Design core IP for edge AI
Power-saving AI and signal processing IP block for edge devices — fabless model does not require a separate factory.
Deep Tech · Sector hub
Microchip – semiconductor
HCM VIF aims to invest in teams that master a specific link in the semiconductor chain — from core IP design to testing and advanced packaging — so that Ho Chi Minh City has the capacity to design chips developed by Vietnamese people.
Why now?
Semiconductors are no longer a problem in the distant future
The global semiconductor supply chain is shifting strongly to Southeast Asia. Vietnam is chosen by many international corporations as the destination for testing, packaging and gradually moving towards design - opening a window of opportunity that did not exist a decade ago.
Vietnam's semiconductor industry development strategy to 2030, vision to 2050 (Decision 1018/QD-TTg dated September 21, 2024) aims to form a domestic semiconductor ecosystem with at least 100 design businesses, with the goal of training 50,000 semiconductor engineers. 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 ready, but the early capital gap is still very large.
50.000
Semiconductor engineers need training until 2030
Source: Decision 1018/QD-TTg – Vietnam semiconductor industry development strategy to 2030, vision to 2050
≥ 100
IC chip design business targets until 2030
Source: Decision 1018/QD-TTg (phase 1 goal)
3
Semiconductor link HCM VIF priority: design - testing - packaging
Source: Investment 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 technology transfer and personnel recruitment in a short time.
Technical human resources
Abundant source of IC design and testing engineers, well-trained and ready to join deep tech startup teams.
High-tech park infrastructure
Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park with IC Design Centre and shared clean room space helps startups access expensive software and equipment licenses 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 outperforms existing solutions on the market.
Substantial technical depth
Patents, working prototypes or independent testing results — 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 Ho Chi Minh City infrastructure to accelerate and spread value to the ecosystem.
The central problem
Semiconductor problems we are interested in
Specialised testing and measurement
Solutions for testing, measuring and ensuring IC quality for ATP lines are moving to Vietnam.
Advanced packaging
System-on-chip packaging and integration — a link with good profit margins and suitable for the City's manufacturing capacity.
Domestic design tools
Software and processes support IC design, helping young startup teams reduce dependence on high-cost foreign EDA toolkits.
Materials and auxiliary components
Components, chemicals and auxiliary materials for 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 the microchip - semiconductor field, or find out in advance the Fund's investment strategy.