National semiconductor centre launched to boost chip research

Vietnam has officially launched the National Multi-Project Wafer Coordination Centre to accelerate domestic semiconductor research and integrate the country into the global supply chain. The facility aims to provide shared infrastructure for chip prototyping, reducing development costs and time for local researchers and enterprises. This initiative aligns with Vietnam's strategic goal to become a regional leader in semiconductor technology and self-reliance by 2030.

The Vietnam National Multi-Project Wafer Coordination Centre, launched on June 26, serves as a critical infrastructure link to transition semiconductor designs from laboratory simulations to physical prototypes. Under the Authority of ICT Industry, the center provides a comprehensive suite of services including design tools, verification support, and connections to international foundries like TSMC and Global Foundries. This initiative is part of a broader government strategy to achieve technological self-reliance and establish Vietnam as a key Southeast Asian hub for chip prototyping and evaluation.

Development of the center will occur in three distinct phases, beginning with a 2026-2027 period where the state will provide 100 percent funding for pilot production costs to encourage participation from universities and research institutes. Between 2028 and 2030, the focus will shift to improving shared infrastructure and testing environments with partial state support. By 2030, the center intends to master advanced technologies and operate as a reputable regional prototyping hub, supported by a professional advisory team of 21 industry experts.

To bolster its operational reach, the center has signed cooperation memoranda with 19 major partners, including global leaders such as Intel, Infineon, Amkor, Cadence, and Synopsys. These agreements facilitate research, high-quality workforce training, and technical infrastructure sharing between the state and private sectors. The launch coincides with other major domestic milestones, such as Viettel beginning construction on Vietnam’s first chip manufacturing plant and FPT Corporation delivering its first commercial power chip shipment to a Japanese client.