Digital startup trends

In recent years, Da Nang has seen the emergence of many technology startups led by young people and students. Ideas conceived in the classroom have become viable models when entering the market.

A group of students from the Vietnam-UK Institute for Research and Training, University of Da Nang, are using biomaterials to solve the problem of energy consumption in urban buildings. Photo: VN-UK

Young people are applying data-driven thinking, programming skills, and digital business models to solve urban problems, contributing to the development of smart cities.

Addressing life's concerns

Inspired by incidents of students being left behind on school buses, in early 2025, Phan Thai Khanh Nhi, a student in the Information Technology Faculty atFPT University Da Nang, along with nine friends, developed the EduBus project – a school bus management system utilizing IoT and AI.

By design, EduBus integrates software and hardware. Cameras on the buses use AI facial recognition to record student attendance when boarding and alighting. A GPS system tracks the route in real time and sends instant notifications to parents, schools, supervisors, and drivers. The system also integrates data analysis tools to optimize routes and reduce operating costs. A demo version of the project is currently available, and the company is seeking investment for real-world testing.

Khanh Nhi said: “The team is looking for investors to finalize the product and conduct a pilot test with about 50 vehicles, with an initial budget of approximately 500-800 million VND. If it operates effectively, EduBus could expand to major cities.”

Meanwhile, a group of students from the Vietnam-UK Institute for Research and Training, University of Da Nang, developed the Green Glass project – smart electrochromic glass – to address the problem of energy consumption in urban buildings. The product uses bio-materials that can change their transparency when a small electric current passes through them, helping to regulate light and reduce the need for air conditioning.

The project's distinguishing feature lies in replacing organic solvents and lithium salts with a green electrolyte developed from domestically available materials, reducing costs by 20-30% compared to imported products. This research direction aims to create a technological product suitable for the local climate, usage habits, and sustainable architectural trends.

Tran Thi Thanh Thanh, a Materials Technology student specializing in Nanotechnology and co-founder of the project, shared: “Green Glass was developed with the desire to bring energy-saving technology closer to domestic construction projects. Currently, the project is in the pre-incubation phase, focusing on perfecting the material formula, testing durability and application possibilities before moving to small-scale production.”

Startups linked to digital transformation.

Projects like EduBus and Green Glass demonstrate how young people approach urban issues using technology. From transportation and education to the environment and energy, many startup ideas from students and young people stem from real-life needs. This approach aligns with Da Nang's ongoing strategy of building an innovation ecosystem linked to digital transformation.

The Edubus project has been successfully tested in practice. Photo: PHAN VINH

According to the implementation plan for the project "Developing science and application, transferring new, advanced, clean, and energy-saving technologies in production activities to promote the circular economy in Da Nang city until 2030" issued on February 13, 2026, the city will strengthen research, application, and transfer of new technologies in production and urban management.

Several tasks have been set, such as developing a circular economy index, perfecting mechanisms to encourage innovation, supporting the commercialization of green products, and promoting public-private partnerships in technology application. The city also aims to support businesses and science and technology organizations in registering at least 20 patents, utility models, and industrial designs by 2026.

In addition, Da Nang will deploy digital platforms to serve urban management, such as a product lifecycle tracing system using blockchain technology, GIS maps to monitor waste generation and recycling needs in real time, and expand programs for energy saving and renewable energy development.

These guidelines provide a foundation for technology startups, especially young people and students, to participate in solving smart city problems with digital solutions. From data applications and management platforms to green technology products, many initiatives by young people are contributing to the city's digital transformation goals.

At a working session with the startup community on February 3, 2026, the Vice Chairman of the Da Nang City People's Committee, Ho Quang Buu, stated that the innovation and startup ecosystem is becoming an important driving force for economic growth and enhancing the local competitiveness. The city will continue to improve support mechanisms and promote the formation of innovation centers and spaces at universities, colleges, and localities.

“Startup businesses need to closely follow the major directions on science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation that Da Nang has issued, proactively proposing new solutions to exploit development opportunities in the coming period. With a foundation in data-driven thinking, programming skills, and the ability to operate business models on digital platforms, the young generation of entrepreneurs will become a force contributing to the formation of a dynamic startup ecosystem, creating technological solutions that directly serve the sustainable development of the city,” Vice Chairman Ho Quang Buu affirmed.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/dong-chay-khoi-nghiep-so-3328989.html