Overview of the MoU signing ceremony between NACENTECH and UTT

Attending the ceremony, the delegation from NACENTECH was led by Dr. Pham Hong Quat (Director), accompanied by leaders of its affiliated units. Representing the University of Transport Technology (UTT) were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hoang Long, President of the University, together with members of the University Board of Management and heads of departments, faculties, and functional centers.

Universities as the Core of the Innovation Ecosystem

In his remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hoang Long shared the University’s efforts to build an innovation ecosystem within the educational institution through regularly organizing business idea competitions, entrepreneurship contests, and innovation programs, encouraging students to apply knowledge to solving real-world problems.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hoang Long, President of the University of Transport Technology, shared insights into the innovation efforts undertaken by the University’s faculty members and students.

The University President expressed concerns about the need for fundamental reform in the higher education training model, while affirming the institution’s determination to transition from a traditional education model to an innovation-driven university model. This transformation aims to effectively implement Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation, and national digital transformation.

Sharing the same perspective, Dr. Pham Hong Quat emphasized the pivotal role of institute–university collaboration in developing the national innovation ecosystem. He stated:

“Each university can become an innovation hub where students, faculty members, and enterprises jointly work to solve practical challenges of localities and the economy.”

Unlocking students’ creative potential and aligning training programs with real business needs is the key to bringing academic knowledge into real-life applications.

Dr. Pham Hong Quat, Director of the NACENTECH, emphasized the pivotal role of institute-university collaboration in advancing innovation development.

Five Strategic Pillars of Cooperation Between NACENTECH and UTT

Based on discussions and mutual agreement, the two sides identified five key areas of cooperation as the foundation for long-term and substantive collaboration:

First, research and development cooperation:
Focusing on high-tech fields such as microelectronics, UAVs, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence (AI); implementing venture studio and spin-off models to commercialize research outcomes.

Second, high-quality human resource development:
Co-organizing joint training programs, case study competitions, and hackathons to connect student-developed solutions with real-world challenges from enterprises and local authorities.

Third, sharing space and infrastructure:
Bringing to life the message “The Institute within the University – The University within the Institute” through the shared use of laboratories, research spaces, and auditoriums to support research, training, and innovation activities.

Fourth, communication and scientific publishing cooperation:
Leveraging both parties’ journal systems and publishing houses to promote science and technology products and enhance academic reputation.

Fifth, strengthening international cooperation:
Organizing overseas missions, connecting international expert and investor networks to expand markets for “Made in Vietnam” technology products, while promoting student, graduate student, and expert exchange programs with foreign universities.

The two parties signed the MoU

President Nguyen Hoang Long presented a commemorative plaque, marking the partnership between UTT and NACENTECH.

The two parties proceeded with the signing of the MoU and exchanged commemorative gifts to mark the partnership. The signing ceremony is expected to open a new phase of practical and effective cooperation, contributing to the development of high-value technology products, fostering innovation within universities, and making meaningful contributions to socio-economic development and the national innovation ecosystem.

Source: National Academy for Advanced Technology and Innovation (NACENTECH)

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NACENTECH representative introducing the institute

Meeting Urgent Environmental and Sustainable Development Demands

The Government of Vietnam currently places top priority on environmental protection integrated with green growth. Alongside the rapid expansion of renewable energy projects, the end-of-life treatment and recycling of clean energy equipment (solar panels, EV batteries) have become a cornerstone of the national Circular Economy and Sustainable Development strategy.

NACENTECH’s proactive engagement with leading Japanese partners aims not only to address the “pain points” of high-tech waste management but also to realize the goal of localizing recycling technologies, reducing import dependency, and ensuring national environmental security.

Japanese representative presenting the cooperation proposal

World-Class Expertise from Japanese Partners

Waseda University: A Pillar of Academic Excellence

Founded in 1882, Waseda is one of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious private universities. Consistently ranked among the top 3 private universities in Japan and the top 200 globally (QS World University Rankings), Waseda holds a formidable reputation in engineering.

Notably, Professor Chiharu Tokoro at Waseda is a leading authority in recycling technology. Her research group successfully developed the “Single Electrical Pulse” method, which separates anode materials from Lithium-ion batteries without damaging the chemical structure. This allows for the highly efficient extraction of precious metals like nickel and cobalt.

