Shaping the technology startup network

From a domestic startup playground, SURF has gradually become a place to shape the vision of innovation for Da Nang. With the gathering of dozens of international partners, investment funds and technology organizations, this event not only connects projects but also expands the platform for cross-border cooperation.

Many Da Nang technology startups are connected with investment funds. Photo: PHAN VINH

Connecting capital flows

In the context of the global investment market restructuring in a cautious direction, SURF 2025 recorded the strong participation of strategic investment funds such as FUNDGO, Skwerup Capital (India), Worm Foundation, Hedera Foundation, Native Capital...

In addition to signing the cooperation agreement, the parties agreed to accompany the Da Nang startup ecosystem in a series of activities lasting until 2030, from human resource training, product development support, strategic consulting to connecting domestic and international markets.

One of the units playing a leading role in new capital flows is HVA Investment JSC, with its OrionX financial platform integrating artificial intelligence.

Da Nang is at the forefront of a wave of interest from investment funds, connecting capital sources to support startups. Photo: PHAN VINH

Mr. Le Hoa Nha, General Director of HVA, shared that investing in technology startups cannot be short-term. In addition to capital support, investors must work with startups to design strategies, build operational tools, analyze market data, and connect long-term with investment ecosystems in India, Korea, and Southeast Asia.

From a policy management perspective, Mr. Pham Ngoc Sinh, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Da Nang City, commented: “The city is gradually perfecting the startup ecosystem through mechanisms, digital platforms and capital market connections. The memorandums of understanding at SURF 2025 are a premise for innovation capital to flow in the right direction, supporting truly capable businesses.”

This year's SURF not only brings together bright faces in the investment world, but also creates a space to test decentralized financial models (DeFi), tokenize assets and connect startups along the value chain.

At the forum “Blockchain and digital assets” held on the afternoon of July 30, delegates proposed implementing the tokenization model in tourism, education, trade and public management as a direction to help the city optimize digital resources and increase sustainable revenue for the local economy .

Expanding international cooperation network

After SURF 2025, it is possible to note a shift from individual forms of startup support to the model of forming innovation alliances.

Ms. Quinn Giang, Founder of SUCI Blockchain Hub, shares about the Web3 model. Photo: PHAN VINH

A typical example is the cooperation between Danang Innovation and Startup Support Center (DISSC) and SUCI Blockchain Hub, a pioneer in Web3 incubation in Vietnam.

With an incubation model divided into 4 stages, from product orientation to first-round capital calling, the program is incubating more than 15 startups in Da Nang and will organize Demo Day in September 2025 with the participation of funds from the United States, Korea and Singapore.

Ms. Quinn Giang, founder of SUCI Blockchain Hub shared: “SURF is a space for startups to receive formal training, legal protection, be accompanied by in-depth mentors and connect with investors from day one. Together with DISSC, we designed a 12-week journey, from mapping ideas on-chain, to building test products and presenting to international investors”.

Mr. Hee-chul Cho, Director of Strategy at UCCEI, shares about the development strategy of the Ulsan Center for Creative Economy and Innovation. Photo: PHAN VINH

SUCI’s presentation document shows that more than 400 workshops and hackathons have been organized in Vietnam and the region. The mentor network includes experts from Lisk, Coin98, Axie Infinity, Fintexus, Animoca Brands…

In particular, startups in Da Nang will be supported to raise capital from ETHVietnam, one of the largest Ethereum ecosystems in Southeast Asia.

SURF 2025 also marked an important step forward in intergovernmental cooperation, when the Ulsan Center for Creative Economy and Innovation (UCCEI, Korea) signed an agreement to support Da Nang startups to access the D-8-4 visa program, workspace at the Ulsan Startup Hub and technology testing programs with Korean enterprises.

Mr. Hee-chul Cho, Strategy Director of UCCEI, commented: “We highly appreciate the potential of Vietnamese startups, especially in Da Nang. UCCEI will share its testbed platform, AI technology, robotics and renewable energy for startups to test their products. Together with the D-8-4 visa and training program at Ulsan College, this will be the door for Vietnamese businesses to enter the Northeast Asian market with an existing legal foundation and mentor network.”

At SURF 2025, a series of cooperation agreements clearly defined the strategic linkages between Da Nang and domestic and foreign startup networks.

The domestic cooperation group is highlighted by the agreement between the Department of Science & Technology and Da Nang International Airport, along with cooperation between HVA, GM Labs, SUCI and FUNDGO on developing a Web3 financial and incubation platform.

On the international side, Da Nang signed with the UCCEI Center (Korea), Korea Startup Forum and the Vietnamese Intellectual Network in the UK - Ireland to promote technology exchange, startup visas and human resource training.

In the investment connection group, agreements with FUNDGO, Skwerup Capital (India), StartupBlink, VEF (USA) help expand the capital calling corridor for local startups.

At the same time, educational cooperation between VIS, VNUK, FPT University and training units has established a sustainable foundation for innovative human resources in the Central region.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/dinh-hinh-mang-luoi-khoi-nghiep-cong-nghe-3298450.html