From Theory to Core Capability
Việt Nam is shifting its focus toward mastering core quantum technology, moving beyond its historical role as a provider of supporting IT services. While the country holds a strong reputation for mathematical and computer science talent, experts argue that the path to a sovereign quantum sector requires a pivot toward hardware and experimental physics. This transition is backed by Resolution 57, adopted by the Communist Party in December 2024, which marks quantum science as a top strategic priority for national innovation.
Associate Professor Lại Ngọc Điệp, a researcher based at Université Paris-Saclay, identifies a distinct gap in the local market. The existing workforce is proficient in the back end of quantum development—specifically algorithms and software architecture. However, the physical infrastructure necessary for experimental quantum science remains scarce. Building a domestic industry requires significant investment in specialized laboratories to house equipment that can bridge the divide between theoretical math and practical application.
The Educational and Institutional Challenge
Developing a pipeline of experts remains the most pressing hurdle. Currently, no dedicated university degree program in quantum technology exists in Việt Nam, with academic focus largely fixed on traditional physics curriculums. Nguyễn Văn Duy, head of the Quantum AI Labs at Phenikaa University, notes that four universities are currently drafting new coursework. He suggests that regional pooling of expertise, where neighboring institutions share research facilities and postgraduate programs, could maximize limited resources.
Beyond formal schooling, there is a push to engage students earlier. Phenikaa University recently hosted summer programs designed for high school students from specialized physics tracks to spark interest in the field. Simultaneously, professional bodies are attempting to reconnect with the Vietnamese scientific diaspora. Researchers working in Europe and North America offer a wealth of experience, but attracting them back requires creating research environments equipped with the necessary hardware and clear institutional mechanisms for collaboration.
Building the Industrial Ecosystem
Integration into the global value chain is already underway through partnerships with foreign entities. Companies like Quandela serve as a case study, where Vietnamese partners handle complex information technology requirements while the firm manages core hardware development. Expanding this model requires more than just international connections; it demands a local ecosystem composed of strategy, consistent education, and hardened infrastructure. Denis Avetisian, an adviser at Rosatom Quantum, emphasizes that a sector cannot be built by mere procurement of hardware; it requires a cadre of leaders who understand the mechanics of the entire system.
Private entities such as FPT, Viettel, and Phenikaa are testing the waters, signaling that the corporate sector is ready to participate. Roberto Mauro, a senior executive at Pasqal, describes the current period as a narrow window for entry. The country possesses a base in semiconductors and electronics that serves as a useful foundation. Still, the reality is that turning these components into genuine quantum capability will take years of sustained effort. The question for Việt Nam is whether it can maintain the political and financial commitment needed to graduate from supporting service provider to core technology owner.