Representatives of VNPT and Qualcomm at the signing ceremony on August 12. Photo: VGP

Under the agreement, the two companies will work closely in key advanced technology fields, including artificial intelligence (AI), next-generation mobile networks (5G/6G), the Internet of Things (IoT), edge computing, AI-powered computing devices, and next-generation network equipment.

VQEC will serve as a hub for research, product development, technology transfer, high-quality workforce training, and commercialization of technology solutions based on Qualcomm’s platforms, helping Vietnam integrate more deeply into the global technology value chain.

The center will be one of Qualcomm’s authorized design facilities, representing the cooperation capacity between VNPT and Qualcomm within the global technology development network.

VQEC will officially launch in October 2025. It will be the first center in Vietnam to operate under the original design co-development model using Qualcomm’s core technologies, with VNPT taking the lead role.

Mastering these technologies will strengthen VNPT’s competitiveness, support its strategic shift from a telecom operator to a digital technology enterprise, and affirm Vietnam’s position on the global technology map.

VNPT General Director Huynh Quang Liem said that VQEC will be a bridge to bring “Make in Vietnam” technology products and solutions to international markets.

During a meeting with Qualcomm President and CEO Cristiano Amon on the same day, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh congratulated the two companies on signing the cooperation agreement.

He urged Qualcomm to expand its in-depth investment in Vietnam, particularly in core technologies and the higher value-added stages of the semiconductor value chain.

He also expressed hope that Qualcomm would cooperate with Vietnamese enterprises, research institutes, universities and national innovation centers to develop a startup and innovation ecosystem.

Prime Minister Chinh called on Qualcomm to help Vietnamese companies integrate more deeply into global supply and production chains, share experience in management, train human resources, and support institutional improvement.

For his part, Qualcomm’s president expressed optimism about the bright future and vast cooperation opportunities in Vietnam, confident that the partnership will continue to thrive.

Cristiano Amon praised Vietnam’s policies on science and technology development, innovation, and digital transformation, noting that Vietnamese partners such as Viettel, VNPT, and FPT have rapidly matured.

He believed Vietnam would become a regional hub for research and development, especially in AI, and affirmed Qualcomm’s readiness to expand cooperation, enhance capabilities, and provide training for Vietnam’s workforce.

Qualcomm is a global leader in wireless technology and advanced 5G mobile communications, with a market capitalization of about US$160 billion. It is expanding into the field of edge AI.

Operating in Vietnam for over 20 years, Qualcomm has set up its first Southeast Asian Research and Development Center in Hanoi, acquired a generative AI company from VinAI/Vingroup, and established an AI R&D center in Hanoi – its third largest AI facility worldwide, after the US and India.

Over the past two decades, Qualcomm has implemented many programs to support Vietnam’s technology ecosystem and innovation such as the Qualcomm Vietnam Innovation Challenge (QVIC).

The program has incubated 29 tech startups, helped raise over $32 million in funding, commercialized 25 products, and registered 87 patents. It has also worked with Viettel and VNPT to develop 5G and Wi-Fi technologies and devices.