Amidst challenges faced by many major economies, Vietnam has emerged as a bright spot for growth. In the first half of 2025, the country’s GDP grew by 7.52%, with the second quarter alone reaching 7.96% – the highest in 15 years. The digital economy has already reached a scale of $36 billion, equivalent to more than 18% of GDP, and is projected to contribute 30-35% by 2030.
This strong foundation sets the stage for continued innovation, with InnoEx 2025 serving as a highlight. On August 21st, InnoEx 2025 officially kicked off at ThiskyHall Sala in Ho Chi Minh City, organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Young Businesspeople Association (YBA), the Business Startup Support Center (BSSC), and IBP Company, under the patronage of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee.
This year’s event is the largest to date, expected to attract over 30,000 visitors, including 4,000 CEOs and founders, 300 exhibiting companies, more than 100 startups, and 70 investment funds from over 60 countries.
Over two days, InnoEx 2025 featured prominent activities. The Business Innovation Forum facilitated direct dialogue between traditional and technology companies on the question, “How to innovate for profitability?” with the participation of leaders from PNJ, VNG, BCG, SAP, and Qualcomm. Other topics focused on AI trends, data automation, consumer experience innovation, and green economy.
Ms. Truong Ly Hoang Phi, Chairman and CEO of IBP, and Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Young Businesspeople Association, Head of the Organizing Committee of InnoEx 2025, affirmed that InnoX is ready to accompany businesses on the fastest route to success.
Another highlight of InnoEx 2025 was the institute-school-enterprise cooperation program, which established a mechanism to connect research with the market. Approximately 20 research projects from Vietnamese schools and institutes were showcased in the “Lab2Market” space, aiming to shorten the journey from idea to commercialization. The event also launched the “Advisory Circle” network, where experts and business leaders provided strategic advice for Ho Chi Minh City’s development orientation towards 2030.
According to Ms. Tran Thi Dieu Thuy, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, InnoEx has increasingly proven its role as a destination and a gathering place for the community of businesses, technology enterprises, international investment funds, and experts who are interested in youthful and creative ideas from groups of young businesses. This has opened up many collaborative spaces, contributing to the development of the city’s innovation ecosystem. The People’s Committee affirmed its commitment to accompanying InnoEx in the 2025-2028 period to turn this event into a brand associated with Ho Chi Minh City, with startups, and with the young generation’s thinking.
InnoEx 2025 not only attracted the participation of domestic enterprises but also marked its role in international connectivity. Qualcomm, a group that has just inaugurated a large AI R&D center in Ho Chi Minh City, affirmed that the event is in line with its global orientation of turning data into products and intellectual property. The presence of hundreds of international businesses, investment funds, and associations from South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Canada, and Europe demonstrates Vietnam’s growing appeal in the field of innovation.
The common message of InnoEx 2025 emphasized that data, technology, people, and brands are not just supportive tools but are becoming the core assets of enterprises in the digital economy. With the companionship of the government, the business community, and global partners, InnoEx is expected to join other major international events such as SWITCH (Singapore) and CES Asia (Shanghai) to become a strategic gateway, bringing Vietnam closer to the position of a leading innovation hub in the region.
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