The Ministry of Science and Technology is finalizing the mechanism for providing loan interest rate subsidies for the business sector involved in technological innovation. Channeled through the National Technology Innovation Fund (NATIF), this program is designed as a key driver of economic growth, positioning businesses at the center of the national innovation ecosystem.
Minister of Science and Technology, Vu Hai Quan, emphasized that the state is committed to acting as a facilitator to reduce the investment burden on companies. This policy targets business entities with an urgent need for technology transfer to increase productivity, even if they are not yet formally recognized as science and technology enterprises.
NATIF Director, Bui Quang Minh, explained that this scheme operates on market principles where banks maintain full control over risk assessment and credit granting. The state does not provide direct capital but offers a 50% subsidy on loan interest—up to a maximum of 6% per year—for a five-year period. This approach is expected to effectively leverage social capital mobilization.
This pilot program will be implemented for 20 selected companies until September 2026 as an evaluation phase. The main focus of support is given to businesses investing in high or strategic technology that have the potential to create significant value added for the country's economy.
Currently, the ministry continues to gather feedback from various stakeholders to finalize the criteria and risk control procedures. This strategic step is expected to form a strong foundation for technological self-reliance and enhance the quality of local business competitiveness in the future.
