Ho Chi Minh City hosts International Innovation Forum and Exhibition 2026

InnoEx 2026 focuses on major shifts reshaping the global economy, including artificial intelligence (AI), data, automation, green transition, international trade and new business models. It also provides a platform connecting businesses, startups, investors and solution providers, facilitating partnerships, investment and access to knowledge and technologies.

Ho Chi Minh City (VNA) – The International Innovation Forum and Exhibition 2026 (InnoEx) opened in Ho Chi Minh City on August 19 under the theme “The Inflection Point – Where Global Shifts Fuel Business Reinvention.”

The annual event, running through August 20, is jointly organised by the InnoEx International Innovation Alliance, the Ho Chi Minh City Young Business Association (YBA HCM) and Investment and Business Partners (IBP).

download-10.png
Visitors learn about a robot model designed to care for the elderly at Qualcomm’s booth. (Photo: VNA)

InnoEx 2026 focuses on major shifts reshaping the global economy, including artificial intelligence (AI), data, automation, green transition, international trade and new business models. It also provides a platform connecting businesses, startups, investors and solution providers, facilitating partnerships, investment and access to knowledge and technologies.

The event is expected to attract more than 4,000 CEOs, founders and senior executives, over 70 international investment funds and hundreds of experts.

Truong Ly Hoang Phi, head of the InnoEx 2026 Organising Board, said the event goes beyond showcasing new technologies to create opportunities for businesses to rethink their strategies, restructure operations and build sustainable digital assets.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Dang Minh Thong said innovation has become increasingly urgent as the city enters a new development phase.

The southern metropolis targets average annual GRDP growth of at least 10% during 2026-2030, with the digital economy accounting for around 40% of GRDP by 2030, and aims to become an Asian science, technology and innovation hub by 2045, he added.

These goals cannot be achieved by extending the old growth model, he said, stressing that new growth drivers must rely more heavily on science and technology, innovation, digital and green transformation, labour productivity and high-quality human resources.

InnoEx helps connect startups with investors. (Photo: VNA)
InnoEx helps connect startups with investors. (Photo: VNA)

With strengths in finance, industry, high technology, trade, seaports, logistics, education and research, Ho Chi Minh City should become a place for technology research, testing and commercialisation, rather than merely a market for technology adoption, he said.

Thong urged InnoEx 2026 to focus on technologies capable of shaping competitiveness over the next five to 10 years, including AI, data, semiconductors, biotechnology, green technology, clean energy, smart logistics, digital finance and the circular economy.

He also emphasised the need to shift from networking to co-creation and from showcasing solutions to addressing real-world challenges, with businesses playing a central role.

Ho Chi Minh City will also expand regulatory space for safe technology testing, open relevant datasets, invite businesses and research institutions to address urban challenges, and create more opportunities for investment and cooperation. It will continue developing shared digital, data and research infrastructure, promoting technology testing and public procurement, supporting startups and attracting technology groups, R&D centres, investment funds and high-quality talent, he added./.

VNA
en.vietnamplus.vn

Other News

Vietnam and Belgium expand cooperation, tap trade, investment potential

Vietnam and Belgium expand cooperation, tap trade, investment potential

The official visit to Belgium by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam is expected to provide fresh impetus for cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, innovation, high-quality human resources training, logistics and green growth.

Swiss President hails new Free Trade Agreement at Swiss-Viet Economic Forum 2026

Swiss President hails new Free Trade Agreement at Swiss-Viet Economic Forum 2026

Swiss President Guy Parmelin has described the newly signed free trade agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) as a strategic commitment to closer economic cooperation, expected to strengthen legal certainty, improve market access and create fresh opportunities for businesses from both sides.

Prime Minister backs PETRONAS' further investment expansion in Vietnam

Prime Minister backs PETRONAS' further investment expansion in Vietnam

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung praised PETRONAS and the Vietnam National Industry-Energy Group (Petrovietnam) for maintaining a strong partnership for more than 30 years, with joint efforts supporting Vietnam’s energy security, sustainable development and economic growth, as well as those of the Asian region.

Vietnam ties FDI incentives to local supplier commitments

Vietnam ties FDI incentives to local supplier commitments

Incentives will increasingly hinge on investors’ performance and commitments, not just on landing projects. Key commitments include transferring technology to Vietnamese firms, training workers, providing technical support and opening FDI supply chains to domestic companies.

Vietnamese businesses, entrepreneurs make growing contributions to national development

Vietnamese businesses, entrepreneurs make growing contributions to national development

Viet Nam Entrepreneurs’ Day is an opportunity to recognise the business community’s contributions to the nation, and promote the entrepreneurial spirit, the pursuit of legitimate prosperity and national responsibility. With stronger policies and greater innovation, Vietnamese enterprises are expected to play an increasingly important role in developing economic growth and realizing the country’s ambition to become a strong, prosperous nation.

Tax policy stability now key to keeping foreign investors: Officials

Tax policy stability now key to keeping foreign investors: Officials

Companies must ensure records and data truthfully reflect the substance of transactions and engage in dialogue early when complex issues arise. Tax authorities, in turn, need to publish policies, give clear guidance, enforce rules consistently and deliver information in a timely manner.

Vietnam – a potential regional supply hub for Jatropha seed oil

Vietnam – a potential regional supply hub for Jatropha seed oil

Japan’s research on non-edible oil feedstocks showed that Jatropha is highly drought-tolerant and could grow well on wasteland, eroded sandy land and infertile soil. Given this, areas in central Vietnam, including Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan and the Central Highlands, have climatic, sunlight and soil conditions suitable for achieving high seed yields and oil content.

Vietnam enters investment grade credit rating category for first time

Vietnam enters investment grade credit rating category for first time

Vietnam has maintained robust growth, outperforming other Southeast Asian economies. Its ongoing government reforms aimed at streamlining the state apparatus, promoting the private sector, improving the institutional framework and developing capital markets will strengthen the country’s growth potential and economic resilience.

Vietnam, Laos seek to expand room for trade, investment cooperation

Vietnam, Laos seek to expand room for trade, investment cooperation

Vietnam and Laos aim to boost bilateral trade in 2026 towards the milestone of 10 billion USD by 2030, a target said to be challenging but feasible as both Governments work to remove trade barriers, improve border-trade mechanisms, and strengthen transport and logistics connectivity.

Vietnam's national brand value jumps 45% to over 462 bln USD

Vietnam's national brand value jumps 45% to over 462 bln USD

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Luong Hoang Thai outlined Vietnam's National Brand Programme 's achievements, the role of business community and plans for brand development in a press interview ahead of the 10th Vietnam National Brand Product recognition ceremony on October 16.

Vietnam revises scheme to improve sovereign credit rating by 2030

Vietnam revises scheme to improve sovereign credit rating by 2030

Under the decision, Vietnam aims to become a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030, while building a competitive and effective governance system and a dynamic economy driven by science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

Vietnam posts GDP growth of 9.95% in Q3

Vietnam posts GDP growth of 9.95% in Q3

In the first nine months, Vietnam's GDP was estimated to increase 9.01% from the same period last year. Agriculture, forestry and fisheries grew 4.02%, contributing 5.35% to overall gross value added growth; industry and construction rose 11.21%, contributing 49.62%; and services expanded 8.69%, contributing 45.03%.

Vietnam sees 149,700 new businesses in nine months

Vietnam sees 149,700 new businesses in nine months

Vietnam recorded nearly 149,700 newly established enterprises in the first nine months of 2026, up 3.2% year-on-year, with total registered capital rising 32.7% to over 1.88 quadrillion VND (71.6 billion USD).