI solutions for telemedicine, predictive analytics, and precision medicine.
A recent agreement between Vietnam and NVIDIA to establish an AI research and development center in the country marks a significant step in Vietnam’s plans to become a regional tech hub. Read more at Vietnam Plus.
Implications for Vietnam’s Tech Growth
NVIDIA’s activities and the former NVIDIA-VinBrain partnership highlight Vietnam’s potential to become a leading tech hub in AI and digital transformation. Vietnam’s AI market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20% from 2023 to 2030, demonstrating increasing demand for AI-driven solutions. Additionally:
- Vietnam’s AI Adoption in Enterprises is projected to increase by 40% in the next five years.
- Foreign Investments in AI Startups in Vietnam exceeded US$200 million in 2023 alone.
- AI and Automation in Manufacturing are expected to contribute an additional $10 billion to Vietnam’s GDP by 2030.
With continued investment in AI research, skilled workforce development, and regulatory support, Vietnam is well-positioned to compete on the global stage.
Conclusion
NVIDIA’s continued involvement in Vietnam, including its acquisition of VinBrain, underscores the potential of Vietnam’s technology sector. As the country continues to attract global tech leaders and foster local innovation, it is set to become a key player in the future of AI and digital transformation in Asia. With government support, strategic investments, and a thriving AI ecosystem, Vietnam is on track to solidify its reputation as a technological powerhouse in the region. The collaboration between multinational tech companies and Vietnamese innovators will drive the country’s ambition to lead in AI-driven healthcare, smart manufacturing, and financial technology.
