Affirming Da Nang's startup position
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Hoang Minh acknowledged that innovative startups are no longer a trend, but have become an inevitable driving force to improve productivity, quality and national competitiveness, and are the solution for rapid and sustainable development. In Vietnam, the startup ecosystem will continue to grow strongly in 2025, with many support activities expanding in both scale and depth. Fields such as Fintech, AI, Edtech, Healthtech and circular economy are growing strongly, alongside blockchain, cloud and digital logistics startups reaching out to the world.
In particular, Da Nang ranked 5th in the country in terms of innovation index in 2024 and entered the top 1,000 typical global cities according to StartupBlink 2025, up 130 places.
According to Mr. Ho Quang Buu, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Da Nang City, in the context of the whole country transforming towards a digital, green and circular economy, Da Nang identifies innovation and technology as the core driving force for sustainable growth. The city has implemented many policies to support startups such as tax exemptions and reductions, co-working spaces, technology incubators, investment connections, development of research centers, high-tech zones, etc. In particular, promoting the establishment of a Free Trade Zone and an International Financial Center promises to create a new momentum for the startup ecosystem. The Innovation and Startup Festival - SURF 2025 is an opportunity to connect policies, technology, investment and spread the message: "Da Nang - where ideas are inspired, unicorns take flight to reach international heights".
Connecting technology, policy and people
Mr. Tom Ngo, CEO of Metis Foundation, said that in the early stages, the chance of success when starting a business is very small, so support from local authorities plays a key role. Da Nang has been implementing many open policies, especially encouraging testing of new technologies such as blockchain and digital assets (tokens). To start a business effectively, startups need to be connected with experienced mentors, especially in the field of new technology, and must understand the ecosystem instead of focusing on a single product. Choosing an investment location is very important, startups need to carefully research the market, policies and local laws before developing solutions. Da Nang is clearly demonstrating its role as a companion to startups, creating favorable conditions for connecting researchers, businesses and the government.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jonah Lau, Head of Incubation at Animoca Brands, assessed Da Nang as an ideal destination for technology development, with an open environment and quality technical human resources. According to him, although AI is developing, people are still the key factor in innovation. He emphasized that, in addition to talent, startups need to clearly define their target market and product distribution strategy - this is a decisive factor in raising capital. "If I don't clearly present how to approach customers, I can't write an investment check," he said.
Ms. Alexis Low, APAC Regional Manager of Lisk Foundation, expressed her hope that Da Nang will become a launching pad for Web3 in the region. According to her, the city has suitable infrastructure and is building a fairly good innovative startup ecosystem. This is an important foundation for developing blockchain technology. However, because each blockchain has its own technical characteristics, development requires a stable institutional framework and in-depth consultation to ensure sustainable success.
On the morning of July 30, the People's Committee of Da Nang City opened the Innovation and Startup Festival - SURF 2025 with the theme "Policy launch pad - nurturing unicorns".
Danang Innovation and Startup Festival - SURF 2025 has the participation of more than 30 speakers, experts, prestigious domestic and international investment funds from Singapore, Korea, USA, Japan, China, ...; gathering angel investors, large domestic and international investment funds such as: Quest Ventures, FUNDGO, Skwerup Capital Partners, Lisk Foundation, Solana Foundation, Worm Foundation; Native Capital, Hedera Foundation ...; more than 30 accompanying units; 31 projects participating in the Innovation and Startup Competition; 100 live exhibition booths and virtual exhibitions. In addition, the event also received the support of universities, educational institutions and startup communities, innovative startups.
SURF 2025 includes main contents such as the Final round of the Danang Innovation Startup Competition - SURF 2025; meeting between leaders of Danang People's Committee with experts, speakers, investors and the startup community; Live exhibition of innovative startups; launching the Innovation Network of universities and colleges in Danang; Signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation and announcement of investment cooperation in innovative startups; exchange with domestic and international experts; Seminar: Danang - Blockchain unicorn launch pad; International Innovation Investment Connection Forum "Blockchain and digital assets: Innovation in urban digital transformation and digital economic development in Danang".
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/da-nang-dat-muc-tieu-tro-thanh-be-phong-cho-ky-lan-cong-nghe-post806075.html
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