Hamada Co., Ltd: A Pioneer in Industrial Recycling

Based in Osaka and established in 1973, Hamada is a veteran leader in industrial waste management and metal recycling. They are recognized as a pioneer in Japan for building comprehensive collection and treatment systems for decommissioned solar panels. In 2023, Hamada partnered with Marubeni Corporation to establish Rexia, aimed at realizing a large-scale solar panel recycling network.

Hamada owns the proprietary “Hot Knife Separation Method.” This technology allows for the intact separation of glass sheets from photovoltaic cells at temperatures around 300°C. This clean separation facilitates the recovery of high-purity glass and metals, transforming waste into high-quality raw materials for manufacturing rather than merely crushing them into low-value mixtures.

NACENTECH as the Orchestrator of the Innovation Ecosystem

In alignment with the directive of Director Pham Hong Quat to shift from broad-based cooperation to deep, output-oriented projects, NACENTECH identifies its central role as a bridge for connection and co-implementation.

This bilateral cooperation follows a strategic value chain: “Partner Connection – Establishing Frameworks – Project Development – Joint Implementation”. The Japanese delegations highly value NACENTECH’s laboratory network and expert capacity, viewing it as a solid foundation for deploying pilot project before scaling up to industrial levels.

Both sides exchanging commemorative gifts at the conclusion of the meeting

Towards a Green Future

Concluding the session, the Director of NACENTECH emphasized: “Instead of starting from existing technology, we start from the practical demands of the market and the nation to seek back-end solutions.” The partnership with Waseda University and Hamada Co., Ltd in the recycling industry directly contributes to Vietnam’s Net Zero commitments and positions the country as a vital link in the global green value chain.

Photos from the meeting:

References:

Battery Recycling Research at Waseda University

Waseda University QS World Rankings

Introduction to Hamada’s Hot Knife Separation Technology

Marubeni and Hamada Strategic Partnership (Rexia)

Source: National Academy for Advanced Technology and Innovation (NACENTECH)

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NACENTECH promote innovation with domestic and foreign partners

Attending the meeting on behalf of the enterprise side were Mr. Ja-Young Cho, representative of AIBLELabs (South Korea), and Ms. Sa Thi Phuong, representative of Gene Tica LifeAI Global. From NACENTECH, participants included Mr. Nguyen Huy Cong – Director of the Center for Microelectronic and Informatic Technology; Mr. Nguyen Van Dua – Head of the Signal Processing Division; along with technical staff and specialists of the Center.

Connecting Supply and Demand: Bringing International Technology into Vietnamese Practice

During the session, the parties engaged in in-depth discussions on establishing an effective technology transfer mechanism that links advanced Korean technology with local implementation capacity. With extensive experience in developing solutions for the power sector—such as the application of surface acoustic wave sensor technology to detect overheating points in medium-voltage switchgear cabinets, and automated leakage current monitoring systems for surge arresters—NACENTECH will serve as the technical evaluator and integrator. Its role is to validate, adapt, and optimize the P1 ultrasonic technology to ensure compatibility with Vietnam’s operational conditions.

Introduction of technological capabilities at the Center – a basis for receiving technology transfer and completing smart electrical devices

This cooperation model goes beyond simple commercialization and aims to include:

1. Real-world Testing (Sandbox Model)

Collaborating with subsidiaries of Vietnam Electricity (EVN) to conduct pilot evaluations of technical performance in grid operation and management.

2. Technology Transfer and Localization

Exploring the establishment of a company in Vietnam to receive direct transfer of manufacturing processes from the Korean partner, thereby enabling local production and mastery of the technology.

3. Localization of the Value Chain

Gradually strengthening domestic production capabilities and reducing dependence on imported high-tech equipment.

Building an Open Innovation Ecosystem

Representatives of the parties agreed that cooperation between a state research and innovation implementation body such as NACENTECH and enterprises represents an exemplary model for accelerating technology flows. This approach is considered a key enabler for commercializing high-quality science and technology products while addressing urgent challenges facing Vietnam’s energy sector.

The meeting took place in an open, cooperative, and constructive atmosphere. The parties agreed to continue professional exchanges, share technical information, and jointly develop a concrete cooperation plan in the near future, with the aim of gradually realizing the discussed initiatives.

Source: National Center for Technological Progress

The post Connecting Innovation and Promoting Technology Transfer of Smart Electrical Equipment from South Korea appeared first on Viện Đổi mới sáng tạo Quốc gia.

