Quang Nam shapes an open startup ecosystem

With the orientation of becoming a pioneering locality in building an open - linked - shared innovation ecosystem, the Provincial People's Committee has just approved the Project "Open land for innovation, creative startups" for the period 2026 - 2030, with a vision to 2035. This is a long-term strategy with an overall design, establishing a new vision for development based on technology, knowledge, intellectual property and the dynamism of the startup community.

A startup project on producing waterproof cement introduces its products at the TechFest event in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: PHAN VINH

From practical model

In 2024, the project “LACO - Local service connection application” by Mr. Ha Nhat Anh (Tam Ky City) won first prize at the Quang Nam Startup Talent Search Contest. LACO is a digital platform that helps tourists access accommodation, cuisine , and local experiences.

This is a testament to the ability to exploit local resources with digital technology and innovative thinking. This is a model approaching the spirit that the province's Innovative Startup Project is aiming for.

Accordingly, the project sets out three pillars throughout, including perfecting the legal framework and policies to encourage creative startups; promoting an open ecosystem model, developing a culture of innovation; and forming high-tech, fast-growing enterprises based on intellectual property.

Notably, the plan to issue 2-3 specific provincial policies on technology transfer, intellectual property protection, innovation and resource training is noteworthy.

The project “LACO - Application for connecting local services” by Mr. Ha Nhat Anh is a model that is close to the orientation of the province's innovative startup project. Photo: PHAN VINH

The project also sets a series of quantitative targets such as having 10-15 startup projects competing at the regional/national level each year; organizing 2-3 startup weeks locally; training 15-20 source lecturers and 20-25 typical startup projects each year.

Mr. Pham Ngoc Sinh - Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology, Head of the Provincial Startup Support Steering Committee said that the difference of this project is the open thinking, from institutions to actions. Quang Nam does not limit innovation within the province but always seeks to connect the local ecosystem with the national and international startup network.

“Over the years, Quang Nam has invited embassies and international experts to attend TechFest Quang Nam to enhance dialogue, cooperation and investment. We hope to form a creative culture based on the spirit of learning, respecting knowledge and accompanying development,” said Mr. Sinh.

Pillars for innovation

To realize the project's goals, the province has set out a system of synchronous solutions from infrastructure investment, policy improvement to human resource development. In terms of infrastructure, Quang Nam aims to build high-tech zones, science parks, data centers and incubators - research facilities, creating physical spaces to serve the startup community in Tam Ky, Dien Ban and Nui Thanh.

Quang Nam's startup ecosystem will develop when it has enough attention from the government and determination from business owners. In the photo: Visiting a startup project. Photo: PHAN VINH

Regarding policy, the province commits to reviewing, adjusting and issuing new incentive mechanisms, such as support for renting premises, preferential credit, tax exemptions, etc.

In particular, specific policies for innovative enterprises will focus on supporting technology transfer, commercialization of intellectual property and market access. The policy coordination role is assumed by the Department of Science and Technology, coordinating with sectors and localities to develop separate action programs to effectively implement the project.

According to Mr. Sinh, human resource training is considered a strategy in building and developing the Quang Nam startup ecosystem.

In addition to training experts in training, consulting and supporting startups, vocational education institutions, universities and colleges are also required to integrate startup content into training programs, establish startup clubs, and organize innovative startup idea competitions in schools.

Particularly for high school level, the province advocates incorporating basic knowledge about creative thinking and entrepreneurship into extracurricular activities, thereby creating a long-term foundation for the younger generation.

In parallel, annual events such as TechFest Quang Nam, Creative Startup Festival, and forums connecting consultants - investors - startups continue to be maintained and expanded. Some priority areas are in line with the strengths and development orientation of Quang Nam such as high-tech agriculture associated with medicinal herbs, creative industry and smart tourism.

With the newly issued project, we not only expect a breakthrough in terms of mechanism but also consider this an important shift in thinking, when the government plays the role of "leader of the creative journey", creating a more open, flexible and synchronous ecosystem.

Quang Nam currently has no shortage of policies to support innovative startups. What is most needed right now is the spirit of cooperation and the desire to rise from the entire ecosystem, especially from startups, the people who directly create innovative values.

Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/quang-nam-dinh-hinh-he-sinh-thai-khoi-nghiep-mo-3155758.html