In the fields of AI, semiconductors and cloud computing, technological standards and market ecosystems have largely been shaped by giant corporations. Quantum technology, however, remains in the experimental stage even among major powers.

This opens up a special opportunity for countries that can move at the right time and adopt a long-term strategy.

Narrowing the quantum technology gap

At a recent working session of the Standing Board of the Central Steering Committee for Science and Technology Development, Innovation and Digital Transformation, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam stressed the need for deeper and more systematic research to develop the project on “Research, application and development of quantum technology to serve socio-economic development and ensure national defence and security”.

The message was clear: this is a matter of national strategy, closely linked to digital sovereignty, data security, competitiveness and national strength in the future. According to Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, Viet Nam must “start later, but not move slowly”; it must “be early in awareness, solid in foundation and accurate in identifying areas that can create real capacity and real value”.

From an international perspective, the current quantum race has not yet entered the stage of full commercialisation. Technological standards are still being formed, while many fundamental problems remain unsolved.

Rossy Nhung Nguyen, CEO and co-founder of Quanova, the first quantum technology and innovation organisation in Viet Nam, said that if Viet Nam makes serious investment from now, it will not have to “catch up” but can “run alongside” other countries on the same track. When Viet Nam joined the software or AI sectors, the standards had already been established and the role of latecomers had largely been predetermined. In quantum technology, however, even pioneering countries are still experimenting, and no country has truly gained an absolute advantage.

This view is also in line with assessments by domestic scientists. Professor Dr Tran Hong Thai, President of the Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology, said quantum technology is a difficult field, but not beyond Viet Nam’s reach if the country has an appropriate strategy.

According to him, the most important task at present is to build three core foundations: human resources, research infrastructure and institutions.

Among them, human resources play a decisive role. Quantum technology is a highly interdisciplinary field, requiring the combination of physics, mathematics, computer science, photonics, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Viet Nam needs to soon establish master’s, doctoral and engineering training programmes in quantum technology, while also sending more graduate students to the world’s leading research centres.

One advantage mentioned by many experts is Viet Nam’s strong tradition in mathematics and theoretical physics across generations. This is an important premise, as quantum technology requires a very high level of abstract thinking.

In addition, the community of Vietnamese scientists working at major research centres around the world is also considered a “strategic asset”, helping Viet Nam connect quickly with global technology flows.

Professor Tran Hong Thai said the gap between potential and actual capacity remains a major challenge. Without a unified coordination mechanism at the national level, resources will be scattered, investments by different units may overlap, and it will be difficult to form core capabilities.

“The Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology has proposed establishing a National Quantum Technology Centre under a ‘hub-and-node’ model, with a central hub connecting universities, research institutes, enterprises and defence-security units,” Thai said.

Under this orientation, instead of fragmented investment by individual units, Viet Nam will focus on building key laboratories, shared equipment systems and outstanding research groups capable of competing internationally.

From research to national capacity

In the quantum technology development project currently being finalised, five priority areas have been identified. Notably, the top priorities at present are post-quantum cryptography and quantum communication. According to experts, when sufficiently powerful quantum computers emerge in the future, many traditional encryption systems could be broken. This would expose data security, financial security and national security to unprecedented risks.

The direction of quantum algorithms and software is considered more suitable to Viet Nam’s advantages than comprehensive investment in quantum hardware, which requires enormous financial resources.

Professor Tran Hong Thai said Viet Nam can fully participate deeply in the quantum value chain through the development of algorithms, materials simulation, logistics optimisation and quantum artificial intelligence.

On May 15, 2025, Viet Nam National University, Ha Noi officially established the Institute of Quantum Technology, with the aim of mastering several core technologies and training specialised human resources.

Dr Nguyen Quoc Hung, Director of the Institute of Quantum Technology, said the institute aims to coordinate with the International University under Viet Nam National University, Ha Noi in 2026 to launch a master’s programme in Quantum Communication, the first specialised postgraduate programme in this field in Viet Nam.

From the business perspective, the formation of a quantum technology ecosystem is also being placed on the agenda. Major groups in telecommunications, semiconductors, AI and cybersecurity, such as Viettel, VNPT and FPT, are expected to become key forces in Viet Nam’s future quantum ecosystem.

However, for quantum technology to truly become a strategic technological foundation, the biggest question remains the mechanism.

Quantum technology has a long investment cycle, high risks and outcomes that are difficult to measure in the short term. If traditional management thinking is applied, with pressure for immediate achievements and rigid financial mechanisms, it will be very difficult to create substantive breakthroughs.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam has requested reforms in the way scientific work is evaluated, the acceptance of controlled risks, and a clear distinction between honest scientific failure and wastefulness or formality.

This is seen as an important condition for scientists to dare to pursue difficult and long-term problems.

According to Rossy Nhung Nguyen, the inclusion of quantum computing and quantum communication in the list of national strategic technologies under Decision No. 1131/QD-TTg also demonstrates the Government’s strong policy commitment.

“If there is systematic investment, focus on two to three priority areas and sustained efforts over 10 to 15 years, Viet Nam can absolutely become a quantum technology hub in the region,” she said. The most important thing, she added, is to make the most of the “window of opportunity” while the game is still at the starting line.

The history of technology development has seen many opportunities missed when latecomer countries lacked determination or strategic vision. With quantum technology, however, Viet Nam is facing a different kind of opportunity — the chance to take part in shaping the future of global technology from its very first steps.