The delegation visited VinUni

VinUni and a Breakthrough Research Strategy for the Community

At the meeting, Dr. Pham Huy Hieu shared VinUni’s strategic vision of becoming a research-oriented university based on the 3P model (Prosperity – Health – Environment). The core objective is to foster prosperity through AI and robotics, enhance community healthcare, and promote environmental sustainability. The delegation directly visited VinUni’s laboratories and recognized several remarkable research achievements, including:

• Successfully applying AI to discover 11 new materials within just one month;
• Mastering thermal fiber-drawing technology to develop invisibility cloaks and ultra-light drone frames;
• Developing AI-based medical software certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with wearable devices for cardiovascular monitoring and mental health screening systems.

Dr. Pham Huy Hieu and Prof. Phan Manh Huong introduced VinUni and the CMIT

Building the Foundation and Standardizing the National Innovation Network

Director General Pham Hong Quat emphasized that NACENTECH has been entrusted with the mission of building the national innovation platform. The core objective is to standardize and formally recognize experts and scientists through a verified database that meets the criteria of “accurate – sufficient – clean – dynamic,” enabling effective solutions to national challenges commissioned by enterprises and local authorities. He proposed that VinUni support NACENTECH by providing data on experts and research outputs to optimize existing resources.

In addition, both sides agreed to collaborate in developing new training materials aimed at transforming operational mindsets for innovation centers nationwide. Training orientations will focus on deep technologies (Deeptech) such as AI and advanced materials, targeting startups and advisory teams.

Toward Commercialization and International Resource Connectivity

The two parties agreed to promote research activities closely linked to business models in order to generate tangible products that contribute to GDP growth.

Three priority research clusters were identified for further proposal:

1. New Materials and Energy

• Rare metal recycling
• Hydrogen technologies
• Environmentally friendly carbon batteries derived from sand

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• AI applications in healthcare
• Energy-saving solutions for data centers and industrial parks

3. Equipment Optimization

• Enhancing battery performance for electronic devices and electric vehicles

To realize these goals, both sides proposed promptly finalizing and signing cooperation agreements; considering co-hosting an international conference on materials science; and establishing a shared innovation space to jointly utilize equipment and resources. This initiative aims to attract overseas Vietnamese scientists and leading partners from South Korea.

The synergy between NACENTECH’s role in policy coordination and network building, and VinUni’s strengths in research infrastructure and expert resources, is expected to generate breakthroughs for Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem in the near future.

Highlights from the visit

Source: National Academy for Advanced Technology and Innovation

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Field Journey: From Research Centers to Manufacturing Facilities

In the morning, the delegation toured NACENTECH’s facilities, laboratories, and pilot testing areas located at Hoa Lac High-Tech Park and Hung Yen. The delegation also visited and surveyed the Northern Industrial Development Support Technical Center (under the Ministry of Industry and Trade) at Hoa Lac High-Tech Park to assess potential synergies between industrial support institutions and innovation entities. In the afternoon, the delegation held a direct working session with Vinatech Group at the VTK Clean Industrial Park in An Thi, Hung Yen.

Vinatech Group delegation visited the laboratory facilities of the National Academy for Advanced Technology and Innovation at Hoa Lac and Hung Yen

Vinatech Group: A Green Energy Giant with Proprietary Core Technologies

During the meeting, Mr. Kim Gyeng Chul, General Director of Vinatech in Vietnam, shared the Group’s vision and core capabilities. With its headquarters and R&D center based in South Korea, Vinatech does not follow conventional battery development pathways but instead focuses exclusively on three core green technology pillars:

1. Supercapacitors

Applications include supercars (e.g., Lamborghini), wind power systems, and solar energy systems.

2. Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Vinatech is the only company globally that masters the entire production chain—from catalysts and MEA membranes to bipolar plates.

3. Polymer Capacitors

Designed to meet the demand for high-quality electronic components.

Notably, Vinatech is implementing a major expansion plan for its Hung Yen factory, increasing its scale eightfold. This demonstrates its long-term investment commitment and its ambition to position Vietnam as a critical link in the global supply chain.

Representative of Vinatech Group introduces the company, strategy, and proposes a cooperation plan

Cooperation and Strategic Alignment Between NACENTECH and Vinatech

The two parties discussed strategic cooperation opportunities in which Vinatech would provide core technologies, equipment, and testing support, while NACENTECH would take the lead in research, policy linkage, and standards development.

