Startup Festival 2025 continues to create momentum for breakthroughs in the national innovative startup ecosystem. (Photo: AN NGUYEN)

The programme was jointly organised by Viet Nam Business Forum Magazine under the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the National Startup Advisory Council (VSMA) and took place in Ha Noi on December 20.

The event was attended by representatives of leaders from ministries, sectors, and provincial and municipal authorities; startup support and consultancy organisations; businesses and entrepreneurs; large numbers of pupils and students; and many press and television agencies.

A platform connecting startups and investors

This is a large-scale startup programme and a pioneer of Viet Nam’s startup movement. Over the years, it has enabled startup projects to access new business knowledge, connect with experienced mentors, coaches, and domestic and international investors, thereby supporting the sustainable growth of startups and startup enterprises.

Delegates attend Startup Festival 2025.

The event also contributes to realising the target of having two million enterprises by 2030, in line with Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private economic development. In recent years, many projects under the Viet Nam National Startup Programme have participated in international competitions and exhibitions in various countries, creating favourable opportunities to expand cooperation, exchange experience, and seek support resources.

Speaking at the festival, Vice Chairman of VCCI Bui Trung Nghia stressed that this is a “traditional festival day” of Viet Nam’s startup community that has been maintained continuously for 23 years.

According to Nghia, 2025 marks a strong transformation of Viet Nam’s startup ecosystem. Despite fluctuations in global venture capital flows, Viet Nam has maintained its position as a bright spot in Southeast Asia. The country remains third in the region in terms of both deal volume and total investment value, behind only Singapore and Indonesia.

Viet Nam currently has nearly 4,000 innovative startup enterprises. Its Global Innovation Index (GII) ranks 44th out of 139 countries, while the national startup ecosystem stands 55th worldwide. Notably, major cities have established their presence on the global startup map, with Ho Chi Minh City ranked 110th, Hanoi 148th, and Da Nang 766th, placing Vietnam among the three fastest-growing startup ecosystems globally and fifth within ASEAN.

“This momentum goes beyond mere statistics. Within the framework of the Viet Nam National Startup Programme 2025, we have witnessed breakthroughs from remote and disadvantaged localities. For the first time, Son La Province reached the final round, while Bac Ninh secured its place after many years of effort. In 2025, thanks to the organising committee’s dedication, projects such as Green Choice (durian-based products) and the 5-Star construction connection application GreenTech not only succeeded domestically but also expanded internationally, winning major awards in Singapore and Dubai and gaining opportunities for exchange and networking in Japan. This demonstrates that Vietnamese intellect and entrepreneurial spirit are being awakened and promoted across the country,” Nghia affirmed.

Affirming Viet Nam’s aspiration to rise

Sharing his views at Startup Festival 2025, Nguyen Duc Hien, Deputy Head of the Central Commission for Policy and Strategy, stated that Startup Festival 2025 is not merely an event but a clear affirmation of Viet Nam’s aspiration to rise. Today’s startup projects are the first building blocks of tomorrow’s digital and green economy.

“Entering 2026, the National Startup Programme will continue to innovate and work closely with ministries, sectors and international organisations to support localities and universities/colleges nationwide in building and developing an open innovative startup ecosystem. At the same time, it will remain a valuable platform attracting participation from the startup community, including young people, students and young enterprises, opening new startup opportunities, and contributing to the formation of a future generation of innovative entrepreneurs,” Hien emphasised.

Nguyen Duc Hien expressed confidence that, under the close leadership of the Party and government, the concerted efforts of ministries, sectors, and localities, and especially the pioneering and creative spirit of the young business community, Viet Nam will realise the goal of two million enterprises by 2030 and build a strong and prosperous nation by 2045.

Startup Festival 2025 is the largest event of the year, serving as a comprehensive review of the national startup support programme. Activities included startup forums discussing policy mechanisms to promote the development of startup investment funds, the announcement and awarding of outstanding projects in 2025, and the launch of the National Startup Programme 2026.

At the festival, the first prize was awarded to the BioWraps project — recycling orange peels into sustainable biological packaging. Two second prizes went to BIOQ — vegan cosmetics made from dragon fruit peels, and Sammax herbal tea. Three third prizes were awarded to the projects Lang Muop, CheckNow — a real-time management optimisation solution, and a project on the production, processing, and commercialisation of edible and medicinal mushrooms under solar panel roofs.

At the event, the organising committee officially launched the National Startup Programme 2026. The programme will continue to innovate and strengthen cooperation with ministries, sectors, and international organisations to support localities and universities nationwide in building and developing an open innovative startup ecosystem. All of this promises to remain a dynamic platform attracting young people, students, and young enterprises, opening new startup opportunities, nurturing a future generation of innovative entrepreneurs, and advancing Viet Nam towards becoming a nation of innovation-driven startups.