Participating in startup competitions, seminars, workshops, and conferences that connect startups with funds and investors is a favorable stepping stone for startup projects in Da Nang, providing them with more opportunities for success.
Project "Together with Kids Learning - Beekids" Makes Top 10 at Techfest 2023
After four years of working on the "Together with Kids Learning - Beekids" project, Mr. Le Trung, Director of Dragold Technology Education Company (Thanh Khe district), found the culmination of the journey in the "National Startup Innovation Talent Search - Techfest 2023." Despite having presented numerous times to investors and participating in various startup arenas, the Techfest 2023 competition remains an unforgettable experience for him. While the project stopped at the overall top 10, it garnered significant opportunities. Through challenges in each round, training sessions, and motivational words, the organizers helped startups gain a clearer self-perspective. "During the 3-day exhibition, the project had the opportunity to connect with partners, investors, and get valuable directions. Startups, including Beekids, also expressed their desire to collaborate and promote each other's products. Techfest 2023 is a significant milestone for Beekids to reflect on the journey and move forward in the future. Believing in the project, believing in oneself, and believing in what one says are factors that have helped convey the project more convincingly," shared Mr. Trung.
Another formidable player in startup competitions is EM&AI, currently standing out in Da Nang after six years of entrepreneurship. The company has won nearly 20 awards nationally and internationally, including the Vecom Best Solution 2021 award, Techfest 2020 runner-up, the first prize in the AI Accelerator Challenge organized by AUS4Innovation, and being among the top 5 AI For Good in the Vietnam - Thailand region organized by the United Nations. Mr. Le Ngoc Tri, CEO of EM&AI Company (Hai Chau district), stated that participating in national and international startup competitions helped EM&AI expand its network, aligning with the goal of market expansion.
Beyond seizing opportunities from competitions, the Da Nang Startup Support and Innovation Ecosystem Center (Department of Science and Technology) has collaborated with relevant units to organize workshops, conferences, and roundtable discussions connecting startups with funds and investors. This collaboration aims to help startup projects access investment capital and solve funding-related challenges during growth stages. Additionally, one-on-one connection sessions have taken place between innovative enterprises in Vietnam and international entities, contributing to the vigorous development of the science and technology market. This facilitates the exchange, commercialization, and inspiration of projects on their entrepreneurial journey, fostering good cooperation between Vietnam and other countries in the economic and trade sector.
Most recently, the Department of Science and Technology organized a scientific workshop titled "Supporting the Development of Da Nang's Innovative Startup Ecosystem" on December 6. The workshop provided startups with information about the current situation and solutions for developing Da Nang's innovative startup ecosystem. It also offered guidance on registering for the city's startup support policies and the Prime Minister's Decision 844/QD-TTg dated May 18, 2016, approving the Project "Supporting the National Innovative Startup Ecosystem until 2025" (Project 844). This project aims to develop nurseries and innovative startup enterprises.
Looking ahead to 2024, the Department of Science and Technology will continue providing in-depth support for projects and nurturing creative ideas. Simultaneously, there will be stronger collaboration and connection with other major ecosystems nationally and internationally. The department will also engage and call for investment funds and angel investors, both domestic and international, to implement activities in Da Nang, giving startups an even stronger launchpad.
MAI QUE