1.4.1. Local start-up assistance

The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) has implemented the program “Community Connection – Knowledge Sharing – Sustainable Action” in recent years, in which connecting sustainable start-up ideas and innovation projects is recognized as a key strategic pillar. 

In alignment with this program, the UEH Institute of Innovation (UII) has become one of the most active entrepreneurship support units in Ho Chi Minh City’s innovation ecosystem. UII accompanies founders by applying innovative technological solutions to address community issues. Since its establishment, UII has strengthened applied economic research and advanced new initiatives contributing to Vietnam’s innovation-driven economy. It is the only university-affiliated incubator in Vietnam recognized as one of the Top 10 Innovation Support Organizations in Southeast Asia (AsiaStar 10×10 Launchpad).

Beyond strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ho Chi Minh City, UII has successfully expanded and transferred the incubator model to the Mekong Delta through the establishment of the Mekong Incubator. This model aims to develop a locally grounded and impactful start-up ecosystem, while inspiring and cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit among students at UEH Mekong, as well as providing a practical environment for start-ups to refine their ideas and apply academic knowledge to real-life community needs. The launch of the Mekong Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MCIE) on May 30, 2024, in Vinh Long City marks a significant milestone, demonstrating UEH’s commitment to localizing start-up initiatives, advancing community-driven entrepreneurship, and supporting regional development through inclusive policies and sustainable innovation practices that uplift local communities. Over the past year, MCIE has supported 12 start-up projects, trained 130 local teachers and lecturers regarding the methods of designing and lecturing innovative startup content, provided structured entrepreneurship capacity-building for 800 students and rural youth. Among them, three student-led projects supported by MCIE have achieved high awards in Vinh Long provincial competitions.

In 2024, UEH has organized more than 50 workshops, hackathons, and competitions, attracting thousands of students and experts to co-create a connecting environment and strong creativity. Several start-up projects – such as Beloved, Beyond, Holo Speak, Tag EDu, Đây Là Đâu, Rebo, and Tikera – successfully expanded and secured investment. Particularly, the SSVN project was honored as a Pioneering Enterprise. The UEH Institute of Innovation has mobilized USD 138,000, raising total seed capital to USD 638,600. In addition, UEH and UII have collaborated across multiple departments to organize programs, events, and introduce flexible, community-oriented policies that empower individuals and collectives to engage in sustainable entrepreneurship.

