Galaxy Innovation Hub (GiHub), the Galaxy Innovation Center, has officially been recognized as the first smart building in Vietnam to achieve SPIRE certification.
SPIRE is a comprehensive assessment program developed by UL Solutions (UL) — a global leader in applied safety science with a 129-year history — in collaboration with the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). This prestigious certification has been awarded to numerous renowned smart buildings worldwide, including Microsoft’s office buildings in Redmond, Dublin, and Hyderabad.
Inaugurated and operational since November 1, 2023, Galaxy Innovation Hub spans a total area of 35,000 square meters across 12 floors, strategically located in the Saigon Hi-Tech Park, Ho Chi Minh City. Since its launch, the Galaxy Innovation Hub has become a destination for numerous technology and innovation events and a venue welcoming enterprises, universities, and organizations from both Vietnam and abroad for collaboration and exchange.
Throughout a rigorous six-month evaluation process, which included two main on-site inspections, UL experts conducted in-depth surveys, interviews, and audits of the Galaxy Innovation Hub’s management, operations, maintenance, and internal documentation systems.
The SPIRE certification goes beyond evaluating the presence of IoT devices, sensors, or automation systems – it measures operational intelligence, safety, sustainability, and data-driven optimization capabilities. Galaxy Innovation Hub was recognized for fully meeting these stringent standards, from efficient energy management and renewable energy adoption to backup power and smart lighting systems, as well as comprehensive fire safety, access control, 24/7 monitoring, and routine maintenance procedures.
The building also prioritizes human well-being, featuring green spaces, natural lighting, and modern air conditioning and ventilation systems. In terms of connectivity, Galaxy Innovation Hub is equipped with a robust network infrastructure that supports seamless on-site and remote collaboration. Cybersecurity is strengthened through firewalls, international-standard data encryption, clear user access policies, and regular information security training.
Sustainability is another key focus, with wind and solar energy systems and IoT-based energy and resource monitoring to optimize efficiency.
A standout feature within the Galaxy Innovation Hub is Mena Tap & Go, an autonomous store – the first of its kind in Vietnam. The store offers a fully AI-driven customer journey: from user recognition, product identification, and real-time cart updates to fully automated payment. Galaxy Pay, a member of the Galaxy Holdings Digital Ecosystem, serves as the exclusive e-wallet provider for Mena Tap & Go, enabling a seamless cashless shopping experience that reflects the growing trend of smart consumer behavior in the digital era.
Achieving the SPIRE certification positions Galaxy Innovation Hub as a pioneering symbol of Vietnam’s smart building movement – reaffirming its international stature as a comprehensive innovation center and underscoring SOVICO Group’s strong commitment to ESG principles and sustainable development. In the coming time, Galaxy Innovation Hub will continue to host major technology and innovation events, serving as a bridge that connects Vietnamese technology with global standards of excellence.
