Da Nang Newspaper: Aspiring Student Entrepreneurs on the Path to Building Enterprises

“Students aspiring to transform startups into enterprises” is the central theme of the Entrepreneurial University Project for the 2026 - 2035 period, recently issued by University of Economics (The University of Danang).

Entrepreneurial Milestones

Identifying “innovation” as one of its five core values and a foundation for enhancing the quality of education and scientific research, the University of Economics has become a pioneering institution in training disciplines related to the digital economy, such as e-commerce, digital marketing, digital business, and financial technology. This is a key strength of the University, positioning it to meet the demands of integration and digital transformation, where the need for high-quality human resources in economic sectors continues to rise, opening up significant opportunities for young people. It also provides fertile ground for a thriving startup ecosystem, leaving a strong imprint within Vietnam’s university startup network as well as Da Nang’s broader innovation ecosystem.

Since 2016, the University of Economics has been among the first higher education institutions to initiate a startup ecosystem, coinciding with the launch of the National Startup Movement. This began with the “Danang Startup Runway 2016” competition, organized in collaboration with the Vietnam - UK Institute for Research and Executive Education (VNUK), with sponsorship from Ireland and the British Council in Vietnam. The event marked the beginning of a promising startup ecosystem in Da Nang, creating momentum to foster creativity and entrepreneurial aspirations among students.

Over the past decade, the University has made remarkable contributions through activities such as roundtable discussions on “Vietnam Innovative Startups”, “Innovation in Universities - From Idea to Market,” and “Student Entrepreneurship in the New Era”. The University has also invited numerous experts and investors to conduct talk shows and workshops covering a wide range of topics, including entrepreneurial mindset, design thinking, strategic thinking, pitching and fundraising skills, and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational startups.

Ms. Le Thi Thuc, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology, commented: “Over the past 10 years, the University of Economics has emerged as a pioneering institution, consistently proactive in building and developing innovation-driven entrepreneurship, most notably through the annual Startup Runway competition. These activities not only create experiential environments for students but also gradually establish a space connecting education, research, and business, thereby contributing to spreading the spirit of innovation throughout Da Nang’s startup ecosystem".

Students Participate in the Startup Idea Competition “NEO-UP 2025: Unfurl Your Wings” Organized by the Economics Startup Club, University of Economics (The University of Danang)

Nurturing Aspirations

Under Decision No. 3345/QĐ-UBND dated December 31, 2025, approving the “Da Nang - Innovation City” Project, the municipal People’s Committee has set the overarching goal of developing Da Nang into an innovative, large-scale, ecological, smart, distinctive, and sustainable city. By 2030, Da Nang aims to elevate its innovation ecosystem to an international level, comparable to leading ecosystems in Southeast Asia; ensure that over 50% of graduates from universities and colleges in the city receive entrepreneurship and innovation training; and generate at least 50 innovative startups and science and technology enterprises annually from higher education institutions.

Through its Entrepreneurial University Project, the University of Economics is positioning itself as a pioneering institution in implementing Decision 3345 of Da Nang City. Prof. Dr. Le Van Huy, Rector of the University and Head of the Steering Committee for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, affirmed the University’s strong commitment to proactively and dynamically implementing the Action Program for Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation, and national digital transformation. The University aims to foster dynamic linkages, nurture entrepreneurial and innovative spirit among students and the business community, and contribute to building a robust startup ecosystem within the University and the city, reinforcing Da Nang’s position as a national and regional innovation hub.

Building upon and further enhancing its entrepreneurship initiatives, the University focuses on cultivating entrepreneurial spirit and mindset among students under the theme “Students aspiring to transform startups into enterprises,” with the goal of developing a generation of talented entrepreneurs for the nation. This effort contributes meaningfully to the development of a dynamic and innovative city.

The University is also developing and improving the quality of its entrepreneurship faculty (ToT) in line with national and international standards, with emphasis on training in Design Thinking, Lean Startup, pitching and fundraising skills, and product commercialization.

In addition, the University has developed entrepreneurship curricula for students; proactively promoted the development and commercialization of scientific and startup products; and strengthened partnerships to commercialize such products within the city. It has established an alumni entrepreneurs club and introduced an investment model titled “One Entrepreneur – One Student Startup Project” (One-to-One). The University’s entrepreneurial model is expected to become a prevailing trend within the startup ecosystem of colleges and universities in the emerging landscape.

Source: Da Nang Newspaper