Non-financial support

Program	Target Audience	Program Description	Results
Future Founders Fest	– Young entrepreneurs, students – Leaders of Central and Local Ministries, Departments, and Branches – International organizations, development partners – Experts, young entrepreneurs, representatives of investment funds, startup support units – Policy makers, investors, support organizations	The program honors initiatives proposed by youth that address urgent social and environmental issues, while simultaneously expanding the support network for the implementation of these proposals and sustainable development goals.	At the 2024 program, the inaugural “National Study on the State of the Ecosystem for Youth Entrepreneurship in Viet Nam” was launched, offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, investors, and support organizations to create a more inclusive ecosystem. By mapping pathways and identifying barriers, the study aims to empower young entrepreneurs in advancing Viet Nam’s socio-economic development.
FinTechNovation Credentials	Students with startup ideas in the fields of Technology, Finance and Banking.	The initiative co-organized by UEH and UOB Vietnam, accompanied by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and UOB Group, is implemented by the UEH Institute of Innovation. The program includes training courses, intensive coaching programs, and an innovation incubation program for students in the fields of Technology, Finance, and Banking. The three core programs developing the initiative include: FinTech Masterclass, FinNovation Bootcamp, Sandbox Program. Representatives of UEH, UOB Vietnam Bank and Singapore Business Federation (SBF) at the launching ceremony FinTechNovation Credential FinTech Masterclass FinNovation Bootcamp Sandbox Program	In 2024, the program was implemented with a total budget of SGD 50,000, creating opportunities for 1,000 young people from more than 10 universities in Vietnam to develop comprehensively in the fields of finance, technology and innovation. The program ended with impressive achievements and is summarized here.
UII Sandbox 2024	Startup projects in the field of  Financial Technology (Fintech)	one of the three pillars of the “FinTechNovation Credentials” initiative, co-organized by the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and UOB Vietnam Bank, in collaboration with the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and UOB Group, and implemented by the UEH Institute of Innovation; the UII Sandbox Program focuses on supporting startup projects in the field of Financial Technology (FinTech) – an area attracting significant attention and possessing remarkable development potential in the Industry 4.0 era.	UII Sandbox Program 2024 received over 31 applications from participating individuals and student groups with the desire to be incubated and develop their ideas. Through the selection process, the 15 highest-rated ideas were chosen to participate in the program. Over more than 10 emotional and challenging weeks, the projects participated in 11 in-depth workshops, presented their development progress through 02 Milestone Presentations, met and exchanged ideas during 18 Open Office Hours, 64 Growth Sessions, and notably, 01 Special Office Hour with dedicated guidance from experienced experts and connections with international professionals. Concluding the program with the UEH Showcase Day 2024, the winning teams included:  First Prize – BOXUP Project Second Prize – StyleSnap Project Giải Ba – Fine Platform Project
UII Incubation Program	Startups	UII Incubation Program is developed according to high-quality international standards and provided completely free of charge for startups during their market access and validation phase. The program serves as a launchpad for potential entrepreneurial projects, helping startups quickly turn ideas into reality by leveraging professional expertise, the extensive network within the ecosystem, and modern facilities. Additionally, it aims to provide startups with the most comprehensive and professional development environment.	Over more than 5 years of operation, UII has supported the incubation of over 120 startups across various sectors. Specifically, three startups at UII have successfully raised capital, with total funding reaching 3.5 billion VND. Following two application rounds for the 2024 program, 17 projects have been approved for participation. The teams underwent 13 intensive training sessions, meeting and exchanging ideas with experts and potential investors.
Training activities for the community	Students	Activities organized by UEH aim to spread the spirit of entrepreneurship to the community, especially students. Startup Zone 2024 – ECOTECH C2C – GREENTECH Dynamic UEH Big Idea 2024	In 2024, UEH organized more than 50 seminars, workshops, and talk shows in Ho Chi Minh City and Vinh Long, attracting the participation of over 30,000 students. Furthermore, three prominent competitions of the year – Startup Zone 2024 – ECOTECH, C2C – GREENTECH, and Dynamic UEH Challenges (Big Idea 2024) – played a significant role in developing innovative solutions, focusing on green technology and enhancing the sustainability of the university ecosystem.
Policy research to promote local startup communities	– Startups – Local communities – Government agencies and policy makers	In 2024, UEH intensified its research and policy advocacy to support the entrepreneurial community, with 11 ministerial-level projects, 96 grassroots-level projects, and numerous internationally-linked local projects. The researches focus on innovation, digital transformation, sustainable livelihoods, and green finance, contributing to the formation of an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering local economic development, and enhancing community’s quality of life.	The 2024 Ministerial and Equivalent-Level studies have proposed solutions to enhance innovation capacity for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This is achieved by analyzing factors affecting their competitiveness and potential for sustainable development. Consequently, the solutions emphasize building innovation strategies, fostering an entrepreneurial culture, and improving support mechanisms and policies targeting 2030. Simultaneously, digital transformation is identified as a crucial factor helping startups improve operational efficiency and adapt to the green economy. Studies have identified barriers, opportunities, and the impacts of technology and e-commerce on business performance. This provides a practical foundation for policies supporting digital transformation, contributing to the development of a sustainable and innovative startup ecosystem in Vietnam.
GEDSI in Water-Energy-Climate Infrastructure Design and Operation – Soc Trang Province, Mekong Delta	– Local women – Local authorities, relevant departments– Vulnerable groups	The program, part of the GS4Infra project, organizes policy dialogues to promote the participation of women and vulnerable groups in developing climate-resilient infrastructure. Furthermore, it connects experts, authorities, and communities in the process of infrastructure design and operation, as well as in local livelihood development, specifically in the local area and the Mekong region in general.	Establishing and operating 2 startup models in An Thanh Nam and An Thanh Dong, concurrently providing a 30 million VND livelihood fund and deploying 2 startup models (semi-dried water coconut and mangrove apple tea) for local women.
“Lecturing STEM” training program	Teachers at all levels in the Mekong Delta	The training program organized by UEH in collaboration with experts and sector leaders aims to provide crucial information about STEM and methods for implementing related activities at the teachers’ respective schools.	The training program was attended by more than 400 teachers in the area.
“The STEM UEH Mekong 2024” Competition	Teachers and students of schools in the Mekong Delta region	Annual program organized by UEH in collaboration with the Department of Education and Training of Vinh Long province at UEH Mekong.	The competition received registrations from over 408 contestants belonging to 77 STEM teams and 25 Drone teams, comprising teachers and students from high schools and secondary schools in the Mekong Delta provinces, including: Vinh Long, Ben Tre, Ca Mau, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Long An, Soc Trang, and Can Tho. Additionally, the program provided Free STEM Mentorship for over 300 high school students in the Mekong Delta. After two days of competition, the winning teams included: – Champion: The “Green Vehicle” project from Nguyen Binh Khiem High School for the Gifted, Vinh Long. – Two Runners-up: The “Model of a combined smart fire warning, firefighting, and escape system” from Him Lam Ethnic Boarding High School, Hau Giang province and the project “IoT Application in Monitoring and Danger Warning in Mountainous and Forested Areas” from Luu Van Liet High School, Vinh Long province. – Three Third Prizes: The “Semi-automatic Egg Incubator” project, the “Smart Model House for Growing Black Termite Mushrooms”, and the “Automatic Watering System” from Tran Dai Nghia High School, Pham Hung High School, Vinh Long, and Dam Doi High School, Ca Mau province. – Ten Consolation Prizes.
Expanding cooperation with domestic and international partners	Domestic and international organizations	UEH has participated in various domestic and international programs and organizations to organize numerous high-impact events and expand the support network for the entrepreneurial community in Vietnam.	UEH is an active member of:  – The Asia University Network – University Innovation and Entrepreneurship. – The Vietnam Network of University Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VNEI). – The network of Asian universities collaborating with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in the Digital Skills to Succeed (DS2S) project.
Sustainable Entrepreneurship for Economic development – SEED 2023	– Students – Local agricultural producers in Lam Dong province – Local government and development support organizations	The multicultural program applies the spirit of social entrepreneurship to developing projects aimed at sustainable economic development within the cooperation framework between UEH and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW). The SEED project provides an opportunity for students from many countries to interact, study, and develop and implement projects, research, and teaching programs based on real-world contexts with the cooperation of participating organizations. This aims to train students who are socially responsible and possess international integration competence; creating sustainable values and an entrepreneurial spirit.	45 students and International lecturers participated in the SEED 2023 program.

