The Vietnam Innovation and Creativity Network in South Korea (VINK) is one of the eight innovation and creativity networks in Vietnam abroad, under the National Innovation Center, Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam. The Vietnam Innovation and Creativity Network in South Korea was registered and established in July 2021, as a non-profit organization with the Seoul city government. The network's members include Vietnamese scientists, experts, and entrepreneurs living and working in South Korea, aiming to promote cooperative relations between the two countries based on the exchange of innovation.

The Da Nang - Seoul innovation startup space in Da Nang

Recently, Danang Department of Science and Technology and VINK introduced the “The Da Nang - Seoul innovation startup space” (August 2023), located at Font 1 Building, Mapo District, Seoul. Simultaneously, both parties also established the "Seoul innovation startup space in Da Nang" at the Vietnam Innovation HUB building - no. 179 Tran Hung Dao, Son Tra, Da Nang (September 2023).

VINK was established to bring Da Nang's startup businesses to the international stage, specifically to South Korea, through training programs and startup training provided by the OASIS global startup immigration center under the Korean Ministry of Justice and the startup support ecosystem of the DCAMP Young Entrepreneurs Bank Fund.

In this space, startups will be assisted with legal procedures for immigration, business in South Korea, and connections with investment funds and businesses in South Korea. Additionally, the Da Nang - Seoul Innovation Startup Space is a place for South Korean businesses and investment funds to access information about Da Nang's startups.

Besides, when coming to the Da Nang - Seoul Innovation Startup Space, startups will be provided with workspace, a fully equipped modern shared space with international-class amenities at the Front 1 building of DCamp, and especially supported to connect with programs, policies, and partners in Seoul.

The launch of the Da Nang - Seoul Innovation Startup Space at the SURF 2023 event.

During the Innovation and Startup Day event in Da Nang - SURF 2023, the Danang Department of Science and Technology and the Vietnam Innovation and Creativity Network in South Korea (VINK) signed a cooperation program to promote the development of innovation and creativity in Da Nang in the coming time.

The signing ceremony between the Danang Department of Science and Technology and VINK

According to the agreement, the two parties agreed to implement various items such as organizing training programs to enhance capabilities for management agencies, incubators, universities, and other elements in the innovation and startup ecosystem; Pioneering technology training programs such as artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain, electronics, microchips, etc.; Promoting the establishment of funds for innovative startup investments; Promoting investment calling activities, developing product markets for innovative startups from both sides; Supporting startup enterprises, support organizations, incubators, and investors in Da Nang to connect with the innovation and startup ecosystem in South Korea and vice versa; Supporting the Da Nang - Seoul innovation startup space in to serve the innovation and startup community on both sides.

Mr. Nguyen Quang Phuoc, President of VINK, shared at the event

Sharing at the SURF 2023 event, Mr. Nguyen Quang Phuoc, President of VINK, said: “After this event, about a month later, we will lead an association in South Korea with more than 1,000 AI companies present in Da Nang to organize a seminar on AI”.

Having VINK present in Da Nang will provide excellent support for projects, innovative startup enterprises, and elements within Da Nang's startup ecosystem to develop products and connect with partners and investors in South Korea. This is one of the promising premises for creating more specific and closer connections, cooperation, and collaboration between the two cities in innovation and startup development in the future.

The presence of the Vietnam Innovation and Creativity Network in South Korea in Da Nang is expected to become a crucial element in the global Vietnam Innovation and Creativity Network, thereby promoting connections, sharing, and cooperation to drive the development of local innovation and creativity, both in Da Nang and the country as a whole.

Thanh Thao