Establish a sandbox framework to support trials in unmanned aerial vehicles and autonomous vehicles

[14th October, 2025]

Saigon High-Tech Park (SHTP) accelerates innovation and fosters an environment for new technology testing by establishing a controlled sandbox framework to support trials in two cutting-edge technology sectors: unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and autonomous vehicles

The Management Board of Saigon High-Tech Park (SHTP Management Board) has officially issued Decision No. 363/QĐ-KCNC – establishing a controlled testing (sandbox) process to support the trial of new technology solutions in two advanced technology sectors: unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and autonomous vehicles. This marks a strategic step forward, enabling high-tech enterprises to test, refine, and commercialize their products right at the city's leading innovation hub.

In the midst of the fourth industrial revolution, creating a secure legal framework and an effective support mechanism for breakthrough technologies is vital for enhancing national competitiveness. Demonstrating a profound understanding of this, SHTP Management Board is pleased to announce the issuance of Decision No. 363/QD-KCNC on October 1st, 2025.

This strategic document officially establishes the implementation process for the City's Plan No. 2169/KH-UBND, aimed at realizing the City Council's Resolution No. 20/2024/NQ-HDND. The core objective is to create a regulatory sandbox—a controlled testing mechanism—specifically for new technology solutions, opening a golden opportunity for enterprises pioneering in the field of innovation.

Strategic Significance and Objectives

This "sandbox" mechanism is designed not only to remove temporary legal barriers but also to achieve the following:

Promote R&D and Commercialization: Create a safe environment for businesses to test, evaluate, and perfect high-tech products before market launch.

Enhance Competitiveness: Help Vietnamese enterprises catch up with and lead global technology trends, especially in the fields of automation and artificial intelligence.

Attract Investment: Send a strong signal to domestic and international investors of Ho Chi Minh City's commitment to building a dynamic, transparent, and advanced innovation ecosystem.

Eligible Enterprises for Support

This process focuses on supporting organizations and enterprises engaged in the research, development, and application of technology in two highly disruptive fields:

1. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones/UAVs): Including applications in logistics, precision agriculture, surveillance, security, and other commercial services.

2. Autonomous Vehicles: Including self-driving or highly autonomous vehicles for passenger transport, delivery, and specialized industrial operations.

Eligible candidates are enterprises with new, high-potential technology solutions that are committed to complying with a rigorous and controlled testing process at SHTP.

The 5-Step Process for Participating in Controlled Trials

To ensure transparency, efficiency, and safety, the participation process is standardized into five clear steps:

Step 1: Prepare and Submit the Application Dossier

Enterprises must prepare a comprehensive dossier to demonstrate the project's feasibility and the company's capabilities. Key components include:

Legal Profile: Certificate of Business Registration, Certificate of Operation within SHTP.

Technical Profile: An official application letter (Form 01) and a detailed technical description of the technology solution's features and specifications (Form 02).

Capability Profile: Documents proving financial resources, qualified personnel, and technical infrastructure to ensure the trial is conducted safely and effectively.

Specialized Permits (if applicable): For unmanned aerial vehicles, an application for a flight permit is required as per regulations (Form 03).

Step 2: Dossier Appraisal and Evaluation

Upon receipt, the application will be thoroughly reviewed by the Evaluation Team. This team comprises experts from the SHTP Management Board, representatives from the Department of Science and Technology, scientists, and officials from relevant specialized agencies (such as the Operations Department of the Ministry of Defense for drone applications). Evaluation criteria focus on the technology's suitability, the enterprise's capabilities, and the proposed risk management plan.

Step 3: Implement the Controlled Trial

Once approved, the enterprise will conduct tests in designated and planned areas within SHTP, under the close supervision of the Supervisory Team.

For Drones: Trials are conducted at two specific locations defined by coordinates, with a maximum flight altitude of 50 meters and an operational radius of 500 meters.

For Autonomous Vehicles: Trials are conducted on internal road networks designated by the SHTP Management Board.

This process ensures that testing activities do not compromise safety, security, or general operations within SHTP.

Step 4: Periodic Reporting and Acceptance

Enterprises are required to submit detailed reports on the entire testing process and its results, including any incidents and corrective measures taken. Reports are due at 3-month, 6-month, 9-month intervals, and an annual summary report is also required. This data is crucial for the Supervisory Team to assess the trial's effectiveness and safety and to make further recommendations.

Step 5: Final Evaluation and Future Direction

Based on the final report, the SHTP Management Board will decide whether to continue, adjust, or terminate the trial. [1] A successful trial not only proves the technology's viability but also generates invaluable real-world data. This will serve as a solid foundation for the enterprise to work with state management agencies to propose the development of official regulations, paving the way for commercialization and wider deployment across the city and the country.

Join hands to create the future

Decision No. 363/QD-KCNC is a strategic launch pad and a firm testament to the commitment of the SHTP Management Board and the Ho Chi Minh City government to support the business community. We call upon and encourage all high-tech enterprises to seize this opportunity to transform groundbreaking ideas into practical products and services, contributing to the development of a robust digital economy and a modern, smart city.

Enterprises interested in participating are kindly invited to visit our website or contact directly with the Department of Science, Technology and International Cooperation Management - Ho Chi Minh City Hi-Tech Park Management Board.

📞 Phone: (028) 3736 0293 – Internal number: 108

📧 Email: pathi.shtp@tphcm.gov.vn

We are ready to support and provide detailed guidance on procedures to participate in the programs for two advanced technology fields: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and Autonomous vehicles (Autonomous Vehicles).