Direct financial support

Program	Type	Target Audience	Program Description	Results
UIIxBASIC DEMO Day	Free	Startups, investors	The annual program organized by UII aims to connect investors with potential startup projects. The projects received the investment at Closing Ceremony UIIxBASIC Summit 2024 Representatives of the startup projects demonstrated the ideas at UIIxBASIC DEMO Day	UIIxBASIC DEMO Day connected over 50 investors, 10 projects were successfully invested and the total fundraising value was $520,000. In 2024, the program raised $6,600 non-refundable funds for 6 potential startup projects.
UEH Institute of Innovation (UII)	Free	Startups, students, investors, experts in entrepreneurship	UEH Institute of Innovation (UII) is a scientific and technological organization operating within UEH – University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, dedicated to research activities in entrepreneurship and innovation. UII was officially launched on April 17, 2019, based on a collaboration between UEH – University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City and the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), with support from the VinaCapital Investment Fund and the Private Economic Development Research Board. UII has partnered with numerous startups and supported student-led innovative ideas. Furthermore, it has expanded its support network to include teaching and training experts, alongside investors.	In 2024, UEH  Institute of Innovation mobilized USD 138,000, raising total seed capital to USD 638,600.

Compared to 2023, UEH’s programs and events supporting community entrepreneurship have become more diverse in form and content, extending their reach to more regions and target beneficiaries. The UEH innovation ecosystem exemplifies how a university can integrate education, entrepreneurship, and sustainability to drive meaningful change. With a clear vision and demonstrated results, UEH continues to inspire, empower, and innovate for the benefit of the community and society, contributing to poverty eradication, enhancing quality of life, and supporting the poor and vulnerable.

Open related links:

1. Community Connection – Knowledge Sharing – Sustainable Action – https://future.ueh.edu.vn/en/ueh-connecting/

2. UEH Institute of Innovation (UII) – https://uii.ueh.edu.vn/

3. June 5th, 2024 – Mekong Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MCIE) & “The STEM UEH Mekong 2024” Competition – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-inaugurating-the-mekong-delta-center-for-innovation-and-entrepreneurship-mcie-and-organizing-the-contests-the-stem-ueh-mekong-2024-and-drone-champion-vinh-long-2024-71962

4. December 10th, 2024 – Future Founders Fest 2024 – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/future-founders-fest-2024-calls-for-greater-support-for-youth-entrepreneurship-in-viet-nam-73135

5. FinTechNovation Credentials – https://fintechnovation.ueh.edu.vn/

6. February 13th, 2025 – UII Sandbox 2024 – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/uii-showcase-day-2024-uom-mam-cac-y-tuong-khoi-nghiep-doi-moi-sang-tao-73437

7. January 25th, 2025 – UIIxBASIC DEMO Day, UII, UII Incubation Program & Training activities for the community – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/ueh-thuc-day-he-sinh-thai-khoi-nghiep-doi-moi-sang-tao-huong-den-nhung-gia-tri-cong-dong-ben-vung-73310

8. January 18th, 2025 – Policy research to promote local startup communities & Expanding cooperation with domestic and international partners – https://ueh.edu.vn/khoa-hoc/cac-no-luc-hoc-thuat-nghien-cuu-de-xuat-chinh-sach-ho-tro-cong-dong-dia-phuong-73289

9. March 10th, 2025 – GEDSI in Water-Energy-Climate Infrastructure Design and Operation – Soc Trang Province, Mekong Delta – https://gedsimekong.org/long-ghep-gioi-va-cac-nhom-yeu-the-trong-thiet-ke-va-van-hanh-cac-cong-trinh-thuy-loi-va-phong-chong-thien-tai-tinh-soc-trang-dong-bang-song-cuu-long/

10. May 3rd, 2024 – “Lecturing STEM” training program – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/university-of-economics-ho-chi-minh-city-ueh-organizing-a-training-course-on-stem-teaching-and-opening-the-contest-the-stem-ueh-mekong-2024-71776

11. August 14th, 2023 – Sustainable Entrepreneurship for Economic development – SEED 2023 – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/sustainable-entrepreneurship-for-economic-development-seed-2023-70622