SoiHub: Vietnam's First Private Innovation Hub for Green Growth and Digital Transformation

SoiHub (SAIGONTEL Open Innovation Hub) - managed by SAIGONTEL - was founded to serve as a talent incubator and technology pilot hub in Vietnam, dedicated to addressing innovation challenges for green growth. SoiHub stands out by fostering connections among corporations and promoting open innovation to establish an international gateway for collaboration. It brings together key players within the ecosystem—including government bodies, tech startups, corporations, international organizations, local entities, and research institutes. SoiHub is committed to empowering the younger generation to drive and grow Vietnam's creative startup ecosystem.

On October 25-26, 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City, SAIGONTEL inaugurated SoiHub, Vietnam's first private innovation center. In his opening remarks, Mr. Vo Van Hoan, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR), expressed his appreciation for SaigonTel’s initiative in establishing the Open Innovation Hub model (SoiHub). This Hub is a pioneering private venture in Vietnam, dedicated to advancing green transformation and digital transformation within Ho Chi Minh City and nationwide.

Ho Chi Minh City is presented with a significant opportunity to become a hub of innovation, spearheading the shift toward a green and digital economy. The city has been actively implementing policies to encourage businesses to invest in green technologies and smart urban development projects. However, to ensure an effective transition, close collaboration is essential among government authorities, the business community, and both local and international experts, Mr. Hoan said.

SoiHub presents a range of dynamic activities and programs designed to connect and foster the creative community. Key themes include sustainable production, smart supply chains, and eco-friendly transportation. The hub also hosts specialized seminars, technology product showcases, and panel discussions on semiconductor technology and its supply chain in Vietnam, providing an ideal platform for potential partners, IT industry stakeholders to network, exchange ideas, and explore collaboration opportunities.

A key highlight of the event was the speakers' insights into green AI challenges and the vital role of Vietnamese talent in the global semiconductor supply chain. They presented solutions and proposals to apply artificial intelligence in production and environmental protection, supporting the development of a green, circular economy. This aligns with SoiHub’s mission to promote open innovation projects, offering startups a platform to showcase and test transformative ideas, bolster the local business community, and aim for global standards. Over 200 delegates attended this event, including representatives from semiconductor corporations, professors from IT departments at various universities, the Director of the Agency for Market Development and Science and Technology Advance under the Ministry of Science and Technology (Natec), IT companies, Start-ups, the Asian Development Bank, the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, the Ambassador of Finland in Vietnam, and others.