In 2024, Da Nang achieved significant milestones in laying the foundation for developing its semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) industries. By focusing on infrastructure, policy, and workforce development, the city is poised to become a hub for advanced technology.

Promising infrastructure developments

One of the most notable achievements was the expansion of the Da Nang Software Park under Decision No. 1238/QD-TTg issued on October 22, 2024, by the Prime Minister.

This initiative includes the Da Nang Software Park No. 2, spanning 28,573 square meters in Thuan Phuoc Ward, Hai Chau District, complementing the existing facilities at No. 2 and 15 Quang Trung Street.

The Da Nang City People’s Council approved an additional investment of over 414 billion VND ($17.3 million) in October 2024 to complete three key buildings: the 20-story ICT Tower and two 8-story ICT blocks. With total investment reaching 1,400 billion VND ($58.5 million), the city is set to inaugurate the ICT Tower in January 2025.

Another infrastructure milestone was the establishment of the Design Semiconductor and AI Training and Research Center (DSAC) under the Department of Information and Communications, operational since January 26, 2024.

This first-of-its-kind center in Vietnam supports research, training, and international collaboration in semiconductors and AI. It gained recognition at the 2024 Vietnam Innovation Challenge for its ecosystem-focused solution, “Developing a Semiconductor Ecosystem for the Future.”

Policies to foster growth

Da Nang City’s 21st People’s Council session passed three resolutions to promote semiconductor and AI development, aligning with the National Assembly’s Resolution No. 136/2024/QH15 on urban government organization and special policies for Da Nang’s development.

These measures provide a concrete framework for advancing the city’s ambitions in these high-tech industries.

To address the demand for skilled professionals, Da Nang launched a training program for semiconductor design lecturers in March 2024.

Currently, four universities in Da Nang offer programs in semiconductor engineering, with nearly 300 students enrolled. Additionally, three specialized transition programs are training 41 graduates and 59 lecturers in semiconductor design.

Da Nang also collaborates internationally, including with Arizona State University in the United States, to train 17 lecturers in packaging and testing. Partnerships with industry leaders like NVIDIA have certified seven local university lecturers as AI ambassadors.

The city hosted its inaugural “Da Nang Semiconductor Day” in 2024, facilitating agreements between Da Nang and global tech leaders like Synopsys, Marvell, and Renesas. These collaborations have attracted five new semiconductor design companies to the city, bringing the total to 13. Notable startups such as XB Technology, Alpha Asimov Robotics, Vox Cool, and VAS High-Tech Solutions also gained recognition in the Qualcomm Innovation Challenge.

A strategic roadmap for 2025 and beyond

Da Nang’s development plan for semiconductors and AI is divided into two phases.

2024-2027: Focus on workforce training and foreign investment in semiconductor design and AI, creating a foundation for the next phase.

2027-2030: Prioritize the growth of local businesses and startups while attracting investments in advanced semiconductor packaging and testing.

In 2025, Da Nang will invest in three new laboratories within Software Park No. 2, including two for semiconductor design and one for AI training. Construction of the ICT2 and ICT3 buildings will also continue as part of the park’s second phase.

Policy-wise, Da Nang will implement a comprehensive plan for its semiconductor and AI development strategy, while workforce development efforts will intensify, with expanded partnerships with Synopsys and Arizona State University.

PV