Da Nang launches Vietnam - Korea startup ecosystem exchange program

Within the framework of the Danang Innovation and Startup Festival (SURF 2025) that has just taken place, the Department of Science and Technology of Danang worked with the Innovation Network of Universities and Colleges of Danang City (DN-UIN), the Ulsan Center for Innovation and Creative Economy (UCCEI - Korea) and the Vietnam Innovation Network in Korea (VINK) to promote the Vietnamese - Korean startup ecosystem in the city.

In the spirit of open and long-term cooperation, the parties agreed to implement the Vietnam-Korea Startup Ecosystem Exchange Program (VKISEP) chaired and coordinated by DN-UIN. VKISEP is designed as a strategic initiative with a 4-year roadmap, focusing on promoting startup exchanges, academic exchanges, and research and training cooperation between startups, universities and businesses of the two countries.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu - Chairman of DN-UIN, through the VKISEP program, universities and colleges in Da Nang expect to have deeper access to the international startup ecosystem, especially learning from the development model of Ulsan city - Korea.

In this program, Vietnamese startups will receive intensive training on business models, product development, market strategy and technology commercialization. VKISEP also opens up opportunities for startup internships, capital raising consulting and access to international markets in Korea - considered the leading innovation center in Asia.

At the same time, Mr. Cho Hee-Chul - Planning Director of UCCEI said that Korean startups and UCCEI experts will come to Da Nang to participate in consulting, teaching, organizing forums and seminars to strengthen the connection between universities - research institutes - enterprises in Vietnam.

Mr. Cho Hee-Chul emphasized that VKISEP will become a solid bridge between the two innovative cities of Ulsan and Da Nang, aiming for a sustainable and widespread cooperation model in the region. In addition, the program also integrates practical activities such as bilateral startup competitions, technology exhibitions, and support for accessing the Korean government 's Global Startup Visa Program (GSVP) for Vietnamese startups.

Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Da Nang, Pham Ngoc Sinh, suggested that DN-UIN should continue to promote knowledge transfer activities, especially focusing on applying research works of lecturers, students and innovation groups into the process of developing specific products.

“The Department of Science and Technology of Da Nang will continue to accompany and support schools in building coordination mechanisms, strengthening connections with businesses and research organizations at home and abroad to promote the application of science and technology in production and life,” Mr. Pham Ngoc Sinh emphasized.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu said that with a clear strategic orientation and the ability to effectively organize international cooperation activities, DN-UIN will continue to promote its role as a focal point connecting academia and practice, accompanying Da Nang City in building a dynamic innovation ecosystem, strongly integrating with the region and the world.

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/cong-nghe/da-nang-trien-khai-chuong-trinh-trao-doi-he-sinh-thai-khoi-nghiep-viet-han/20250805075511293