Nvidia announced on Thursday (Dec. 5) the opening of its first Research and Development (R&D) center in Vietnam, marking a significant step in the company's ongoing investment in the country's growing AI ecosystem. In collaboration with the Vietnamese government, the new center will leverage Vietnam's strong pool of STEM engineers to develop AI software and platforms that will drive innovation across industries.

The Vietnam R&D Center, located at Viettel's AI-ready data center in Hanoi, will focus on software development, enabling researchers and startups to build AI applications for sectors such as healthcare, education, transportation, and finance. Established in partnership with Viettel, a member of Nvidia's Partner Network since 2022, the center will also serve as a hub for collaboration with local industry leaders, government agencies, universities, and students to accelerate AI adoption.

"We are excited to work with Vietnam's vibrant ecosystem of researchers, startups, and enterprises to foster AI innovation here," said Jensen Huang, Nvidia's Founder and CEO. "With our expertise in AI development, we look forward to advancing the country's AI capabilities and creating cutting-edge solutions."

Nvidia's establishment of the center is part of its broader strategy to support Vietnam's ambition to become a regional AI leader. Over the past eight years, the company has invested heavily in Vietnam's tech sector, including partnerships with over 100 AI startups through its Inception program and collaborations with 65 universities across the country. Earlier this year, Nvidia partnered with Vietnamese tech giant FPT to create AI R&D factories, furthering its commitment to the region.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed the government's commitment to innovation as a key element of Vietnam's development strategy. "This strategic partnership with Nvidia will help us promote the rapid growth of AI technology in Vietnam, positioning the country as a leader in AI research and development in Southeast Asia," he said during the launch event.

The new center comes as Vietnam intensifies its efforts to position itself as a hub for AI, following the approval of a national AI strategy in February 2024. The government aims to foster innovation, build a robust AI ecosystem, and accelerate digital transformation to enhance Vietnam's competitiveness on the global stage.