HCM CITY — The Việt Nam National University-HCM City (VNU-HCM) and CT Group Corporation on Tuesday (July 22) signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement to support human resource development, high-tech research and innovation, and talent attraction over the next decade.

The partnership, worth VNĐ100 billion (US$4 million) over a 10-year period from 2025 to 2035, aims to enhance academic research, offer financial aid to students, and support the university’s technological ecosystem.

Each year, CT Group will contribute VNĐ10 billion ($437) to fund tuition support for postgraduate students in high-tech fields, subsidised loans, shared kitchens in dormitories, and scholarships for outstanding and disadvantaged students.

In particular, the collaboration will implement the “VNU350-CT Global Fellowship for Innovation” programme, designed to attract, retain, and nurture top-tier scientists and young researchers working within VNU-HCM.

Under the programme, CT Group will fund competitive salaries for researchers working on joint projects with the university.

Compensation will be based on expertise and field of research, ensuring that scholars can focus on both academic and practical work within the university’s fast-evolving technology ecosystem.

The partnership also focuses on emerging technology sectors, including semiconductor microchips and quantum computing.

Between 2025 and 2030, joint research projects will prioritise the development of edge AI chips, high-power amplifying chips, versatile 32-bit microcontroller chips, and IoT and UAV communication modules.

In quantum technologies, the two sides plan to co-develop quantum computing infrastructure, train highly specialised personnel, and advance applications in quantum algorithms, material simulation, quantum AI, and its uses in healthcare, communication, and clean energy.

Both partners emphasised the “Three Pillars” model - a close collaboration among the government, academia, and the business sector - as a vital driver for national innovation and technological advancement.

VNU-HCM chancellor Vũ Hải Quân said the university possesses strong human resources, scientific expertise, and laboratory facilities, but faces challenges in scaling up research and attracting high-quality personnel.

“This long-term, comprehensive partnership with CT Group will enable us not only to boost training and research, but also to become a hub for cultivating top-tier talent, contributing to Việt Nam’s capacity to lead in future core technologies,” he said.

This is a new model of university-enterprise collaboration, where both parties jointly invest in and implement projects, and invite scientists to deliver shared outcomes, he said. — VNS