HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội will cover 70 per cent of training costs, capped at VNĐ100 million (US$3,773) per business, for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) taking part in an overseas intensive training programme on innovation, science and technology applications and artificial intelligence (AI).

The programme is organised by the Hanoi Support Centre for Enterprise and Investment Promotion (SCE) under the municipal Department of Finance, under a scheme supporting SMEs in the capital during 2026–30, approved by the municipal People’s Committee in Decision No. 5418/QĐ-UBND dated November 1, 2025.

The seven-day programme is scheduled to take place from October 18–24 in Shanghai and Suzhou, China, and will bring together 30 leaders and managers of start-up SMEs in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation in Hà Nội.

The training will consist of seven four-hour sessions covering China’s business and consumer culture; the start-up ecosystem and investment trends; global value chains in the digital era; the role of technology start-ups in global value chains; AI and core technologies for start-ups; and the ABC technology ecosystem of AI, Big Data and Cloud Computing.

Other topics include the transition from traditional factories to Smart Lighthouse Factories and research and development of frontier technologies serving global value chains.

Participants will also spend five sessions visiting and working with universities, innovation centres, technology companies, science parks and start-up organisations in Shanghai and Suzhou.

The programme will provide opportunities to meet innovative businesses, investment funds, start-up support organisations and innovation promotion agencies. Participants will also study models of innovation, digital and green transformation, technology research and development, technology commercialisation and technology exhibitions.

The State budget will cover 70 per cent of eligible training costs, up to VNĐ100 million per business, while participating enterprises will contribute the remaining 30 per cent.

The programme is part of Hà Nội’s efforts to strengthen support for SMEs and improve their capacity in technology, innovation and digital transformation. Under the city’s SME support scheme for 2026-30, Hà Nội aims to directly support at least 5,000 SMEs each year in improving their capacity and operational performance, while providing training for at least 15,000 SME employees annually in business skills, innovation, digital transformation, start-up development and corporate governance.

Participants will receive training certificates from the Hanoi Support Centre for Enterprise and Investment Promotion. They will also have opportunities to gain a broader understanding of China’s innovation ecosystem, technology businesses and investment funds, while expanding international networks and learning from practical business experience.

To take part, businesses are required to meet the criteria under the SME support scheme and submit an application, a copy of their latest business registration certificate and a company profile demonstrating products or services developed from intellectual property, technology solutions, software, mobile applications, new materials or innovative business ideas and models with growth potential. — VNS