Qualcomm has taken a strategic step into Vietnam with the launch of a new AI research and development (R&D) center, bolstering tech cooperation between the U.S. and Vietnam. This techno-political move supports Vietnam’s aspirations in AI, semiconductors, and digital transformation. The facility, staffed by top scientists and AI experts from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, is part of Qualcomm’s global AI research division.
The center’s focus encompasses advanced generative and agentic AI for applications in smartphones, automotive, and IoT. At the inauguration event in Hanoi, Vietnam’s deputy minister of Science and Technology, Le Xuan Dỉnh, emphasized the center’s role in reinforcing the nation’s AI research capabilities and nurturing local AI expertise.
Additionally, Qualcomm is playing an integral role in Vietnam’s tech ecosystem growth, aligning with Vietnam’s strategic tech policies. The company runs the Qualcomm Vietnam Innovation Challenge, which aids local startups with funding and technical guidance. Vietnam’s aim to be a top player in Southeast Asia’s AI sphere by 2030 reflects its ambitious tech goals.
Moreover, Qualcomm recently acquired the Hanoi-based AI research firm MovianAI. This acquisition adds substantial generative AI capacity to Qualcomm, led by Dr. Hung Bui, a former Google DeepMind researcher. MovianAI’s expertise in machine learning and computer vision positions Qualcomm to drive significant advancements across industries.
Qualcomm has actively engaged with the Vietnamese tech community for decades. This longstanding relationship has fostered significant growth in Vietnam’s information and communication technology sector, with innovations in 5G, AI, IoT, and automotive technologies.
