Ton Duc Thang University - where the national startup ecosystem is created

As the place chosen by the Ministry of Education and Training to organize the Workshop to contribute ideas to the Project "Supporting students to start a business in the period of 2026-2035", Ton Duc Thang University is affirming its role as a dynamic "incubator", lighting the fire of innovation for the young generation.

Dr. Tran Van Dat - Deputy Director of Student Affairs Department, Ministry of Education and Training spoke at the Workshop

On the morning of August 22, the atmosphere at Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU) became more exciting than ever with the presence of the delegation of the Ministry of Education and Training and 150 delegates from the Government Office, the Ministry of Finance, ministries, branches, experts and leaders of educational institutions across the country attending the Workshop to give comments on the Project to support students to start a business in the period of 2026-2035.

The workshop is not only a policy discussion, but also a demonstration of TDTU's pioneering position in promoting innovative startups and, more broadly, a demonstration of the strong transformation of Vietnamese higher education , taking innovation and startups as the driving force for development.

Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Son - Vice President of TDTU delivered a welcome speech at the Conference

The workshop recorded many dedicated contributions and breakthrough initiatives, including the speech of TDTU representative. To remove financial bottlenecks, TDTU proposed a model of establishing internal venture capital funds (seed/angel funds) right at key universities, mobilizing capital from alumni and businesses. In addition, TDTU proposed a revolution in creative space by implementing international models such as "Design Factory" (interdisciplinary collaboration space) and especially "Sandbox Campus". This is a mechanism that allows students to test new products and services right on campus with legal protection, creating an environment of "dare to think, dare to do" without fear of risk. In addition, TDTU also proposed to build a national "Student Entrepreneurship Capacity Index" to measure actual effectiveness, and shift the focus from the "quantity" of events to the "quality" of startup projects. In particular, TDTU calls for the need to build a culture of "accepting risks and encouraging failure", because this is the core foundation for all innovation.

These ideas received consensus and appreciation from delegates, demonstrating TDTU's leading role not only in action but also in strategic thinking.

Overview of the conference solemnly held at Ton Duc Thang University

TDTU - a pioneer in building a comprehensive startup ecosystem

The choice of TDTU as the venue for this national event is not accidental. Over the years, TDTU has been persistent in building a comprehensive startup ecosystem, where all activities aim to equip students with the mindset of daring to think, daring to do, and the ability to integrate globally.

The clearest evidence is the establishment of the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer (CITT) on August 5, 2025. This is considered the "heart" of the ecosystem, a strategic step to connect scientific research with practical application, supporting start-up projects from the incubation stage to product commercialization.

Not stopping there, support activities are implemented systematically and continuously. The "TDTU Student Startup Idea Search" contest for the 2024-2025 school year recently attracted hundreds of participating projects and selected 10 excellent projects for the final round. The diverse ideas, from applying technology to solve environmental problems to sustainable business solutions, have shown the creativity and acumen of TDTU students in the face of social challenges.

A group of students from the Faculty of Pharmacy, TDTU, with the excellent idea/project "Ngoc Viet Ginseng Tea", won first prize in the final round of the "TDTU Student Startup Ideas Search Competition for the 2024-2025 school year"

Committed to building a creative and responsible generation

Besides fostering ideas, TDTU is also a solid bridge between students and the labor market. The annual Job Fair and Alumni Day are not only places to find career opportunities but also forums for young people to interact and learn from successful entrepreneurs, expand their network of relationships and find potential investors.

From hosting national science and technology events for high school students to pioneering a commitment to implementing the 17 sustainable development goals of the United Nations, TDTU is showing a further vision: training a generation that is not only good at expertise and has entrepreneurial capacity but also has a strong sense of responsibility towards the community.

Dr. Tran Trong Dao - President of TDTU, representing the school, received a Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Education and Training praising TDTU for its outstanding achievements in organizing the National Science and Technology Research Competition for high school students in the 2024-2025 school year.

This workshop, therefore, is not only a place for TDTU to accompany the Ministry of Education and Training in policy making, but also an opportunity for the University to spread its model and inspiration. It is a story about a university that is making every effort so that every student upon graduation has an entrepreneurial spirit, ready to create new values, contributing to the sustainable development of the country.

Tu Uyen

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/truong-dai-hoc-ton-duc-thang-noi-kien-tao-he-sinh-thai-khoi-nghiep-quoc-gia-2434965.html