Seize the Vietnam Opportunity

Join the Vietnam Landing Pad virtual program for Smart Cities & Clean Tech scaleups exploring the Vietnamese market.

Applications close 14/03/2025

Why Vietnam?

Vietnam, Southeast Asia’s fastest growing economy with a population of over 100 million, presents a unique opportunity for Australian smart cities companies to service a rapidly growing market.
Urban development has been a driving force of the socio-economic development of Vietnam, with cities and urban areas contributing around 70% of the country’s GDP in 2023. In 2024, 38.5% of the population lived in urban areas, projected to reach 50% by 2040. 

Continued urbanisation is expected to increase the burden on major cities to provide services and achieve liveability outcomes, driving expenditure on smart city solutions and services.  

Vietnam also faces significant risks from natural disasters, heightening the need for to enhance the resilience and preparedness of its cities and towns by using appropriate smart cities solutions. As a developing nation, Vietnam requires smart city solutions to reduce the negative impacts of inadequate infrastructure investment – for instance, automated traffic systems to reduce traffic congestion.  

Further, in 2023, the number of green buildings in Vietnam totaled only 300 projects, representing a significant opportunity to increase the penetration using smart building solutions and services.

Applications for this Landing Pad are encouraged from export-ready tech firms who offer services aligning to key development issues for Vietnam, including: 

• Energy - renewable energy; energy storage and efficiency
• Environmental and sustainability - pollution from manufacturing; power generation and vehicles; waste collection and recycling
• Water treatment and management - water supply; wastewater treatment; drainage systems 
• Infrastructure - proptech, transport congestion and public transport improvement; smart transportation solutions; smart infrastructure management; broadband infrastructure
• Smart services and technologies – smart property management; extreme weather event planning and mitigation; smart manufacturing; and e-Government services

Program Format

This 4-week, part-time program run in collaboration with New Energy Nexus Vietnam, supports participants to: 

• Develop a practical Vietnam market entry plan alongside a cohort of selected national peers;
• Gain valuable knowledge and skills to succeed in Vietnam’s high-growth economy; 
• Receive access to downstream programs, potential partnerships and funding opportunities; and  
• Obtain guaranteed support and feedback from market and industry experts and peers to build your plan in a supported online workshop environment.

Once enrolled, bootcamp participants will have the opportunity to apply for the in-market component of this program in Ho Chi Minh City (7-9 May 2025), which will involve attending Smart City Asia 2025 and include site visits, business matching sessions and networking. 

Format

This bootcamp will be run over 4 sessions between 2 - 24 April 2025. 

Please note: the above schedule is subject to change.

Once enrolled, bootcamp participants will have the opportunity to apply for the in-market component of this program in Ho Chi Minh City (7-9 May 2025), which will involve attending Smart City Asia 2025, site visits, business matching sessions and networking. 

EOIs for this in-market program will go live in March 2025.  

How it works

1. Apply Online - Ensure you complete all steps of the EOI.  
2. Status Notification - Should your EOI be successful, you'll receive an email notification with a Registration link and calendar invitations from New Energy Nexus Vietnam. 
3. Pre-Workshop Webinar - This session will cover everything you need to know about the program structure, outcomes and expectations, ensuring that all participants are aligned and have a clear understanding of what to expect. 
4. Program Kick-Off Workshop - Experts will explain the opportunities for Smart Cities exporters in the Vietnam market and our market experts will share valuable insights. 
5. Online Workshops - You will be provided with 5 insightful and interactive online workshops during the program. These workshops will be delivered by industry experts including government agencies, entrepreneurs, investors and corporates. 
6. 1:1 Mentoring Sessions - At the end of the program, you will have the opportunity to discuss with a mentor who is an experienced practitioner in the field. 

Eligibility

Applicants who meet the below criteria are encouraged to apply:  

• An Australian registered and operating business with an active ABN 
• A business working in the Smart Cities and/or related sectors (including energy; environmental and sustainability technologies; water treatment and management; property/infrastructure tech; and smart services) with a viable product offering, existing customers and revenue generation, or have existing funding to support market expansion 
• Hold a viable product/service offering, existing customers and revenue generation, or have existing funding to support market expansion
• Interested or already looking to expand in the Vietnamese market
• Ability to clearly describe and communicate company objectives and vision for growth, including consideration of product-market fit for Vietnam
• Availability to attend all sessions within this Landing Pad Bootcamp

If any problems arise during your EOI submission, please contact:

Trang Vu
Landing Pad Manager
Austrade Ho Chi Minh
E: trang.vu@austrade.gov.au

William Johnson
SEA Landing Pad Senior Adviser
Austrade Melbourne
E: william.johnson@austrade.gov.au