In recent times, to maximize the effectiveness of resources for implementing innovative startup activities, the city of Da Nang has supported and encouraged universities, organizations, individuals, businesses, and units within the city to establish startup support centers, incubators, creative spaces, co-working spaces, and clubs for innovative startups. These activities have been actively coordinated and implemented by the Department of Science and Technology and the Da Nang Innovation Startup Support Center in collaboration with relevant agencies and units, contributing to the construction and development of the local innovative startup ecosystem.

As of now, the city has one Innovation Startup Support Center, two startup centers affiliated with universities, nine incubators, four creative spaces, nine co-working spaces, five startup investment funds, and startup clubs at universities, colleges, and within the community. Overall, the innovative startup ecosystem of the city is progressively developing, encompassing all necessary elements, with key pillars being government agencies - research institutes, universities - support organizations - the business community, and other relevant entities actively participating in the ecosystem.

In 2023, the Department of Science and Technology of Da Nang city is implementing four tasks to support innovative startups, incubating 12 innovative startup projects for the development of products, technology refinement, prototype production, product commercialization, utilization of startup services, and the implementation of incubation programs. Notable projects and products include FiveSS, Xiro Tr’Đin, Beans Community Hub, with a focus on digital transformation, information technology, artificial intelligence, automation, and biotechnology.

Opening of Danang Innovation and Startup Festival - SURF 2023

A highlight in 2023 is the Da Nang Innovation Startup Festival (SURF 2023) themed "Desire of the Han River - Igniting Creativity," conveying the message "Da Nang - The City of Innovative Startups." The event attracted 26 speakers from both domestic and international participants, 45 accompanying units, 30 projects competing in the startup competition, 81 direct exhibition booths, nearly 200 virtual exhibition booths, and over 3000 domestic and international attendees, connecting with various investment funds.

Moreover, six outstanding startup projects were awarded at the 2023 Innovative Startup Competition. The establishment of the Seoul - Da Nang Innovation Hub and the signing of cooperation agreements between the Department of Science and Technology of Da Nang and partners, including the Academy of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Vietnamese Innovation Network in South Korea, and the Women's Union of Da Nang City, are significant cooperation agreements to promote the city's innovative startup ecosystem.

Awarding the Innovation Startup Competition at SURF 2023

Through these events, various activities such as investment connections, product commercialization, market promotion of science and technology were deployed, with 18 projects participating in pitching, 8 memoranda of understanding and collaboration directly signed, connecting with 7 investment funds, and engaging with 100 domestic and international partners. These activities create opportunities for startups to develop their ideas, from attracting investment, seeking human resources, to business collaboration and product development. Additionally, startups have the chance to learn from leading experts, connect with investors, and engage with thousands of participants both domestically and internationally.

Furthermore, Da Nang City organized numerous events to connect the innovative startup ecosystem, including the "Da Nang City Student Scientific Research Competition 2023," the "Youth Creativity Festival," startup competitions within universities, the Innovation Startup Festival and Youth Forum for Innovative Startup, and the Vietnam Online Hackathon. The city delegation also participated in the Open Innovation Day in Ho Chi Minh City, connecting with experts from the United States, Singapore, South Korea in the fields of investment, startup development, and innovation. Notably, within the "Expand into the Vietnamese Market" activity under the National Innovative Startup Festival (Techfest - Whise 2023), the Department of Science and Technology of Da Nang City and Quest Ventures (Singapore) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the field of innovative startup.

Simultaneously, through the development of the startup network, the Da Nang Startup Information Portal has connected with 128 units and individuals participating in the network, linking with experts and scientists providing support and advice on finance, markets, and technology for innovative startup projects.

Mr. Le Duc Vien - Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Da Nang, representative of Da Nang city received the award "Attractive City for Innovative Startups"

With these achievements, in 2023, Da Nang City received the title of "Attractive City for Innovative Startups" awarded by the Vietnam Software and Information Technology Services Association. This marks the city's third time receiving this award. At Techfest-Whise 2023, Da Nang City was honored as a locality with outstanding contributions to the innovative startup ecosystem. These awards are significant recognitions of the city's contributions to the national innovative startup ecosystem.

In general, most startup projects focus on core areas (digital transformation, information technology, artificial intelligence, automation, biotechnology). The city has expanded cooperation with the startup and innovation ecosystems of other localities within the country and internationally (United States, South Korea, Sweden, Singapore), sharing experiences, attracting investments, and connecting with partners related to startup and innovation, strongly promoting the spirit of innovative startup in Da Nang City.

Thanh Thao