On July 22, 2025, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) held a “Signing Ceremony for Cooperation in Research and Development of National Strategic Products and Implementation of Plan 01-KH/BCĐTW dated June 2, 2025, to Implement Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW.” During this event, VNU-HCM and CT Group Joint Stock Company signed one sponsorship agreement and two cooperation agreements, marking a significant step forward in the relationship between academia and industry.
At the signing ceremony, Associate Professor Dr. Vu Hai Quan, Director of VNU-HCM, highlighted that the collaboration between VNU-HCM and CT Group is primarily aimed at semiconductor chip development. VNU-HCM brings strong human resources to the table, with research groups formed from key member units like the University of Technology, University of Science, and University of Information Technology. These groups have already registered several chip products with the central government for implementation. Furthermore, VNU-HCM has secured approval to establish a national laboratory, complete with four smaller labs dedicated to specific chip production processes. However, the manufacturing stage still presents challenges, underscoring the vital need for CT Group’s partnership in this area.
The Director of VNU-HCM stated that VNU-HCM possesses a strong advantage in human resources, having formed research groups comprising its member universities.
Dr. Quan also noted that VNU-HCM is advancing its VNU350 Program, designed to attract and retain leading scientists for research and development. This program currently faces hurdles in securing adequate funding to compensate these experts. The partnership with CT Group is expected to unlock opportunities for leveraging shared resources, enabling both parties to invite top experts for joint projects and fostering broader collaborations with other businesses.
Mr. Tran Kim Chung, Chairman of CT Group, affirmed that this partnership is a crucial first step in developing strategic semiconductor chip lines, including edge AI chips, 32-bit control chips, and IoT chips. CT Group is committed to close cooperation with VNU-HCM in researching, developing, and perfecting these products, ultimately aiming to build Vietnam’s core technological capabilities. Mr. Chung also emphasized VNU-HCM’s role in providing technical consultation and appraisal for quantum technology startups linked with CT Group, proposing the accelerated development of shared laboratories to optimize resources and enhance effective collaboration.
CT Group is committed to close collaboration with VNU-HCM in research, development, and product refinement, aiming to build core technological capabilities for Vietnam.
VND 100 Billion Sponsorship to Attract Talent
Under the sponsorship agreement, CT Group has pledged to provide VND 10 billion annually to VNU-HCM from 2025 to 2035, totaling VND 100 billion. This substantial funding will support practical activities to aid students and cultivate high-quality human resources, particularly in high-tech fields.
Specifically, the sponsorship will cover postgraduate tuition fees, subsidize student loan interest, maintain shared canteens in dormitories, and provide scholarships for disadvantaged students. The program also offers flexibility to expand support based on mutually agreed-upon practical needs, ensuring students can focus on their studies and achieve comprehensive development in a specialized academic environment.
VNU-HCM and CT Group Joint Stock Company have signed one sponsorship agreement and two cooperation agreements, marking a new phase in the relationship between the university and the enterprise.
In parallel, both parties will launch the “VNU350-CT Global Fellowship for Innovation” program. This initiative aims to attract, retain, and develop outstanding young scientists and leading experts at VNU-HCM, with CT Group providing salary sponsorship for scientists participating in joint projects. CT Group will ensure competitive incomes for international experts through flexible funding from projects or supplementary budgets, while VNU-HCM commits to facilitating their deep integration into the university’s research, teaching, and technology transfer ecosystem.
Extensive Cooperation in Semiconductor Microchips and Quantum Technology
Alongside the financial sponsorship, VNU-HCM and CT Group will collaborate extensively in two cutting-edge technological fields: semiconductor microchips and quantum technology. Throughout these collaborations, both parties are committed to strengthening the “Triple Helix” model (State – University – Enterprise), with VNU-HCM and CT Group leading the way.
VNU-HCM and CT Group are implementing cooperation in two key technology areas: semiconductor microchips and quantum technology.
In the semiconductor microchip sector for the 2025-2030 period, cooperative projects will prioritize the development of edge artificial intelligence chips, high-power amplifier chips, versatile 32-bit control chips, and communication modules for the Internet of Things (IoT) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). VNU-HCM’s member universities, including the University of Technology, University of Science, and University of Information Technology, will spearhead these initiatives.
In the quantum field, VNU-HCM and CT Group will focus their cooperation on four main areas: (1) Building quantum technology infrastructure, which includes developing quantum computers and quantum communication networks; (2) Developing specialized training and research capabilities through dedicated programs and fostering scientific research; (3) Conducting practical research and applications, such as developing quantum algorithms, applying AI in quantum computing, and solving complex problems; (4) Developing quantum software and quantum simulations of molecular and material systems for drug design, clean energy, and research into quantum machine learning and quantum communication.
The University of Technology and the University of Science from VNU-HCM will lead these quantum initiatives.
