DISSC Signs Cooperation Agreement with Manabu Hubs to Help Da Nang Startups Access International Markets

From connecting with investors and experts to participating in international technology events in Japan and Taiwan, the cooperation between the Da Nang Innovation Startup Support Center (DISSC) and Manabu Hubs is expected to open up new opportunities for local startups to access global resources, expand into international markets, and strengthen their competitiveness.

Overview of the meeting

On the morning of October 16, 2026, in Da Nang, the Da Nang Innovation Startup Support Center (DISSC) held a working meeting with Manabu Hubs to discuss orientations for international cooperation, strengthen connections between startup ecosystems, and promote support programs to help innovative startups access global markets. During the meeting, the two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing a framework for cooperation and the implementation of joint activities in the coming period.

Connecting Da Nang’s Startup Ecosystem with Global Networks

Representatives of Manabu Hubs sharing information at the meeting

Manabu Hubs is a global startup incubation platform founded by Pablo Riveros. It focuses on supporting founders and early-stage businesses through artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools, specialized mentorship networks, and market-entry support programs. With a focus on connecting startup ecosystems in Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Asia-Pacific region, Manabu Hubs aims to bring global resources, expertise, and business opportunities closer to startups.

At the meeting, representatives of Manabu Hubs introduced their global connectivity ecosystem, international initiatives, ongoing projects, and partner networks, while discussing potential cooperation opportunities with Da Nang. DISSC, in turn, provided an overview of the city’s innovation and startup ecosystem, the Center’s role, and its key programs for connecting businesses, experts, investors, and international partners.

The two parties discussed practical areas of cooperation, including connecting startups with investors and business networks; supporting international market access; organizing training, mentorship, and expert exchange programs; and jointly organizing events and ecosystem networking activities. The possibility of establishing a Manabu Hubs presence or operational focal point in Da Nang was also raised to strengthen ongoing engagement and facilitate the implementation of local startup support programs.

Opening Opportunities for Startups to Participate in International Technology Events in 2027

One of the key topics discussed was a proposal to facilitate the participation of Da Nang startups in international technology, innovation, and investment events in 2027. According to Manabu Hubs, potential opportunities include the Smart City Summit & Expo in Taipei, Taiwan, in March 2027; the SusHi Tech event in Tokyo, Japan, in the second or third quarter of 2027; the VIS Summit in Vietnam in the fourth quarter of 2027; and RamenTech in Fukuoka, Japan, tentatively scheduled for October 2027.

Through these programs, startups would have opportunities to showcase their products, seek business partners, connect with investors, and explore market demand in regional technology hubs. Manabu Hubs indicated that potential forms of support could include priority participation, accommodation benefits, or exhibition booth incentives, depending on the program, its duration, and the startups selected. Specific support arrangements and resource commitments will be further discussed and agreed upon by both parties.

Building on these opportunities, DISSC and Manabu Hubs intend to coordinate the selection of promising startups and help them strengthen their fundraising capabilities, communication and presentation skills, and business networking competencies before participating in international activities. The two parties also aim to develop programs connecting startups with investment funds, angel investors, and strategic investors; mobilize international experts to provide mentorship; and explore support mechanisms to help businesses enter markets in Japan, Taiwan, and other suitable destinations.

In addition to startup support, the two parties discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in investment promotion, tourism development, and international event organization in Da Nang. Connecting with investment promotion agencies, tourism associations, travel associations, and accommodation providers was identified as a potential area of collaboration to leverage the city’s advantages in attracting international entrepreneurs, experts, investors, and digital nomad communities.

Establishing a Foundation for Substantive Cooperation Programs

Signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between DISSC and Manabu Hubs

During the meeting, DISSC and Manabu Hubs signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at directly connecting Da Nang’s innovation and startup ecosystem with global networks, while promoting two-way exchanges of businesses, talent, knowledge, and market access opportunities. Key areas of cooperation include supporting startups in entering international markets; jointly organizing incubation and acceleration programs, training sessions, product showcase events, and business networking activities; sharing expertise and providing strategic advice on ecosystem development; and connecting businesses with international mentors, corporate partners, and investors.

Under the proposed cooperation framework, Manabu Hubs will leverage its international networks and ecosystem development experience to facilitate connections with markets, experts, and investors. DISSC will serve as the local focal point, coordinating the selection of suitable businesses, mobilizing relevant resources, supporting the organization of activities, and encouraging the participation of partners across the city’s startup ecosystem. Specific programs, implementation resources, and coordination mechanisms will be further developed by both parties based on practical needs.

Commemorative group photo

The meeting not only expands DISSC’s international cooperation network but also lays the groundwork for Da Nang to attract more investment, knowledge, and talent, enabling local startups to integrate more deeply into the global innovation ecosystem. In the coming period, the two parties plan to translate the agreed areas of cooperation into concrete action programs, prioritizing connections to international events in 2027, the development of investor networks, and support for Da Nang businesses in expanding into international markets. These efforts are expected to contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of the city’s innovation and startup ecosystem.

XUAN THANG