Da Nang makes major leap in innovation and startup
DNO - Da Nang’s startup ecosystem has climbed 212 places in one year, reaching 554th globally in 2026. The city now aims to join the world’s top 300 ecosystems and build a US$1 billion technology unicorn by 2030.
Fast-growing innovation ecosystem
Da Nang has built a diverse innovation ecosystem supported by startup infrastructure, research institutions, investors, and international partnerships. Four international innovation spaces connect the city with key international partners, expanding opportunities for cooperation and investment.
Several technology and innovative startups have already emerged from the ecosystem, including Dat Bike, XBStation, WATEC, Alpha Asimov Robotics and DeltaX Robotics.
Da Nang has recorded a sharp rise in international startup ecosystem rankings. In 2025, the city climbed 130 places to rank 766th in StartupBlink’s global ranking of the top 1,000 startup ecosystems, and was recognized as Vietnam’s fastest-growing startup ecosystem.
By 2026, Da Nang had reached 554th, representing a 342-place rise from 2024.
The city was also named among the Top 10 localities recognized for developing Vietnam’s innovation and startup ecosystem at TECHFEST Vietnam 2025.
Major events such as SURF 2026 and DAVAS 2026 have brought together experts, investors, businesses, and international partners, strengthening connections across the ecosystem.
Also, the city is expanding direct support for innovative startups and science and technology enterprises. These efforts are helping create a stronger environment for companies seeking talent, partnerships, investment, and opportunities to scale.
Ambitious roadmap towards 2030
The “Da Nang - Innovation City” project sets a clear direction for the next stage of development, with the goal of making the city an internationally recognized innovation and startup center by 2030.
Da Nang aims to enter the world’s top 300 startup ecosystems and the top five Vietnamese localities in the Provincial Innovation Index (PII).
The city plans to support at least 600 innovative startup projects and businesses and increase the number of startups operating in the city to around 500.
Notably, at least 20% of these companies are expected to be founded or invested in by foreigners. Da Nang also aims to develop at least one technology unicorn valued at US$1 billion.
The city plans to develop national-level facilities for data science, artificial intelligence training, testing and production, as well as high-performance computing using supercomputers or quantum computers.
By 2030, Da Nang also targets more than 70% of AI products used by local government agencies to be supplied through these capabilities.
Turning innovation into investment opportunities
The city is also looking to develop green and sustainable innovation networks linked to the Net Zero goal, alongside a high-tech urban area and innovation clusters.
Addressing a recent workshop, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Ho Quang Buu said innovation is a key pillar in transforming the city’s growth model and improving productivity, quality, and economic competitiveness.
The city is calling for broader participation from schools, local communities, businesses, investors, and international partners. Along with that, it is expanding international innovation spaces to connect Da Nang with external resources.
For investors and technology companies, this expanding ecosystem offers a combination of infrastructure, research capacity, talent, international connections, and a growing community of startups.
Da Nang’s 2030 targets signal an ambition to attract more capital, technology, and global talent, creating new opportunities for companies looking to establish a presence and grow in Central Vietnam.
The Vietnam National Innovation Day 2026 will be marked across the country with technology showcases, investment matchmaking and activities promoting the commercialisation of research. In Ha Noi, a series of forums, exhibitions and business-investor meetings will take place in early October, following the annual National Innovation Day on October 1.