Elsa Speak is an English learning application. (Photo: elsaspeak.net)
Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Elsa Speak, an English learning application, hassuccessfully raised 7 million USD in funding from Google and Silicon Valley inthe US.
The successful capital call raises Elsa Speak’s total investment capital to 12million USD from well-known funds in Silicon Valley and Asia.
This funding came from Gradient Ventures.
This is a venture capital fund investing in artificial intelligence (AI) inGoogle, aiming at providing financial support and technological advice tostartups in the field of AI.
Zachary Bratun-Glennon, partner at Gradient Ventures, said Elsa was a fun andeffective language learning solution for learners globally.
Van Dinh Hong Vu, CEO of the startup, said that this round of funding wouldhelp Elsa accelerate its development speed and explore new markets such asJapan, Indonesia and India.
"We were eager to work with experts from Google to continue developing ateam of technology talents, as well as advanced AI features to meet thelearners’ needs all over the world," she said.
She added that she would use the new capital to recruit computer engineers andscientists in the field of AI and open a representative office in Tokyo.
Elsa would also introduce new features, promote community-based learning andbuild more advanced AI features to assess and train other speaking elementssuch as rhythm and intonation by the end of this year.
Vietnam was the fastest growing market for Elsa, she said, having grown by 400percent last year.-VNS/VNA
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc chaired a dialogue with executives of nearly 40 multinational groups in Davos, Switzerland, on January 23 (local time), an activity within the framework of the ongoing World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2019.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has delivered Vietnam’s strong message, aspiration, and determination to become a “country of renovation and creativity” and an economy with globally extensive connectivity when engaging in every activity of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2019 in Davos, Switzerland.
Cinnamon Inc., a Japanese artificial intelligence (AI) start-up firm, which has a technology research centre in Vietnam, said on January 28 that it has successfully raised 15 million USD from investors to serve the expansion of its operation in the US.
AI (Artificial Intelligence) is deemed the driving force of Industry 4.0. In Vietnam, where startups are on the rise, AI has proven capable of offering solutions for practical matters.
The course aims to promote knowledge exchange between scientific and educational schools from different countries, while deepening participants’ expertise in modern technology and technical education. It comprises two main specialisations of electronics-automation and nuclear technology.
ANTARA and VNA can design global-scale cooperation programmes or joint media campaigns, demonstrating the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as the cooperation between the two national news agencies.
As Vietnam’s digital transformation accelerates, both the frequency and severity of cyberattacks are growing. The National Cybersecurity Association (NCA) reported that in 2024 alone, there were some 659,000 separate cybersecurity incidents, impacting around 46.15% of government agencies and businesses.
A key highlight will be the technology cluster pavilion, showcasing top enterprises selected for their innovation, market potential, and practical applications. These firms will display flagship products and solutions, supported by government policies to strengthen the tech sector.
Since 2022, more than 500 Vietnamese startups have engaged in Google’s Startup Academy, Google for Startups Accelerator, and Google Startup Masterclass. Nearly 100 of these firms received support to develop and improve their products, benefiting more than 300,000 customers and creating over 300 new jobs through successful fundraising and team expansion amidst Vietnam’s competitive economy.
Over the past three decades, Binh Duong has cemented its status as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic industrial hubs, building a robust foundation in manufacturing, exports, and investment. The province now has 30 operational industrial parks spanning over 13,000 hectares, with an occupancy rate exceeding 90%.
The diplomat emphasised that Vietnam places the highest priority on the development of science, technology, and innovation, viewing them as critical drivers for the country’s advancement in the new development era.
The PM revealed Vietnam’s plan to develop nuclear power in the near future, and called on the Swedish side to assist Vietnam in developing and refining legal and policy frameworks for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes; training and developing human resources; ensuring nuclear safety; and conducting training and drills to improve incident management capabilities.
More than an art showcase, the second “Technology with heart” contest seeks to inspire innovation and spotlight the humanistic values that technology can bring into daily life, expected to contribute to a sustainable digital future.
The average speed of the national mobile broadband network remained stable, with download speeds reaching 76.86 Mbps and upload speeds reaching 26.98 Mbps.
Under the MoU, AMD will support several key initiatives spearheaded by HCM City’s authorities, including piloting policies, co-hosting innovation events, and evaluating the investment environment within the Saigon Hi-Tech Park.
The centre is a joint initiative between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, with PTIT and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) serving as co-leads, and global telecommunications giant Nokia as founding industry partner.
The new centre, staffed by a team of scientists, researchers, and AI specialists working in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, forms part of Qualcomm’s global AI research group.
As a flagship initiative of the community project “Digital Literacy for All”, the programme forms part of a national scheme to equip 20 million young people with digital business skills.
The organisers hope the competition will help shape a generation of exceptional engineers who will make significant contributions to Vietnam’s scientific and technological progress in this era of transformation.
In the digital age and amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, IP plays an increasingly critical role, not only in safeguarding inventions but also in reducing copyright infringement and curbing piracy.
Ambassador Nguyen Minh Vu laid stress on the significance of the Hanoi Convention, particularly to the Asia – Pacific, to handling legal gaps in international cooperation against rapidly increasing global cybercrime.
The week features a rich lineup of activities, including a plenary conference on blockchain and AI development, thematic seminars on future technology trends and investment visions, applications of blockchain and AI in business, the Super Vietnam PitchFest, as well as forums for blockchain and AI.
Elsa Speak is an English learning application. (Photo: elsaspeak.net) 
