Promoting entrepreneurial universities.

With groundbreaking support policies and close collaboration among the "three stakeholders," the startup university model is becoming a key driving force, bringing Da Nang closer to its goal of becoming a national innovation center.

Students from the University of Technology ( Da Nang University) at a startup competition. Photo: MINH LE

Key component

In early February, the University of Economics (Da Nang University) issued a project on building and operating a startup university model, giai đoạn 2026 - 2035.

The project aims to develop the University of Economics into a startup university on par with startup universities worldwide by 2030, with the theme "Students aspiring to become entrepreneurs."

The vision for 2035 is for an entrepreneurial university designed to create and nurture entrepreneurs, technologies, and new business models through education, research, and collaboration with the external ecosystem; strong networking and collaboration, assessment and measurement of entrepreneurial impact, and knowledge transfer and commercialization.

Associate Professor Dr. Doan Ngoc Phi Anh, Vice Rector of the University of Economics, stated that in 2026, the university aims to establish a center or institute for research, support for innovative startups and commercialization of research products and startup products; build sufficiently large facilities (minimum area of ​​300m2) to serve as incubation spaces and support for startups; and soon operate an open startup space…

To achieve the above goals, the school will collaborate with and make the most of mechanisms and policies supporting entrepreneurship to serve the school's entrepreneurial ecosystem; develop a team of entrepreneurial lecturers and students; develop infrastructure and commercialize research results and entrepreneurial products; and strengthen social participation…

According to Associate Professor Vo Van Minh, Rector of the University of Education (Da Nang University), practice shows that universities today are not only places for training human resources, but also sources of knowledge, places for generating solutions, and important subjects of innovation.

For Da Nang to realize its goal of becoming an eco-city, a smart city, and a world-class innovation center, the university ecosystem, including the University of Da Nang and its member universities, is an indispensable link, providing both a scientific foundation and ensuring a high-quality workforce for long-term development.

In addition to traditional scientific research activities, the University of Education is making strides, proactively participating in and creating innovative and entrepreneurial activities, considering this a natural space for expanding scientific research and a bridge between academic knowledge and the practical development of the city.

The school focuses on spreading the spirit of innovation throughout the entire system, from students and faculty to specialized units, through organizing and participating in numerous forums, competitions, workshops, and startup support programs.

The spirit of innovation is not only aimed at commercialization, but is also closely linked to educational values, sustainable development, and community service.

Students visit the startup space at the DTU Startup 2025 competition. Photo: MINH LE

Spreading the entrepreneurial spirit

Duy Tan University is one of the pioneering institutions in building a startup ecosystem in Central Vietnam. Many projects by Duy Tan University students have won high awards at international competitions such as CDIO Academy, and projects in biomedical science, medical navigation robots, and smart tourism have been implemented in practice…

To achieve these results, according to Associate Professor Vo Thanh Hai, Permanent Deputy Director of Duy Tan University, the university proactively built a support ecosystem including a startup center, co-working spaces, and workshops, thereby providing facilities, machinery, and free workspaces for potential projects, as well as connecting students with experts, mentors, and investment funds.

The school acts as a "bridge" to a wide network of business partners, creating opportunities for students to intern and find funding to support their startups.

In addition, the school regularly organizes job fairs and entrepreneurship competitions so that student startup projects can present their ideas to real investors.

"For example, the startup competition at Duy Tan University is no longer a standalone event but has become a traditional activity held annually."

"In the 2025-2026 academic year, the competition will officially be named 'DTU Startup,' formerly known as 'Duy Tan Student Startup Ideas,' thereby helping the university find potential entrepreneurial talents for larger platforms," ​​Associate Professor Hai said.

Similarly, Dong A University also recognizes that promoting entrepreneurship must be systematically developed, aiming to become an "innovative and entrepreneurial university".

Mr. Luong Minh Sam, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dong A University, suggested that to promote entrepreneurship among students, the city should research and organize entrepreneurship competitions and playgrounds specifically for universities and colleges to create a suitable environment for students to practice and develop entrepreneurial ideas and capabilities, alongside the city's general entrepreneurship competition.

At the same time, support the incubation of student-led startup projects, consider allocating appropriate funding for promising student startup projects; promote the "three-party" linkage so that students can access and receive in-depth support with suitable entrepreneurial orientations.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/thuc-day-dai-hoc-khoi-nghiep-3325855.html