Many Vietnamese businesses have entered international markets through a single study trip, one good introduction, or a conversation with the right partner at the right time. Go Global – a program built and run by InnoLab Asia exists to make those breaks less about luck and more about design. Here’s what to know before you apply.
What is Go Global?
InnoLab Asia builds cross-border innovation ecosystems, with the long-term goal of making Vietnam a leading innovation hub in Southeast Asia. Among its four flagship programs, VIS (Vietnam Innovation Summit), Go Global, Corporate Open Innovation, and Innovation Immersion, Go Global is the one built specifically to connect businesses across borders.
The program runs in two directions: bringing foreign companies into Vietnam to explore partnerships, and taking Vietnamese companies abroad to learn, connect, and find international opportunities. This guide covers the second direction for Vietnamese businesses considering their first move overseas.
Which markets are open right now?
Go Global currently operates in Japan (partners include 01Booster, Deloitte Tohmatsu, JETRO, and the Fukuoka innovation ecosystem), South Korea (KICC, Hoseo University), and Australia (Curtin University, Innovation WA, Australia Awards), with its network expanding into Singapore, the UAE, and China. Each market has its own strengths and partner ecosystem, so choosing the right one matters not necessarily the most talked-about market, but the one that best fits your industry and goals.
Who should apply?
Go Global works best for businesses that already have a reasonably complete product, service, or business model and are genuinely looking to expand internationally, not for a company that just wants to “see what it’s like.” Whoever represents the business needs real decision-making authority and the ability to commit to the full journey, including activities outside normal working hours. Businesses should also be ready to invest time, people, and part of the budget in travel and accommodation, if the program doesn’t cover everything, along with enough English (or the local language of the target market) to get through working sessions, or a plan to bring language support along.
What does the application journey look like?
After submitting an expression of interest with company information and program goals, InnoLab Asia reviews applications and may follow up directly to confirm fit with the target market. Selected businesses then receive details on the itinerary, which partners they’ll meet, and what materials to prepare before departure. After the trip, InnoLab Asia stays involved, tracking the opportunities that come out of those connections, which is why Go Global is built as a long-term relationship, not a one-off event.
What should you prepare before applying?
Before submitting an application, take time to identify the market that best fits your industry, prepare a company introduction, ideally with an English version and, just as important, set the right expectations: this is about building relationships and learning over time, and concrete deals usually come later, not during the trip itself. If you’re not sure which market fits, the InnoLab Asia team is available to advise before you submit a formal application.
Where can you learn more?
If you are looking for a global trip to accelerate and need detailed support for finding the most suitable options, our Go Global team will share details on the current application round, evaluation criteria, and key dates once you register your interest. Please contact:
- Mr. Quα»c An – Partnership Lead
- Email: hello@innolab.asia