Numerous innovative startup competitions are organised by universities in Da Nang to provide students with a useful playground to unleash their creativity. The universities aim to equip students not only with professional knowledge but also with entrepreneurial thinking and the ability to apply technology to business in the future.

Students from the University of Economics - the University of Da Nang participated in an exchange with experts at an inspirational talk show for the Startup Runway 2025 competition. Photo: NHAT HA

Recently, many competitions launched by universities citywide have drawn much attention from students such as the Da Nang University of Economics-hosted Startup Runway, "Student Startup - Leading the Future 2025" competition launched by the University of Education and Science - the University of Da Nang, and the "UDA Startup Innovation 2025" competition by the Dong A University.

Held for the first time in 2016, Starup Runway has become one of the typical playgrounds for students who are passionate about starting a business.

This year’s competition has had many new features to attract more students, including inspirational activities, and inviting speakers to share their startup experiences as well as modern startup trends.

Nguyen Thanh Ngoc, a second-year student of the Faculty of Tourism at the University of Economics, expressed that after listening to the speakers, she understood more clearly about modern startup trends as well as opportunities and challenges in the startup journey.

"I see that most of the student-developed startup projects are only at the idea level. Therefore, my group will add some skills and knowledge about developing ideas and perfecting the project we are nurturing to soon participate in the competition" Ngoc shared.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Thi Thuy Anh, Chairwoman of the Council of the University of Economics, Startup Runway is not only a playground for finding innovative ideas but also a platform for training and practicing startups. The special feature of Startup Runway 2025 is the close connection with the startup ecosystem, in which the municipal Department of Science and Technology, the Da Nang Business Incubator and the Da Nang Young Entrepreneurs’ Association play an important role in promoting, accompanying, and helping to connect startup projects with investors, consultants, businesses and organisations to incubate, develop and realise potential projects.

Along with the competition, the university has offered a training course on innovative startups for senior high school teachers. The purpose was to provide teachers with knowledge and skills about innovation startups, as well as help them enhance their ability to guide students to compete in Startup Runway 2025, and organise career guidance and startup activities in schools.

Many training programmes connecting businesses with the startup community have been also carried out to raise awareness and skills for those who want to participate in the startup ecosystem.

“The competition helps students not only develop their business ideas but also practice creative thinking, teamwork skills and presentation skills, and connect with startup experts and successful entrepreneurs” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Thi Thuy Anh said.

Also wishing to create opportunities for students to demonstrate their talents and creativity in developing startups, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Hieu, Vice Principal of the University of Education and Science, shared that in the context of globalisation and the digital age, the university is promoting the connection within education - research - businesses - community. The university has been implementing programmes, projects and activities to support its students in startups. At the same time, it has facilitated students to realise their ideas and connect with businesses and investors through startup activities.

According to Dr. Do Trong Tuan, Permanent Vice Principal of the Dong A University, student-made potential projects will be incubated in depth and developed into highly applicable products by connecting them with businesses and investment funds. Groups of students will be trained and guided in methods; shared with startup knowledge and presentation skills; and assisted in developing ideas and completing projects.

Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Science and Technology Le Thi Thuc said that in recent years, the startup ecosystem of Viet Nam in general, Da Nang in particular, has developed strongly and achieved impressive results. Universities across Da Nang have many strong activities, contributing positively to the development of science and technology, innovation and creativity of the city. Through competitions, many high-quality projects are nurtured, winning high prizes in major domestic and international competitions.

Reporting by NHAT HA - Translating by M.DUNG