SURF Startup: Da Nang Young Builders 2026 – Inspiring the Next Generation of Young Builders in the AI Era

On the afternoon of August 18, as part of the Da Nang Innovation Startup Festival – SURF 2026, the “SURF Startup: Da Nang Young Builders 2026” workshop was held to inspire and equip young people with the mindset and essential skills needed in a context where artificial intelligence (AI) is driving profound changes across the economy and labor market.

Overview of the event

The program attracted a large number of experts, businesses, investors, startup support organizations, as well as hundreds of students and young people passionate about innovation.

Mr. Le Son Phong, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology, delivers the opening remarks.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Le Son Phong, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology, said that as the city accelerates the development of the digital economy and digital society, AI is emerging as a key driver of economic growth and enhanced competitiveness. In implementing Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, Da Nang has identified science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as strategic breakthroughs, focusing on building mechanisms, infrastructure, and a favorable environment to become a regional innovation hub.

He emphasized that the workshop was a practical and meaningful initiative that strengthens connections among the three pillars of the startup ecosystem: an enabling government, businesses and investors as partners, and a creative young generation. He affirmed that the city will continue to improve policies and mechanisms supporting innovative startups, expand incubation spaces, and strengthen connections with domestic and international experts and investment funds, creating favorable conditions for young people’s innovative ideas to be commercialized and developed sustainably.

The workshop featured a range of in-depth and practical discussions by experienced experts and entrepreneurs. Dr. Tran Quang Hung, Chairman of Hanoi Innovation Center Joint Stock Company, delivered a presentation titled “AI – A New Driver of Innovation in the Digital Era,” offering strategic insights into the role of AI in driving innovation and business development. The program also introduced a Bootcamp for young people, providing additional opportunities for learning, hands-on experience, and networking within the startup community.

Meanwhile, Điểm nhấn của chương trình là phiên tọa đàm với chủ đề “Sinh viên thực sự nên làm gì để bắt đầu trong thời đại AI?”. Phiên thảo luận đã mang đến nhiều góc nhìn đa chiều về kỹ năng, tư duy, định hướng nghề nghiệp cũng như những bước đi cụ thể để sinh viên và thanh niên tận dụng hiệu quả các cơ hội từ AI và chuyển đổi số.

Thông qua hội thảo, các bạn trẻ có cơ hội tiếp cận những xu hướng công nghệ mới, học hỏi kinh nghiệm từ các chuyên gia, doanh nhân thành công, đồng thời mở rộng kết nối với cộng đồng khởi nghiệp và đổi mới sáng tạo. Đây cũng là một trong những hoạt động thiết thực của SURF 2026 nhằm nuôi dưỡng tinh thần khởi nghiệp, khơi dậy khát vọng sáng tạo và hình thành lực lượng doanh nhân công nghệ trẻ, góp phần xây dựng Đà Nẵng trở thành trung tâm đổi mới sáng tạo năng động của khu vực và cả nước.

, shared practical lessons through his presentation “Mindset and Skill Sets for Startup Success,” drawing on his experience in building a Vietnamese brand, developing a business, and identifying the core factors that enable startups to strengthen their competitiveness in the market.

From a technology perspective, Mr. Vu Pham, Founder & CEO of EZAI and Country Representative Director of Viact Global in Vietnam, introduced the concept of “AI Native Builders” - a new generation of creators who use AI as a foundation to develop products and business models and address real-world challenges facing society.

Panel Discussion: “What Should Students Really Do to Get Started in the AI Era?”

A key highlight of the program was the panel discussion “What Should Students Really Do to Get Started in the AI Era?” The session offered diverse perspectives on the skills, mindset, career orientation, and practical steps that students and young people can take to effectively leverage opportunities created by AI and digital transformation.

Through the workshop, young participants had the opportunity to explore emerging technology trends, learn from experienced experts and successful entrepreneurs, and expand their networks within the startup and innovation community. The event was also one of the practical activities of SURF 2026 aimed at nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset, inspiring a passion for innovation, and developing a new generation of young technology entrepreneurs, contributing to Da Nang’s vision of becoming a dynamic innovation hub for the region and the country.