Deputy Director of Department of Science and Technology Vo Hoang Khai: Ready to accompany startups

Every year, hundreds of innovative startup projects and ideas are constantly formed and developed, clearly outlining the vitality and strong transformation of a potential ecosystem. However, to truly break through and develop sustainably, this journey still has many challenges. For local innovative startup activities to "take off", we need a clear strategy, synchronous coordination and methodical steps.

Mr. Vo Hoang Khai.

So what has Dong Nai been and is orienting? Which areas will be prioritized for development to catch up with the wave of innovation? From the perspective of management and policy planning, Mr. Vo Hoang Khai, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology (KHCN) of Dong Nai province, shared about the province's innovation development strategy for the period 2030-2035.

Strategic direction

Sir, why did Dong Nai choose innovation as one of the strategic directions in the current period?

- Dong Nai chose DMST for 3 main reasons.

Firstly, this is a global trend and is consistent with the Central Government's policy. The Provincial Party Committee has issued an action plan to implement Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation and national digital transformation. Accordingly, science and technology are identified as the foundation, innovation is the core driving force and digital transformation is the key tool for the province's socio-economic development.

Second, we have a well-organized infrastructure: the province has planned a 300-hectare innovation center in the old Long Thanh district, now in Binh An commune, a 497-hectare high-tech park in Cam My, and an information technology park concentrated around Long Thanh International Airport.

Third, young, dynamic human resources and a network connecting "3 houses" (State - businesses - schools) are ready.

All of these create a solid foundation to promote innovation activities.

Delegation from the Department of Science and Technology visited CT Group Technology and Innovation Corporation (Ho Chi Minh City). Photo: TL

In that spirit, what specific policies has the province issued in recent times to support innovative start-up projects, especially in the field of science and technology, sir?

- The province has implemented many policies synchronously: Resolution 29/2020/NQ-HDND of the Provincial People's Council stipulates the content and level of expenditure to implement the Project to Support the National Innovative Startup Ecosystem until 2025 in Dong Nai province. Accordingly, the resolution supports the organization of innovative startup events, capacity building and service training activities; development of technical facilities and connection of innovative startup networks.

Preferential tax policies are applied, including the policy that enterprises are allowed to deduct expenses to determine taxable income for expenses for research and development activities of enterprises at 200% of the actual costs of these activities when calculating corporate income tax.

Be entitled to policies on exemption, reduction, land use fees, land rent, investment incentives; own the results of scientific research, technology development, and innovation.

The provincial Science and Technology Development Fund provides loans, guarantees and supports interest rates, helping startups easily access capital.

One highlight mentioned is the Provincial Science and Technology Development Fund. Could you share how it works and the criteria for startups to access this fund?

- The Provincial Science and Technology Development Fund operates under a financial support mechanism including: providing non-refundable funding for science and technology tasks, lending, loan guarantees and loan interest support. Startups can access the fund if they are science and technology enterprises, have technology transfer projects in industries, professions or areas with investment incentives and fully meet the required documents.

When needing support, startups can contact the Department of Innovation and Technology, Department of Science and Technology of Dong Nai province (No. 1597, Pham Van Thuan Street, Tran Bien Ward). Young startups should start from small but meaningful things. Don't be afraid of making mistakes, just be afraid of not daring to start. The Department of Science and Technology will always listen, support and accompany you to turn your aspirations into reality, creating innovative products - creative solutions - sustainable values for the community and society.

Outstanding advantages and breakthrough vision for science and technology startups

Sir, what are the competitive advantages or differences of Dong Nai in attracting science and technology startups compared to neighboring localities?

- Currently, Dong Nai province has the following advantages:

Strategic location: Just a few dozen minutes from Ho Chi Minh City center and Long Thanh International Airport.

Synchronous infrastructure: Planning of concentrated information technology zones (now concentrated digital technology zones), high-tech zones, innovation zones, co-working spaces and modern incubators.

Flexible policies: Loan support, guarantees and interest rate support, research and development (R&D) tax incentives and land rent exemption.

Abundant human resources: More than 50 industrial parks and industrial clusters are operating with a force of highly skilled engineers and workers, along with quality universities and colleges, contributing to improving the quality of human resources in the province.

The government is highly committed: The Department of Science and Technology has a specialized department to advise on innovation activities, acting as a focal point connecting the entire innovation startup ecosystem.

Sir, what specific goals does Dong Nai set for building and developing the innovation ecosystem in the next 5-10 years?

- According to the plan until 2030, Dong Nai aims to have at least 70 science and technology enterprises and 150 creative startups. At least 7 incubators and innovation centers. 40% of enterprises have innovation activities. Each year, 60 innovative products are commercialized, 30 projects receive budget support and 20 inventions and useful solutions. After 2035, we will continue to increase the above indicators by 40-50%.

Dong Nai Province Science and Technology Development Fund was established under Decision No. 1907/QD-UBND dated June 11, 2025 of Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee, currently has a charter capital of 100 billion VND from the state budget for the province's science and technology career. The fund will support projects, national and provincial science and technology tasks, grassroots science and technology tasks serving socio-economic development, projects applying science and technology research results to production and life, as well as activities to improve science and technology capacity in the province.

In your opinion, what are the key conditions that help young startups confidently develop ideas, overcome challenges and create sustainable values for the community?

- Infrastructure and support policies are increasingly improved: Dong Nai is investing heavily in innovation zones, incubators, and startup support centers; policies such as the Science and Technology Development Fund, non-refundable grants, tax incentives, R&D cost support, etc. are real supports for startups.

Extensive network - accompanying startups: We are building a network of mentors, experts, investors, and large enterprises ready to accompany and guide you in the process of realizing your ideas; startups are not alone - you are part of a dynamic and open ecosystem.

Community spirit and sharing: The Department of Science and Technology, along with supporting units, is always ready to accompany startups, not only in terms of state management but also as a “companion”. Previous generations and successful models in the province are the driving force and inspirational examples for the new generation to confidently follow.

Young people's ability to adapt and learn quickly: Dong Nai's young generation has the ability to quickly access new knowledge, use technology proficiently and have an open mind - this is a decisive advantage in the global innovation race.

Thank you!

Quynh Giang (performed)

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/tin-moi/202507/pho-giam-doc-so-khoa-hoc-va-cong-nghe-vo-hoang-khai-san-sang-dong-hanh-vo-startup-551286a/