Design core IP for edge AI
Energy-saving AI and signal processing IP blocks for edge devices, no need for separate factories.
Deep Tech · Sector hub
Semiconductor microcircuits
HCM VIF invests in teams that master a specific link in the semiconductor chain — from core IP design to advanced packaging — so that Ho Chi Minh City has Vietnamese-developed chip design capabilities.
Why now?
Semiconductors are no longer a problem in the distant future
In the past three years, the global semiconductor supply chain has shifted strongly to Southeast Asia. Vietnam is chosen by many large corporations as the destination for testing, packaging and gradually moving towards design - opening a window of opportunity that did not exist ten years ago.
Ho Chi Minh City is where the majority of the country's IC engineering human resources are concentrated, with chip design training programmes deployed at many technical universities. What is missing is not people, but patient capital so that young teams dare to start a business instead of just outsourcing to foreign countries.
We do not expect a Vietnamese startup to compete directly with the world's leading wafer manufacturers. We look for teams that master a specific link and do it better than anyone.
This is the time when HCM VIF wants to accompany: when the market has enough signals, the training infrastructure is available, but the early capital gap is still very large.
~7 tỷ USD
Scale of Vietnam semiconductor market to 2030
Source: National Semiconductor Strategy (target)
50.000
IC engineers need to be trained until 2030
Source: Semiconductor human resources orientation (expected)
3
Semiconductor link HCM VIF priority
Source: Field Orientation HCM VIF
Ho Chi Minh City Chance
Advantages only City funds have
Institute - industry close school
The network of technical schools and IC design labs at Ho Chi Minh City allows for rapid technology transfer and personnel recruitment.
Technical human resources
An abundant source of IC design and testing engineers, well-trained and ready for deep tech startup teams.
Technology park infrastructure
High-tech zones and shared cleanroom spaces help startups access expensive equipment without requiring a large initial investment.
Companion policy
The City's incentive mechanism and sponsorship create a policy fulcrum that is difficult for a purely private fund to have.
HCM VIF what to look for in the industry
Four signals in semiconductor profile
Master a clear link
The team focuses on a specific step — IP design, testing or packaging — and does better than an existing solution.
Real technical depth
Patents, prototypes that have been run or independently tested — proof of technology that is difficult to copy.
Possible route to market
Identify the first customers and commercialisation roadmap in Vietnam or the region.
Associated with the City's capacity
Take advantage of institutes, schools, human resources and infrastructure Ho Chi Minh City to accelerate and spread value to the ecosystem.
The central problem
Semiconductor problems we are interested in
Specialised testing & measurement
Solutions for testing, measuring and ensuring IC quality for packaging lines are moving to Vietnam.
Advanced packaging
System-on-chip packaging and integration — good profit margin link, suitable for the City's manufacturing capacity.
Domestic design tools
Software and processes supporting IC design help reduce dependence on expensive foreign tools for young startup teams.
Auxiliary materials & components
Components and chemicals supporting the semiconductor process - an essential area for localizing the supply chain.
And other breakthrough technologies
The above list is the direction the Fund is interested in, not a limit. If your business pursues a disruptive new technology that falls outside of the above categories, we'd love to hear.
Priority areas
Areas of interest to the Fund
List of priority fields according to the Fund establishment project — where the Fund actively searches and receives investment applications.
The fund looks for teams that own a link in the semiconductor chain
Submit your application online for the Fund to consider according to the investment criteria of this field, or find out in advance the Fund's investment strategy.