Vinatech expressed its desire for NACENTECH to facilitate:

• Localization of activated carbon raw materials (derived from coconut shells and bamboo);
• Development of a domestic ecosystem applying the company’s products and technological solutions.

Concluding the meeting, Director General Pham Hong Quat highly appreciated Vinatech’s capabilities and delivered a breakthrough-oriented directive:

“We must change our approach: Instead of starting from available technology and searching for a market, we must begin with local ‘pain points’ and design solutions accordingly.”

He assigned three key priority tasks:

1. Establish a Joint Task Force

To coordinate data sharing and collect empirical technical risk evidence in order to build strong arguments for product refinement and commercialization acceleration.

2. Leverage the Sandbox Mechanism

To propose pilot projects that validate effectiveness before large-scale deployment.

3. Localize Raw Material Supply

To focus on building an activated carbon value chain that ensures production security and sustainability.

The meeting concluded with strong mutual consensus, opening a new chapter in cooperation between NACENTECH and Vinatech Group, promising significant breakthroughs in Vietnam’s green energy industry.

Highlights from the Visit

Mr. Le Binh Duong, representative of the MEMs/NEMs Laboratory, introduced several products and technologies to the Vinatech delegation led by Mr. Kim Gyeng Chul.

The delegation toured the Sensor Fabrication Research Laboratory of NACENTECH.

The delegation also visited and took commemorative photos at the Northern Industrial Development Support Technical Center (Ministry of Industry and Trade) at Hoa Lac High-Tech Park.

Sources: National Academy for Advanced Technology and Innovation

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The meeting took place in an open and constructive atmosphere, focusing on strategic development orientations for the coming period, particularly research and training programs associated with green transition, sustainable development, and the commercialization of science and technology outcomes.

Overview of the working session between NACENTECH and GIG-SC

Representatives of GIG-SC shared their vision of becoming a pioneering research, training, and technology transfer organization in green growth, circular economy, energy transition, and sustainable technologies. On that foundation, GIG-SC identified key priorities, including developing high-quality technology workforce training programs, establishing interdisciplinary research groups, and strengthening business linkages to effectively and sustainably bring research outcomes into production and business practice.

Professor Nguyen Van Noi, Director of the National Key Laboratory, introduced the project titled “Development of High Technology for Manufacturing Rapid and User-Friendly Analytical Devices and Strengthening Human Resources for Food Safety and Environmental Quality Control in Vietnam”. This project is implemented in cooperation with Tokyo University and leading Japanese analytical equipment corporations such as Horiba and Toa DKK.

The project focuses on manufacturing devices and sensors for rapid detection of heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead), with further expansion toward measuring organic pollutants and bacteria; developing low-cost sensors for monitoring PM2.5 and PM10; and piloting compatibility with standard monitoring stations in Hanoi. In addition, the project applies AI, Big Data, and drones for real-time environmental data collection and processing, as well as localizing unmanned aerial vehicles for automated remote sampling.

The project also aims to provide hands-on training for approximately 200 officials from Departments of Natural Resources and Environment and Departments of Agriculture, and to issue skill certificates in coordination with the Vietnam Association of Laboratories (VinaLAB). To ensure sustainability, a spin-off enterprise will be established to commercialize portable analytical devices.

Building upon the national key laboratory system serving the Japanese Government-funded project under the global Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) program, GIG-SC expressed its desire to receive support from NACENTECH in seeking research and training contracts to fully leverage existing potential and bridge the gap between research and the practical application of science and technology.

Dr. Pham Hong Quat, Director of NACENTECH, provided consultation to GIG-SC based on lessons learned from Saigontel. He emphasized that to pursue innovation, enterprises must be willing to sacrifice short-term benefits to build long-term brand value. Saigontel once allocated infrastructure and funding to an open innovation center without expecting direct profits. In return, the company secured contracts with major international technology firms, creating a foundation for winning large-scale green industrial real estate projects.

As part of the program, the NACENTECH delegation visited the National Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials Applied in Green Development under the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, at the Hoa Lac campus. The visit provided firsthand insight into existing infrastructure capacity and resources, while opening substantive discussions on long-term cooperation orientations, particularly the plan to establish a Center for Innovation and Green Growth in Hoa Lac in the near future.

Delegates visiting the National Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials Applied in Green Development at the Hoa Lac campus

Source: National Academy for Advanced Technology and Innovation (NACENTECH)

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