According to the latest StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) has officially entered the Top 5 startup ecosystems in Southeast Asia, marking a historic milestone for Vietnam’s innovation landscape.
In the 2025 global rankings, HCMC rose one position to 110th worldwide—its highest ranking to date. Meanwhile, Da Nang climbed 130 places to 766th globally and was recognized among the 12 most promising emerging startup ecosystems worldwide.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology announced on May 20 that the city’s continued ascent reflects sustained efforts to strengthen its startup environment. StartupBlink evaluates ecosystems based on factors including:
Number of startups
Quality of support infrastructure
Global connectivity
Local government policies
Innovation capacity
HCMC has improved its ranking for four consecutive years, with particular strength in fintech. Notably, the city now ranks Top 30 globally in blockchain, placing second in Southeast Asia in this sector.
With a growing innovation community, improving infrastructure, and proactive government support, HCMC is increasingly recognized as one of the region’s most dynamic startup hubs.
Mr. Lam Dinh Thang, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, noted that this year’s ranking validates the city’s long-term commitment to improving the startup ecosystem and provides an opportunity to reassess its global positioning.
Looking ahead, HCMC aims to enter the global Top 100 startup ecosystems by 2030, focusing not only on rankings but also on quality, sustainability, policy effectiveness, infrastructure, and talent development. The city is currently developing its 2025–2030 startup ecosystem development plan, aligned with Resolution 57-NQ/TW and global integration objectives.
On the same day, the Da Nang Innovation Startup Support Center reported that Da Nang achieved a major leap in the StartupBlink rankings, rising to 766th globally and earning recognition as one of 12 standout emerging ecosystems worldwide in 2025.
Da Nang has built a cohesive innovation ecosystem centered on advanced technologies, including:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Semiconductors
Blockchain
Biotechnology
Renewable energy
With a long-term vision toward 2045, Da Nang aims to become a leading innovation and startup hub in Asia. The city has issued nearly 30 startup support policies, covering areas such as technology sandboxing, tax incentives, and science & technology infrastructure support.
Key strategic projects are also underway, including dedicated startup spaces, Software Park No. 2, and a modern digital infrastructure system.
StartupBlink highlighted Da Nang’s open and startup-friendly environment, along with strong domestic and international networks, as major advantages. The city is also being studied as a pilot location for a Free Trade Zone and the development of an International Financial Center—two strategic initiatives expected to further attract global startups and investors.
Source: The Saigon Times
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