Wave of young creativity at the 2024 youth startup competition

With hundreds of projects submitted from all over the country, this year’s competition is truly a “big stage” for talented young faces. According to Mr. Hoang Son Cong – Director of the Center for Startup Support and Technology Transfer in the retail industry, the contestants have overcome the old stereotypes to bring ideas to solve urgent local problems.

“It is commendable that the projects are not only profit-oriented but also demonstrate social responsibility, from environmental protection, livelihood development, to preserving traditional culture,” Mr. Cong shared.

A typical example is the project of La Van Dung (Cao Bang), using microorganisms in clean agricultural production to solve the problem of soil pollution. Or Ta Thao Nhi (Ha Giang), the girl who revived the typical yeast flavor of the H'Mong people and upgraded it into a high-quality commercial product.

A young person in Cao Bang presents a souvenir product of dolls wearing traditional costumes, one of 36 projects that entered the final round of the competition. (Photo: Duong Trieu)

Indigenous Culture: The Key to Making a Difference

The highlight of this year’s competition are projects that creatively combine traditional culture and modern business. According to Mr. Bui Dinh Hoa – OCOP program consultant, the difference comes from the way the contestants “breathe life” into each product, making them not only beautiful in form but also profound in meaning.

“Don’t sell culture as a luxury. Turn it into a real perceived value that customers are willing to pay for,” Mr. Hoa affirmed, while encouraging young people to exploit cultural elements more deeply, combining them with technology to increase competitiveness.

Projects such as Tua Chua ancient snow tea or Huong Sa ceramics of Vietnam are clear evidence. They not only leave their mark on the domestic market but also open up opportunities to expand internationally.

A big plus from the competition is the high feasibility of the ideas, Mr. Nguyen Duc Tung - Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Digital Agriculture Association, commented that the current young generation not only knows how to dream but also has the ability to realize that dream.

Xanh Cafe , a project to develop a mobile coffee cart system, is a typical example. With the franchise model, this project has helped hundreds of young people have a stable income. Or NanoSalt , an environmentally friendly salt production technology, has created a high-quality product while still retaining its characteristic flavor.

The challenge is not over yet.

Despite the high evaluation, the judges did not hesitate to point out the gaps that needed improvement. Mr. Nguyen Van Thien Vu - Founder of AgriDrone Vietnam emphasized that many projects have not mastered deep processing technology, leading to products that do not meet international standards.

In addition, young people also need to improve their financial knowledge. “A successful project is not only about the idea, but also about the ability to manage cash flow,” Mr. Vu noted, and recommended that the teams professionalize their business plans to be ready to call for capital from investors.

Not only stopping at a competition, the Rural Youth Startup Project 2024 has opened a new path for young people. "We see the future of Vietnam's economy in these startup ideas," said Mr. Nguyen Duc Tung.

Projects such as Enzyme Group , with microbial solutions in plant protection, or Ancient Snow Tea , have not only stopped at experimental models but also have the potential to be replicated on a large scale.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Van - Head of the Central Youth Union's Rural Youth Department emphasized: "Starting a business is not an easy journey, but young people have proven that with enthusiasm, creativity and pioneering spirit, all limits can be overcome. From small villages to international halls, these projects have brought the voice, aspirations and identity of Vietnam far and wide.

“Closing the 2024 Rural Youth Entrepreneurship Project Competition, the journey of the contestants has just begun. With the support from the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and startup centers, the advice of experts and the determination of the contestants, today's ideas will certainly become tomorrow's success. The competition is not just an event, but a door opening to a promising future for Vietnam's economy,” Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Van shared.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/lan-song-sang-tao-tre-tai-cuoc-thi-khoi-nghiep-2024-danh-cho-thanh-nien-295623.html