Technological breakthroughs

In response to Science and Technology Week and in celebration of Vietnam Science and Technology Day (May 18), on the morning of May 14, 2026, the Vietnam Institute of Industrial Chemistry held its 2026 Scientific and Technological Conference. The event aimed to review and evaluate the results of scientific and technological (S&T) activities for the 2024–2026 period, as well as to discuss and propose solutions for implementing the S&T strategic orientation for 2026–2030, with a vision to 2035, to meet development requirements in the new context.

Attending and directing the conference were Mr. Đào Trọng Cường – Deputy General Director of the Vietnam National Chemical Group; Ms. Nguyễn Thị Mai – Deputy Head of the Technical Department of the Group.

From the Vietnam Institute of Industrial Chemistry, the event saw the participation of the Institute’s Board of Directors, leaders of various centers, and a large number of scientists from both inside and outside the Institute.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Hoàng Anh Tuấn stated: Over 70 years of establishment and development, the Vietnam Institute of Industrial Chemistry is now an autonomous S&T organization under the Vietnam National Chemical Group, playing a key role in applied research, technology development, and the creation of new products for the chemical industry, especially for enterprises within the Group.

Science and Technology – A Key Driver for Green Transformation and Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Chemical Industry

According to Mr. Hoàng Anh Tuấn, the Vietnam National Chemical Group is particularly focused on formulating specific policies and solutions to promote S&T activities throughout the Group in general and within the Institute in particular. The development strategy to 2030, with a vision to 2045, emphasizes green transformation, emission reduction, self-sufficiency in materials and technology, the application of clean technologies, and the development of high value-added products.

To meet these demands, in addition to maintaining existing professional activities, the Institute focuses on implementing key tasks in line with Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, including:

• Developing green chemistry, clean technology, and circular technology;
• Researching new and advanced materials for industry, energy, and environment;
• Applying AI, big data, simulation, and optimization in research and management;
• Promoting commercialization of research results, supporting enterprises in technological innovation;
• Strengthening international cooperation, joining regional and global research networks;
• Building a team of leading experts and nurturing young talent with international competitiveness.

The Institute’s strategic goal for the 2025–2030 period is: “To make science and technology the key driver; to use S&T implementation, business, and services as the driving force and foundation for S&T development; and to affirm innovation capability towards autonomy and accountability.”

At the conference, on behalf of the Institute’s Scientific Council, Dr. Trương Thị Tố Chinh presented the S&T and Innovation Report for the 2024–2026 period, highlighting many notable results.

In the 2024–2026 period, the Institute was approved to implement six projects at various levels, including four national-level projects, one under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and one under the Hanoi Department of Science and Technology, with a total state budget of VND 31.87 billion. Additionally, the Institute signed three S&T contracts with major groups and enterprises such as the Vietnam National Chemical Group, Vietnam Oil and Gas Group, and Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical Joint Stock Company, with a total value of over VND 12.1 billion.

Research and intellectual property activities achieved positive outcomes, including three international articles, 13 domestic articles, six invention patents (of which two were granted by the USPTO – USA), eight utility solution patents, and three product trademarks: GACoal, KeyAvo, and Ecoal. Furthermore, one Institute initiative was recognized by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor.

Human resource training remains a focus, with the successful graduation of one master’s and one doctoral student, and ongoing supervision of two PhD candidates.

In production, business, and enterprise cooperation, the Institute continues to maintain and develop key products such as apatite ore flotation agents, anti-caking additives for fertilizers, UF/MUF wood adhesives, lubricating oils and greases, as well as environmental analysis and monitoring services. From 2024 to May 2026, total revenue from production, business, and services exceeded VND 930 billion.

The Institute has also strengthened cooperation with major enterprises such as Apatit Vietnam, Hà Bắc Fertilizer and Chemical Joint Stock Company, Ninh Bình Nitrogenous Fertilizer One Member Co., Ltd., DAP companies, Southern Battery Joint Stock Company, and Lâm Thao Superphosphate and Chemical Joint Stock Company, through research, development, and the provision of products meeting real production needs. The Institute’s wood adhesives have now met export standards for markets in the EU, USA, Japan, and South Korea.

For 2026–2030, the Institute is oriented towards an applied research model linked with innovation, green transformation, and sustainable development, focusing on four main areas:

• Advanced materials, nanomaterials, and import-substituting materials;
• Extraction and deep processing of natural compounds for pharmaceuticals and functional foods;
• Biotechnology for sustainable industry, medicine, and agriculture;
• Technologies for energy transition and renewable energy.

The Institute aims for an average annual growth in production and business revenue of 10–20%; commercialization of one to two high-quality products per year; and increased application of digital technology and artificial intelligence in management and research optimization.

At the conference, delegates presented numerous presentations and discussed solutions to promote S&T development and innovation in the new period.

Vietnam Institute of Industrial Chemistry Aims to Become the Research and Innovation Hub of the Chemical Industry

In his directives at the conference, Mr. Đào Trọng Cường – Deputy General Director of the Vietnam National Chemical Group – emphasized the Institute’s particularly important role in the Group’s overall development strategy. Group leaders highly appreciated the Institute’s achievements, especially in high-quality human resources, research capacity, technology transfer, and research infrastructure.

According to the strategic direction, the Institute should focus on three main pillars: research and development (R&D), technology application and transfer, and S&T services. Research tasks must be closely linked to practical production needs, directly serving the activities of the Group and its member units.

At the same time, the Institute should promote digital transformation, automation, and technology upgrades at production plants; enhance international cooperation; and participate in developing technical standards, regulations, and policies for the sector.

Group leaders also suggested that the Institute soon develop a long-term development strategy, a medium-term S&T program, and a plan for developing successor human resources to retain experts and scientists, further affirming its role as the leading research unit of the Vietnam National Chemical Group.

On behalf of the Institute’s Scientific Council and scientist team, Mr. Hoàng Anh Tuấn thanked the Group for its attention and support. He emphasized that, to meet the requirements of the new era as a scientific unit under the Vietnam National Chemical Group and to implement the orientation of building an Innovation Research Center under the Group, the Institute must continue to strengthen its connections with enterprises both within and outside the Group to effectively carry out tasks supporting production, business, and innovation, thus laying the foundation for promoting applied research and technology transfer in the coming period.