Mr. Bui Hoang Minh, Deputy Director of the Hue Department of Science and Technology, sharing insights on policies supporting startups 

Startups need a boost

Tech Startup Day was held for the first time at Hue Innovation Hub, aiming to promote the development of technology startup projects. The event showcased some business models of tech startups currently incubated at Hue Innovation Hub and demonstrated solutions from several local tech startups.

During the program, government agencies, investment funds, business incubators, training institutions, advisors, and tech companies exchanged ideas to help build a supportive ecosystem for tech startups.

Mr. Nguyen Van Sach, CEO of Ment.vn, said that startups, especially in technology, can be very lonely. In the early stages of developing an idea, founders spend much of their time researching and trying to bring the idea to life. Once the product takes shape, they face challenges connecting with support networks, financial pressures, and fierce competition.

Additionally, because technology constantly evolves, tech startups need to focus their resources on products and markets. Therefore, creating supportive policies and environments for tech startups is truly essential.

 Networking and product showcase at the event

Mr. Nguyen Van Sach added, “our team only began to feel less isolated when we joined the innovation startup ecosystem at Hue Innovation Hub, participated in innovation competitions, and won awards. Being part of this community allowed us to access markets, gain recognition, and build relationships with experts, investors, and potential partners to expand our reach. At the same time, support policies for product promotion, workplace environments, and capacity-building training became more accessible, helping startups stabilize during the early stages.”

Building a supportive ecosystem

During in-depth discussions, startups shared perspectives on technology trends and how to achieve sustainable growth. Many emphasized that understanding and leveraging policies is crucial for tech startups to thrive.

According to Mr. Bui Hoang Minh, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology, there are numerous policies at both central and local levels supporting technology enterprises and innovative startups. Tech companies may receive corporate tax exemptions, support for applying technological innovations, asset transfers from scientific research, and assistance for commercializing scientific results. There are also incentives for innovation, technology application, and credit support for technological research and production activities.

Under Resolution 21/2020/NQ-HDND of Hue City People's Council on “Support for the Innovation Startup Ecosystem in Thua Thien Hue Province through 2025”, startups may receive support for technology transfer; innovation and process improvement projects; interest subsidies; experimental production; commercialization of research results; and application of advanced management, standards, quality control, and traceability systems.

Tech products at the event attract attention 

Although support policies are plentiful, startups at the event emphasized that policies should address practical barriers such as providing spaces for tech startups to network, stronger tax support, especially for early-stage research, so that startups can focus on product development. In addition, there should be legal frameworks to reduce risks related to copyright, security, and data protection.

Mr. Cung Trong Cuong, Director of Hue Innovation Hub, stated that tech companies currently have many development and research opportunities. Existing policies, such as Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, and Resolution 68-NQ/TW on private sector development, create significant opportunities, especially in AI, green transition, and the digital economy.

Tech startups should be bolder in investing in research, participating in competitions, and fundraising to gain partners. Hue Innovation Hub will continue to coordinate with departments to support incubation, create environments for tech startup growth, strengthen market connections, and fundraising activities... partnering with startups to help them thrive.

Story and photos: Hoang Loan