Nvidia and the Vietnamese government have signed an agreement to jointly establish an AI research and development center and an AI data center in Vietnam, Reuters reports. The agreement was signed on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, in Hanoi, with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in attendance.
Nvidia also announced that it's buying VinBrain, a healthcare startup from Vietnam's Vingroup, as part of this deal. The financial details of this acquisition were not disclosed.
The Vietnam Research and Development Center (VRDC) will serve as a platform for Nvidia and its local partners to nurture AI innovation, the company said. The idea is to leverage Nvidia's expertise and Vietnam's strong talent pool of STEM engineers to accelerate AI adoption in the country.
Nvidia's teaming up with Vietnamese tech firms fits their plan to grow partnerships and strengthen local AI talent. In April 2024, Vietnamese tech company FPT announced plans to build a $200 million artificial intelligence factory using Nvidia's technology.
Vietnam's Prime Minister Chinh shared the country's ambitions, saying they want to harness AI for growth and clean energy. He added, "We want to conquer AI, space, and the ocean," showcasing Vietnam's drive for tech innovation. The report said Nvidia aims to improve AI development across the country's healthcare, education, transportation, and finance sectors.