Conference looks to boost innovative startups in Vietnam

The event was jointly organised by the Vietnam Centre for Science and Technology Communication and the National Agency for Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialisation Development under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST).

Experts suggested building a database system which would connect the national innovative startup portal with those of other organisations, cities, ministries, and branches to provide essential information for businesses and the startup community.

Besides this, a network exclusively for innovative startups should be set up, with the involvement of investors, funds, a consulting network, and experts, among others, they stressed.

Providing information on the activities of project 844 towards supporting the national innovative startup ecosystem through 2025, project office director Pham Dung Nam said that it has joined hands with localities nationwide to organise events connecting the regional startup ecosystem.

During 2017-2018, the MoST, in collaboration with relevant ministries and sectors, has created favourable mechanisms for the development of the innovative startup ecosystem, he noticed, saying that the move has boosted startup activities in the relevant countries.

Meanwhile, Pham Hong Quat, Head of the National Agency for Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialisation Development, laid stress on the importance of attracting international resources for Vietnamese startups and innovation works.

Techfest, one of the largest startup events in the country, is organised annually by the MoST to create connections for domestic and foreign takeholders in the startup ecosystem, he higlighted.

Quat also said that the event has drawn the attention of the international startup community and various foreign investors. More than 30 percent of total transactions at the event were made by foreigners.

Techfest 2018 is scheduled from November 29 to December 1, he added.