Vietnam is moving fast from a manufacturing base to Southeast Asia’s rising innovation star. In 2024, it ranked 44th in the Global Innovation Index, backed by growing R&D activity, forward-looking policies and a rapidly evolving intellectual property landscape.
A major push is coming from bold government support. Under Decree 182, high-tech investors in artificial intelligence and semiconductors can secure up to 50 percent of their initial costs through state funding, if they meet strict R&D thresholds and commit at least VND 3 trillion to R&D. With a national roadmap in place, Vietnam is laying the foundation for its first chip fabrication plant by 2030.
The world is taking notice. Nvidia signed an agreement to build AI R&D centres in Vietnam while Qualcomm launched its research centre in 2025, focused on generative AI. At the same time, Vietnam has adopted the latest global patent classification standards (IPC 2025.01) effective from January 01, 2025 and opened the Australia–Vietnam Strategic Technology Centre in June, 2025 to boost cross-border collaboration in digital innovation.
This report spotlights the top domestic companies of 2024, tracks growth since 2023, and reveals the key domestic universities shaping Vietnam’s innovation future.
Top Leading Vietnamese Companies in 2024
| Rank | Company | Patent Published in 2024 | Patent Published in 2023 | YoY Change(%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viettel Group | 173 | 128 | 0.260116 | |
| Thien Long Group | 93 | 34 | 0.634409 | |
| Bong & Phich Nuoc Rang Ong | 64 | 45 | 0.296875 | |
| Kenwin Group | 48 | 46 | 0.041667 | |
| Cong Ty Tnhh Cong Nghe Akcome Vietnam | 41 | 0 | – | |
| Nhat Hai New Technology | 37 | 34 | 0.08 | |
| Minh Long | 36 | 40 | -0.111111 | |
| Vang Bac A Quy Phu Nhuan | 26 | – | – | |
| Rynan Tech Vietnam | 24 | 20 | 0.166667 | |
| Vines Energy Solutions | 24 | – | – | |
| Hoang Xanh Group | 23 | 15 | 0.347826 | |
| Liwayway Vietnam | 23 | – | – | |
| Nguyen Xuan Thuy | 23 | – | – | |
| Thanh Phuc Window | 22 | 39 | -0.772727 | |
| An Vinh Phat | 21 | – | – | |
| Binh Tien Bien Hoa | 21 | – | – | |
| CAD Group | 21 | 36 | -0.714286 | |
| Duy Tan Plastic Products | 21 | – | – | |
| Acecook Vietnam | 20 | 23 | -0.15 | |
| Vietnam Science and Technology Company | 20 | 32 | -0.6 | |
| Viglacera Trading Company | 20 | 56 | -1.8 | |
| Masan Consumer | 19 | – | – | |
| Con Co Vang | 18 | – | – | |
| Hung Phat Production and Investment | 17 | 30 | -0.764706 | |
| Karofi R&D | 16 | 14 | 0.125 | |
| Kem Chau Doc Saigon | 16 | 20 | -0.25 | |
| Thaco Auto | 16 | – | – | |
| Dai Phong Trading & Services | 14 | 18 | -0.285714 | |
| Thanh Phuc Export-Import | 14 | – | – | |
| Hucafood | 13 | – | – | |
| Dai Duong Ideas | 12 | – | – | |
| Pham Thanh Tung | 12 | 13 | -0.083333 | |
| Toan Cau Beverage | 12 | – | – | |
| Vitadairy Vietnam | 12 | – | – | |
| Ho Hoan Cau | 11 | – | – | |
| Tan Hoa Thinh Long An | 11 | – | – | |
| Vinh Tuong Industry | 11 | 13 | -0.181818 | |
| Binh Minh Food Corporation | 10 | – | – | |
| Lix Detergent | 10 | – | – | |
| Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corporation | 10 | – | – | |
| Thanh An Limited Liability Company | 10 | – | – | |
| Thu Hang Food Group | 10 | – | – |
Vietnam’s top patent filers in 2024 reveal a vibrant mix of legacy brands and start-ups. Viettel Group leads the pack with 173 filings and ~ 26.01% surge from last year. Thien Long Group and Bong & Phich Nuoc Rang Ong also posted impressive gains of 63.44% and 29.69% respectively, signalling momentum from mid-sized innovators.
However, not all players gained ground. Viglacera and Hung Phat recorded steep declines. Even long-standing names in Vietnam like Minh Long and Vietnam Science and Technology Company saw double-digit dips highlighting a shift in the innovation curve.
While companies are making bold moves, universities in Vietnam are laying the foundation for tomorrow’s breakthroughs. With patents that are quicker, sharper and more market-ready, universities are turning their labs into launchpads for the future. Let’s now look at the top domestic universities making their mark on Vietnam’s patent landscape in 2024.
Which Top 10 Universities Are Driving Innovation in Vietnam Through Patents in 2024?
| University | Patents |
| Hanoi University of Science and Technology | 65 |
| Institute of Image Tech | 48 |
| Phenikaa University | 44 |
| AI University of Ho Chi Minh City | 36 |
| Natural Science University Hanoi | 35 |
| Nguyen Tat Thanh University | 31 |
| Wilus Institute | 28 |
| Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology | 27 |
| Bach Khoa University, Ho Chi Minh City | 23 |
| University of Da Nang | 23 |
| Institute of Chemical, Vietnam Academy | 19 |
| Electronics & Telecommunication Research Institute | 17 |
| Hanoi University of Industry | 16 |
| National University of AI and Technology, Hanoi | 16 |
| University of Language | 14 |
| Vietnam Academy of Materials Science | 14 |
| Institute of Temperature Technology | 12 |
| Kyung Hee University Industry Cooperation | 12 |
| Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology Education | 11 |
| Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Sciences | 10 |
Vietnam’s universities are making significant strides in innovation, with notable patent activity in 2024. Hanoi University of Science and Technology leads with 65 patents, further solidifying its position as a research powerhouse. The university’s collaboration with Nissei Technology (Vietnam) Ltd. to create a joint laboratory in optical and super-precise technologies underscores its commitment to cutting-edge innovation (Source). Phenikaa University follows with 44 patents, reflecting its strong ties to the semiconductor industry through partnerships with Arizona State University and Synopsys, paving the way for advancements in tech development (Source).
The AI University of Ho Chi Minh City, with 36 patents, is making waves in AI research while the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) continues to play a crucial role with 27 patents, including its development of a patent and non-patent data exploitation system to support strategic business decisions in tech (Source).
Vietnam’s patent activity in 2024 highlights a country in transition—one that is equally invested in refining its traditional industries while pushing ahead in advanced technologies. From healthcare breakthroughs to cutting-edge digital communication and semiconductor innovations, Vietnam is establishing itself as a key player in multiple sectors. With a growing pool of start-ups, universities, and inventors leading the way, the momentum is undeniable. As this landscape evolves, Vietnam’s commitment to innovation sets the stage for a future where its technological prowess is recognized on the global stage.