HCM CITY — The HCM City Week of Innovation, Science and Technology, and Startup 2025 (WISE HCMC+ 2025) from November 26 to 28 is showcasing the city’s growing innovation ecosystem and strengthening international collaboration.

With the theme “Innovation and Technology – The Future of Our City,” the annual international-scale event aims to advance goals set by the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on promoting science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation.

The three-day event forms part of activities aligned with the Autumn Economic Forum 2025 from November 25 to 27.

It features technology showcases and demonstrations for the public sector, networking sessions linking innovative startups with investors, and the closing ceremony of the AI Challenge HCM City 2025.

A key highlight is the international conference called “Innovation and Technology – The Future of Our City,” which will bring together global speakers, technology experts and business leaders to discuss emerging tech trends and fintech development as the city moves toward establishing an international financial centre.

A seminar on digital transformation in logistics will also be held to explore practical solutions for optimising supply chains and enhancing competitiveness.

Trần Trọng Tuyên, deputy director of the city’s Department of Science and Technology, said WISE HCMC+ 2025 is designed as an annual international event that not only showcases technology but also serves as a strategic forum for investment connectivity, policy development and global cooperation.

He said the week helps concretise the city’s strategic direction on fostering science and technology, while contributing to its goal of becoming a regional hub for digital economy, finance and technology.

This year’s edition gathers around 200 exhibition booths and partners from countries such as South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Finland and Austria.

Their participation is expected to drive stronger investment flows, support technology transfer and strengthen the city’s integration into global value chains.

The city’s innovation ecosystem has strengthened markedly in recent years.

According to StartupBlink’s global rankings, the city is now among the top five in Southeast Asia and top 110 worldwide, with strong growth in fintech, blockchain, edtech and digital health. Fintech in particular has seen rapid expansion, while blockchain ranks in the global top 30 and second in Southeast Asia.

It has so far supported 233 startup projects, including 209 at pre-incubation and incubation stages and 24 acceleration projects, with a total budget of VNĐ23 billion.

WISE HCMC+ 2025 honours individuals and organisations contributing to science, technology and digital transformation, while further promoting innovation-driven growth.

Key activities at WISE HCMC+ 2025 include international collaboration: an international conference on technological breakthroughs and innovation, featuring global speakers, business leaders and Asian technology associations; support for SMEs: a workshop on digital transformation for SMEs and household businesses, and the final round of the high-tech agricultural innovation startup competition; and startup and investment matchmaking, including activities connecting investors with startups, tech solution showcases, and public-sector digital transformation support. — VNS