On 26 February 2026, leaders from government, academia, industry, and the innovation community gathered at the headquarters of the Hanoi People’s Committee to witness the official launch of the Hanoi Innovation Hub (HiHUB), a new institution designed to advance innovation, digital transformation, and creative industries for the capital and national economy.
VinUni representatives joined policymakers, technology leaders, venture capital funds, and research institutions to affirm the University’s commitment to contributing research excellence and talent development to Hanoi’s emerging innovation ecosystem.
A New Institutional Model for Innovation
Governance HiHUB was established as a joint-stock company with 70% state capital controlled by the Hanoi People’s Committee and 30% held by academic and industry partners. It represents one of the first innovation institutions in Vietnam to operate under a state-oriented, enterprise-led governance model, shifting from traditional administrative support to co-investment, risk sharing, and ecosystem coordination.
Media and government reports described the Hub as a strategic “central brain” linking data, policy, resources, technology, and culture for innovation-driven urban development. It is also positioned to attract global expertise and strengthen Hanoi’s role as a regional technology testbed, aligning with the spirit of national innovation and digital transformation as foundational forces for economic growth and global competitiveness.
VinUni’s Role: Research Partner and Ecosystem Builder
During the ceremony, VinUniversity was formally recognized by the Hanoi City People’s Committee for its active partnership and contributions to the Center’s innovation ecosystem. This recognition demonstrates the University’s growing role in national innovation initiatives and its impact on connecting research with practical, real-world applications.
VinUniversity, represented by President Lê Mai Lan, recognized by the Hanoi City People’s Committee for its active partnership and contributions to the Center’s innovation ecosystem
Source: Organizing Committee
As a research-intensive university committed to impact, VinUni views the launch of HiHUB as a pivotal opportunity to deepen academia–government–industry collaboration. The University’s engagement is guided by three strategic intentions:
- Advancing Translational Research:
VinUni aims to contribute interdisciplinary research in AI, urban systems, digital governance, entrepreneurship, and sustainability that can be tested and deployed through the Hub’s pilot mechanisms to foster socially responsible innovation. - Nurturing Innovation Talent:
Through its academic programs and research centers, VinUni prepares students and young researchers to engage directly with real-world innovation challenges. The Hub’s focus on experimentation and incubation aligns closely with experiential learning and industry-linked research training. - Attracting Global Talent and Investing in Research Infrastructure:
VinUni is actively attracting and collaborating with globally recognized scholars and top-ranked scientists, inviting them to work at or partner in research projects at the University. The University continues to invest in advanced laboratories, cutting-edge research infrastructure, and interdisciplinary research centers. These investments enable frontier research aligned with HiHUB’s strategic priorities, reinforcing VinUni’s role as both a knowledge anchor and an innovation engine for the capital.
VinUni Provost Tan Yap Peng shared insights from NTU’s experience in advancing impactful and responsible innovation, highlighting how strong academia–industry–government collaboration can accelerate national innovation ecosystems.
Source: Organizing Committee
Dr. Phạm Huy Hiệu, Scientific Director of the VinUni Entrepreneurship Lab (ELab), reflected on key lessons learned in fostering innovation and expressed high expectations for VinUni’s future contributions to HiHUB and Hanoi’s growing innovation landscape.
Source: Organizing Committee
VinUni representatives at the Launch
Source: Organizing Committee
Toward a Knowledge-Driven Hanoi
The establishment of HiHUB signals a shift toward more agile, mission-oriented innovation governance in Hanoi, integrating research, policy, and enterprise in novel ways. By institutionalizing cross-sector collaboration and enabling controlled technology pilots, the city is laying the foundation for a more dynamic, knowledge-based economy.
VinUni’s recognition at the event underscores its aspiration not only as an academic institution, but as a catalyst for responsible innovation bridging global research standards with Vietnam’s development priorities. As Hanoi advances its innovation objectives, VinUni remains committed to contributing research excellence, cultivating high-impact talent, and co-creating solutions that enhance quality of life and strengthen Vietnam’s global innovation presence.
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References
- Báo Tin Tức. (2026, February 26). Trung tâm Đổi mới sáng tạo Hà Nội xây dựng hệ sinh thái an ninh số. BáoTin Tức.
- Quân Đội Nhân Dân Online. (2026, February 26). Hanoi’s innovation center to drive digital transformation, creative industries.
- Vietnam News. (2026, February 26). Hà Nội launches innovation centre company to position capital as global technology testbed. Vietnam News.
- VietnamPlus. (2026, February 26). Hanoi’s innovation centre to drive digital transformation, creative industries. VietnamPlus (English).
- VnExpress. (2026, February 26). Hà Nội mở công ty đổi mới sáng tạo. VnExpress.