Da Nang strengthens scientific and technological cooperation

Promoting hi-tech cooperation

A Da Nang delegation, led by Deputy Secretary of the municipal Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee Nguyen Manh Hung, recently had working visits to the United States (the U.S) and the Republic of Korea (RoK).

The highlights of the delegation’s trips were to coordinate with the organizing units to successfully hold two investment promotion seminars themed “Da Nang - Korea Future Cooperation 2026" in Seoul and “Da Nang - Silicon Valley Innovation & Expert Network: Connecting with Silicon Valley’s innovation ecosystem and experts to advance strategic technology sectors” in Santa Clara City, California, the U.S.

Both events drew a large number of experts, scientists, representatives from businesses and technology corporations, and international investment funds.

At the Seoul seminar, Da Nang showcased its development potential and five strategic cooperation areas alongside exceptional incentive policies regarding taxation, R&D infrastructure, and high-quality workforce training.

Also, the city proposed key partnerships with Korean entities to establish hi-tech business clusters and develop semiconductor and AI supply chains while building a "Korea - Da Nang Innovation Bridge."

During the seminar, representatives from the Da Nang Semiconductor and AI Center for Research and Training (DSAC), under the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology, signed several important Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) regarding semiconductors, AI, and human resource training with Korean organizations, research institutes, and enterprises.

Meanwhile, international experts in Silicon Valley praised Da Nang’s vision and discussed with the city's delegation about practical solutions for human resource training, data infrastructure, and AI applications while strengthening the startup ecosystem.

Thereby, the Da Nang Innovation Startup Support Center (DISSC), under the city’s Department of Science and Technology, signed cooperation agreements with reputable partners, including Cyfendo, Janus Capital, TBH Global, and Patrick Long Family Office.

The agreements aim to strengthen connections between Da Nang and Silicon Valley while expanding the city’s access to the international innovation startup ecosystem, investment, expertise, technology, and international markets.

Also last September, a delegation of the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology made a working trip to Japan to promote cooperation in science and technology, innovation, and startup ecosystem development.

As a result, the DISSC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Universal Materials Incubator (UMI), a leading venture capital firm specializing in materials and chemicals in Kawasaki.

This cooperation focuses on joint research and applications involving new, green, and sustainable materials, as well as investment connections and market expansion for businesses in both localities.

Alongside, the Da Nang delegation had a working session with prominent organizations in the innovation startup sector, including Tech Hub Yokohama, Engineer Cafe, SMBC, SoftBank Group, Strike Co., Ltd., and Daiwa Corporate Investment.

Continued key promotion efforts

In 2026, the Da Nang People's Committee renews friendship and cooperation agreements with the Korean cities of Yongin, Osan, and Gwangyang based on agreements with the former Quang Nam Provincial People’s Committee.

In addition, the city signed a MoU to foster exchange and cooperation with Daegu and establish a new friendship and cooperation agreement with Hamyang County, Gyeongsangnam Province, the RoK.

To date, Da Nang has established friendship and cooperation ties with nine Korean localities that have valid agreements or MoUs, including Changwon, Daegu, Osan, Yongin, Seoul, Gwangyang, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Pyeongtaek, and Hamyang County.

Currently, Da Nang has attracted 314 projects from Korean enterprises with a total investment capital of nearly US$1.66 billion. The RoK also remains the city's largest source market for international tourists.

In the first eight months of 2026, Da Nang welcomed over 1.4 million Korean visitors.

Meanwhile, the U.S is one of Da Nang's significant investment partners.

The city has forged strong connections with leading global technology corporations such as Synopsys, Marvell, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm, thanks to the active support from U.S diplomatic missions and through investment promotion programs.

The city is currently home to approximately 10 U.S. enterprises that specialize in the semiconductor chip design, with Marvell Group serving as a key strategic partner.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hong, Director of the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology, stated that the city is focusing on key solutions to advance science and technology: infrastructure development, specific incentive policies, capital connection, and a spirit of partnership with investors.

In particular, the city aims to further develop innovation spaces and data infrastructure, ass well as attract venture capital for startups. It will also focus on accelerating the training of high-quality human resources in fields such as AI, semiconductor microchips, and new materials.

These efforts aim to turn Da Nang into a reputable regional hub for science, technology, and innovation.