Da Nang aims to become a launching pad for tech unicorns.

Da Nang is clearly demonstrating its role in supporting startups, creating favorable conditions for connection between researchers, businesses, and the government.

Speakers share their insights at the seminar " Da Nang - A Launchpad for Blockchain Unicorns". Photo: Xuan Quynh

Affirming Da Nang's position as a startup hub.

According to Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Hoang Minh, innovative startups are no longer just a trend, but have become an essential driving force for improving national productivity, quality, and competitiveness, and a solution for rapid and sustainable development. In Vietnam, the startup ecosystem will continue to develop strongly in 2025, with many support activities expanding in both scale and depth. Fields such as Fintech, AI, Edtech, Healthtech, and the circular economy are experiencing strong growth, alongside blockchain, cloud, and digital logistics startups expanding globally.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Hoang Minh delivers a speech. Photo: Xuan Quynh

In particular, Da Nang ranked 5th nationwide in the innovation index in 2024 and entered the top 1,000 outstanding cities globally according to StartupBlink 2025, an increase of 130 places.

Launching the Innovation Network of Universities and Colleges in Da Nang City. Photo: Xuan Quynh

Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and announcement of investment cooperation in innovative startups. Photo: Xuan Quynh

According to Mr. Ho Quang Buu, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang City People's Committee, 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, the promotion of the establishment of a Free Trade Zone and an International Financial Center promises to create 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 originate, unicorns take flight to reach international levels."

Connecting technology, policies, and people.

Mr. Tom Ngo, CEO of Metis Foundation, believes that in the initial stages, the chances of success for startups are very small, therefore support from local authorities plays a crucial role. Da Nang has been implementing many open policies, especially encouraging the experimentation of new technologies such as blockchain and digital assets (tokens). For successful startups, they need to be connected with experienced mentors, especially in new technology fields, and must understand the ecosystem instead of focusing on a single product. Choosing the right investment location is very important; startups need to thoroughly research the market, policies, and local legal framework before developing a solution. Da Nang is clearly demonstrating its role in supporting startups, creating favorable conditions for connecting researchers, businesses, and the government.

Awarding the first prize at the Da Nang City Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition 2025. Photo: Xuan Quynh

Meanwhile, Jonah Lau, Head of Incubation at Animoca Brands, assessed Da Nang as an ideal destination for technology development, with its open environment and high-quality technical workforce. According to him, even with the development of AI, people remain the key factor in innovation. He emphasized that, besides talent, startups need to clearly define their target market and product distribution strategy – this is a decisive factor in raising capital. "If you don't clearly present your approach to customers, I can't write an investment check," he said.

StartupBlink awards ecosystem certification to Da Nang City. Photo: Xuan Quynh

Ms. Alexis Low, APAC Regional Manager of the 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 innovation and startup ecosystem. This is an important foundation for the development of 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 30th, the Da Nang City People's Committee inaugurated the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Festival - SURF 2025 with the theme "Policy Launchpad - Nurturing Unicorns".

The Da Nang Innovation and Startup Festival - SURF 2025 features over 30 speakers, experts, and reputable domestic and international investment funds from Singapore, South Korea, the United States, Japan, China, and more. It brings together angel investors and major domestic and international investment funds such as Quest Ventures, FUNDGO, Skwerup Capital Partners, Lisk Foundation, Solana Foundation, Worm Foundation, Native Capital, Hedera Foundation, etc.; over 30 partner organizations; 31 projects competing in the Innovation and Startup Competition; and 100 exhibition booths, both in-person and virtual. In addition, the event receives support from universities, educational institutions, and the startup community.

SURF 2025 includes key events such as the Final Round of the Da Nang City Innovation Startup Competition - SURF 2025; a meeting between the leaders of the Da Nang City People's Committee and experts, speakers, investors, and the startup community; a live exhibition of innovation startups; the launch of the Innovation Network of universities and colleges in Da Nang City; the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation and the announcement of investment cooperation in innovation startups; exchanges with domestic and international experts; a seminar: Da Nang - A blockchain unicorn launchpad; and the International Innovation Investment Connection Forum “Blockchain and Digital Assets: Innovation in urban digital transformation and digital economic development in Da Nang”.

XUAN QUYNH

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/da-nang-dat-muc-tieu-tro-thanh-be-phong-cho-ky-lan-cong-nghe-post806075.html