Techfest-Whise 2023: Fostering an Ecosystem for Innovative Startups

DNHN - "Promoting the country's resources – Enhancing Vietnam's innovative startup ecosystem for international integration" is the theme of Techfest-Whise 2023, which seeks to facilitate connections between domestic and international markets

The Techfest-Whise 2023 event series is a collaborative effort between the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and the Ministry of Science and Technology to foster innovative startups operating in various sectors where Vietnam excels. Simultaneously, the event seeks to establish an inclusive innovation ecosystem that enlists the support of prominent domestic and international experts, the government, and major corporations. The primary objective is to address emerging economic, social, and environmental issues.

In his address at the programme, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated, "Vietnam is striving to become a regional and global innovation hub through comprehensive and all-encompassing promotion of startups and innovation." world, with an open and open investment and business environment; the people are becoming more prosperous and content as the country achieves its goal of developing into a strong and prosperous nation; the promotion of Vietnamese cultural values, identity, and spirit.

"Startup and innovation are an inevitable, objective trend, a strategic choice; this has both opportunities and advantages, as well as difficulties and challenges, the important thing is that we must have the courage and intelligence to maximise opportunities and advantages and resolve difficulties and challenges for development," the Prime Minister reiterated.

The Prime Minister remarked on the rapid and profound impact that innovation and entrepreneurship have had on economic and social existence, particularly as they pertain to the implementation of scientific and technological advancements in production, e-commerce, high-tech agriculture, and the digital transformation of life. Nowadays, science and technology have become an integral part of every aspect of life—including habits, behaviour, consumption, and even the products and services offered by innovative start-up companies.

Recently, the State and Party have implemented a multitude of policies and guidelines to encourage innovation and startup development. "Strongly develop science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation and generate breakthroughs in productivity, quality, efficiency, and competitiveness," and "Develop rapidly and sustainably on the foundation of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation," were the tenets of the resolution adopted at the thirteenth Party Congress. The Prime Minister and Government consistently affirm and strongly support innovation and startup initiatives, while also fostering the most favourable conditions and environment possible.

The objective of Techfest-Whise 2023, which has as its theme "Promoting the country's resources – Enhancing Vietnam's innovative startup ecosystem for international integration," is to facilitate connections between founders and financial resources, partners, and the development of domestic and international markets. Additionally, the event seeks to impart knowledge to assist businesses in optimising resource utilisation and fostering economic growth.

Energy technologies and logistics solutions and platforms to serve and ensure the supply chain in the event of natural disasters and epidemics comprise the second group of priority issues outlined by Techfest-Whise for this year. The use of clean energy promotes sustainable development.

Techfest-Whise 2023 unites over thirty technology villages, with the introduction of novel technology villages aimed at addressing challenges in promising domains including clean medicine, smart agriculture, the metaverse, Techconnect Global, and digital transformation, among others.

According to Mr. Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the city has consistently provided favourable conditions, assistance, and attention to the growth of businesses and startups in recent years. Promote access to capital, markets, technology, and high-calibre human resources; foster an environment conducive to business; encourage healthy competition; and cultivate community consciousness regarding the significance of innovation and entrepreneurship.

One potential outcome of involving innovative startups that address the aforementioned challenges is the rapid expansion of industries and fields, as well as the establishment of pioneering enterprises. The rapid expansion of the new model enables it to capitalise on the redundant unskilled labour force and address a multitude of issues in the region.

Mr. Pham Van Tai, General Director of Truong Hai Auto (THACO), the supporting organisation of the event series, shared the following at the event: Initially, THACO operated as a manufacturer and trader of automobiles. 26 years later, THACO has developed numerous other industries with confidence, transforming into a multi-industry industrial conglomerate comprising numerous critical sectors of the nation, based on its capacity, experience, and efficiency. THACO has invested in the Chu Lai economic zone since 2003 to contribute to the economy; it is now a multisector hub for green-smart and sustainable development. THACO considers innovation to be the fundamental and indispensable element of business growth. Actively coordinating with the Ministry of Science and Technology, THACO has developed several innovative projects in recent years, which have resulted in increased labour productivity, production value, and business value. Innovation will always be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology and THACO. THACO remains dedicated to advancing development through the integration of science, sustainability, and innovation, thereby fostering the growth of Vietnam's innovative business community.

Ho Chi Minh City anticipates that this event will inspire businesses and startups to invest with confidence in localities that are at the forefront of utilising cutting-edge science and technology to address pressing issues within the city. city, in Vietnam and the region, to actively contribute to Vietnam's sustainable development process by promoting civilised urban development, sustainable socio-economic development, and the improvement of the quality of life for its citizens. In general, men.

Van Nguyen