Talent Gap
A massive global shortage of technical professionals in high-level semiconductors and advanced tech leaves Vietnamese talent without a clear path forward.
Fellowship Program 2026
Cất Cánh (Takeoff) Fellowship Program 2026
The Launch Pad for Viet Talent
Founded by Dr. Loi Nguyen (Executive VP Emeritus, Marvell) & VISEMI Foundation
A six-month fellowship accelerator and multi-tier scholarship launching
Vietnamese STEM students into top global MS/PhD programs.
Fellow applications closed May 3, 2026.
Founding Partner
Dr. Loi Nguyen
VP Emeritus, Marvell; Co-Founder, Inphi Corporation (USA)
Dr. Loi Nguyen’s own path began at a community college and led to a PhD from Cornell and the co-founding of Inphi — the semiconductor company Marvell acquired for $10 billion in 2021. He partners with the VISEMI Foundation to establish the Cất Cánh (Takeoff) Fellowship, opening a launch pad for Vietnam’s next generation of STEM talent.
Featured in VnExpress
Vietnamese-American who sold $10B chip firm launches $15,000 fellowship for Vietnam's STEM students
Read the feature
Program Overview
About the Fellowship
The Cất Cánh (Takeoff) Fellowship is administered by Dr. Loi Nguyen (EVP Emeritus, Marvell) and the VISEMI Foundation to build Vietnam’s global technology leadership pipeline. The program accelerates high-potential STEM students into fully funded MS/PhD programs in the USA, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and the EU through structured coaching and long-term ecosystem engagement.
Much more than a scholarship — the program features an intensive 6-month Fellowship Accelerator that bridges gaps in readiness through structured English preparation, strategic application coaching, mock interviews, and direct connections to the VISEMI Ambassador and Mentor network worldwide.
Every application is evaluated by 25+ MS/PhD-level reviewers drawn from VISEMI’s global network of experts — ensuring each candidate receives serious, expert-level consideration.
Eligibility at a Glance
Baseline Eligibility Criteria
- Enrolled at a Vietnamese institution
- Pursuing a STEM-related major (EE, CS, Materials Science, ME, and related fields)
- Cumulative GPA ≥ 3.00
- Graduation date ≤ December 2028
Cohort Tiers by Graduation Year
- Tiers 1–3: Graduating by Summer 2027, targeting Fall 2027 graduate enrollment abroad
- Tier 4: Graduating by Summer 2028, targeting Fall 2028 graduate enrollment abroad
Webinar Recap
STEM Graduate Study Abroad:
Your Roadmap to MS/PhD Programs
A panel discussion and program deep-dive designed for STEM students seriously considering graduate study abroad — covering real takeoff journeys, strategic preparation gaps, and a full walkthrough of the Cất Cánh 2026 program.
The Problem
The Gaps We're Bridging
Overseas Pathways
With limited local MS and PhD opportunities, fully funded programs in the USA, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and the EU offer the strongest long-term paths for talented STEM students.
Systemic Barriers
Surveys and interviews reveal that STEM talent faces financial, language, and strategic roadblocks that limit their access to overseas education — regardless of academic merit.
The Bridge
A 6-Month Accelerator
Intensive Prep
Structured English training and application coaching to build world-class graduate school application materials from the ground up.
Milestone Funding
Up to $15K per student via a tiered financial support system covering living stipends, test fees, application costs, and conference attendance.
Global Mentorship
Each fellow is paired with VISEMI ambassadors and worldwide experts across Silicon Valley, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and the EU.
The Alumni Flywheel
Every fellow commits to mentoring the next cohort — creating a self-sustaining cycle of Vietnamese tech talent that grows stronger with every class.
Program Tiers
Find the path that fits you
Each tier is designed for a different stage of readiness — from early pipeline to full-cycle support.
Strategic Fellow Grant
up to $15,000 USD
Full-cycle support for top STEM students needing end-to-end preparation.
Designed for students with excellent academic performance who require substantial support throughout the application process. Includes English training, test and application fees, a living stipend during the preparation phase, and continuous strategic mentorship.
Applicant Grant
$4,000 – $5,000 USD
Targeted support for partially-prepared applicants.
For students with a strong academic foundation who are partially prepared but still need support in English proficiency, test costs, or refining application materials. Includes English training, test fees, and strategic mentorship.
Mentorship Fellowship
~$1,000 USD
Strategic guidance for application-ready students.
For students who are ready to apply and primarily need strategic guidance and academic connections. Includes SOP/CV feedback, specialized workshops, and access to a global mentor network.
Early Research Fellowship
~$1,000 USD
Junior pipeline for outstanding second-year students.
For outstanding second-year STEM students beginning early preparation for research and graduate studies abroad. Includes a global mentor network, research orientation, and step-by-step academic development.
The Impact
Transformative Impact, Unmatched ROI
~40
Fellows Funded
Year 1 Target
Achieve 80%+ admission success rate with $200K in grants and operations.
7×–20×
Return on Investment
A ~$10K prep grant unlocks fully-funded MS/PhD scholarships worth $70K–$200K at destination universities.
200+
Fellows Funded
5-Year Vision
Scale to a global Vietnamese tech talent network with a budget under $2M.
Beyond the Fellowship
Not Selected? Your Journey with Cất Cánh Continues!
Applying is already a meaningful step forward — not just for this fellowship, but for the long journey ahead. At Cất Cánh, the story doesn't end at "selected or not."
Join the Network
Submitting a complete application connects you to the Cất Cánh and VISEMI community. Belonging starts here.
Stay Updated
Be first to hear about Cất Cánh events, VISEMI programs, and new opportunities as they open.
Access Public Events
You'll receive invitations to the Cất Cánh Series (June–Dec 2026) — six months of sessions, panels, and guidance.
Learn from Those Who Went Before
Connect with VISEMI Ambassadors — professionals in the USA, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and the EU.
Calling for volunteers
Become a Cất Cánh Local Ambassador
For Vietnamese PhD candidates, master's students, and STEM professionals studying or working abroad — anyone who has already navigated the MS/PhD application journey and wants to light the way for the next generation.
What ambassadors do
Guide their profiles
Help fellows shape sharp SOPs, CVs, and research directions — drawing on the path you walked yourself.
Share the journey
Join workshops and webinars to speak candidly about life, culture, and research in your host country.
Open doors
Be the bridge connecting fellows to expert mentors and international labs worldwide.
Sharpen interviews
Run mock interviews so fellows walk into admissions panels ready and confident.
Get Involved
Support This Program
Help us launch Vietnam's next generation of STEM leaders.
Volunteer your time or fuel the program with a tax-deductible donation.
Volunteer with Cất Cánh
Join the mission! We're looking for passionate volunteers to mentor, review applications, and support program operations.
Apply to VolunteerDonate to Cất Cánh
Every dollar accelerates a Vietnamese STEM student's journey into a top global graduate program.
Donate via ZeffyQuestions?
Get in touch with the team
Stay up to date with the Cất Cánh Fellowship on our Facebook Page, and reach out via email with any questions — we're happy to help.