On July 22, 2025, CT Group and Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) signed a strategic cooperation agreement in the fields of semiconductor microchip technology and quantum technology, and committed to a sponsorship of VND 100 billion for high-quality human resource development and talent attraction. This marks a significant step forward in the research and development of national strategic products.
The event, titled “Signing Ceremony for National Strategic Product R&D Cooperation and the Implementation of Plan 01-KH/BCĐTW dated June 2, 2025, to execute Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW,” between CT Group and VNU-HCM, aims to master high-tech capabilities and promote the “Three-House” linkage model (State, School, Business) with a new, multi-dimensional, and breakthrough structure.
Specifically, the two parties signed cooperation agreements on semiconductor microchip technology and quantum technology, reaffirming a strong commitment to developing key technologies that play a pivotal role in the nation’s socio-economic development. CT Group and VNU-HCM will coordinate closely in scientific research and technology transfer activities in both fields. For semiconductor microchip technology, this includes products such as Edge AI SoC (System-on-a-Chip), amplifier chips, high-power ultra-high-frequency transceiver modules, 32-bit general-purpose microcontrollers (RISC-V, single or multi-core), and wireless communication transceivers for IoT/UAVs, etc. For quantum technology, cooperation will focus on building quantum technology infrastructure platforms; developing specialized training and research capabilities; and researching and developing technological solutions and practical applications.
Signing ceremony for the cooperation agreement between CT Group and VNU-HCM
A CT Group representative emphasized VNU-HCM’s role in providing technical consultation and appraisal for quantum technology startups connected with CT Group, while also proposing to accelerate the construction of shared laboratories to optimize resources and enhance cooperation efficiency.
Mr. Tran Kim Chung, Chairman of CT Group, shared: “One of our main concerns is how VNU-HCM can train an elite team of leading experts in the semiconductor field, with the stature to represent Vietnam and confidently introduce our high-tech products to the world. Second, we need to expand cooperation beyond just chip production; we also need to find ways to market and build a brand for ‘Made in Vietnam’ products in the semiconductor industry.
Third, regarding the quantum technology development strategy, this is a program I call ‘sowing the seeds.’ If we don’t sow the seeds today, there will be no trees tomorrow and no harvest the day after. Therefore, we must sow the seeds now. In our search, we have studied hundreds of quantum startups and are very eager to cooperate with VNU-HCM in appraising and assessing the technical potential of these startups. When a foreign quantum startup comes to Vietnam, we will have many more opportunities to research and develop together. Finally, regarding the effective use of laboratories and promoting innovation. VNU-HCM’s laboratories will be crucial nuclei for developing the semiconductor and quantum technology sectors. I hope that we will soon establish and have a coordination mechanism to fully utilize these shared laboratories.”
VNU-HCM also affirmed its strong technological development capacity, with a solid foundation and an interdisciplinary research team from its member universities like the University of Technology, University of Science, University of Information Technology, etc. The university has also registered 50 core semiconductor chip products for implementation. Notably, the approval to build a national laboratory with four smaller labs dedicated to each stage of the chip production process, with a total budget of approximately VND 750 billion, further confirms the potential in terms of facilities and human resources.
A VNU-HCM representative stated that to develop science and technology, especially in key fields like semiconductors or quantum technology, the human factor is central. VNU-HCM has the team and the potential, but attracting and retaining true leading scientists – those who can master complex technologies – is always a major financial challenge. “Through the cooperation between VNU-HCM and CT Group, we believe we have found a new direction, an innovative solution. The two sides will join forces and mobilize resources to invite outstanding scientists to come and work here, jointly implementing common projects. This means we will have impactful projects, and more importantly, we will share resources to invite veteran, experienced scientists to dedicate themselves to our common cause. I truly see this as a very large-scale, multi-disciplinary model with immense potential. In the future, this model can be expanded and replicated with the participation of other corporations and businesses” said Associate Professor, Ph.D. Vu Hai Quan, President of VNU-HCM, at the event.
CT Group to sponsor VNU-HCM students and social welfare activities
In addition to the in-depth cooperation in technological fields, CT Group will sponsor students and social welfare activities at VNU-HCM with VND 100 billion over 10 years (2025–2035). This funding will support tuition fees for master’s and doctoral programs in high-tech fields, cover student loan interest, shared kitchen costs, and provide scholarships for students, contributing to nurturing talent and creating the best possible learning conditions.
At the same time, CT Group will be a partner with VNU-HCM in the “VNU-CT Global Fellowship for Innovation” talent attraction program, with the goal of inviting scientists, experts, and talents from all over the world to work and conduct research at VNU-HCM in high-tech fields of particular interest to CT Group.
The comprehensive and deep cooperation between CT Group and VNU-HCM is expected to create important breakthroughs, not only in the high-tech sector but also in the training and development of the nation’s human resources.
