Ton Duc Thang University – Fostering Vietnam’s Startup Ecosystem
Being selected as the venue by the Ministry of Education and Training to host the conference on the draft Project “Supporting Students and Pupils in Entrepreneurship for the 2026 - 2035 Period”, Ton Duc Thang University is affirming its role as a dynamic “incubator”, igniting the spirit of innovation and creativity among the younger generation.
On the morning of August 22, Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU) was more vibrant than ever with the presence of the delegation from the Ministry of Education and Training, along with 150 representatives from the Government Office, the Ministry of Finance, various ministries and agencies, experts, and leaders of educational institutions nationwide, who came to attend the conference on the draft Project to support student entrepreneurship for the 2026 - 2035 period.
The conference was not only a policy discussion, but also a testament to TDTU’s pioneering role in promoting innovative entrepreneurship. More broadly, it reflected the strong transformation of Vietnam’s higher education, with innovation and entrepreneurship serving as key drivers of development.
The conference saw many thoughtful contributions and groundbreaking initiatives, including those presented by representatives of TDTU. To address financial bottlenecks, TDTU proposed establishing internal venture capital funds (seed/angel funds) within key universities, mobilizing capital from alumni and enterprises. In addition, TDTU put forward a call for a revolution in creative spaces by introducing international models such as the “Design Factory” (an interdisciplinary collaboration hub) and, in particular, the “Sandbox Campus”. This mechanism would allow students to test new products and services right on campus under legal protection, fostering an environment where they can “dare to think and dare to act” without fear of risk. Furthermore, TDTU suggested the creation of a national “Student Entrepreneurship Competency Index” to more accurately measure outcomes, and advocated shifting the focus from the “quantity” of events to the “quality” of startup projects. Most importantly, TDTU emphasized the need to build a culture of “risk acceptance and encouragement of failure”, as this is a fundamental foundation for all innovation.
These ideas received strong support and high appreciation from the delegates, highlighting TDTU’s leadership not only in action but also in strategic thinking.
TDTU – Leading the way in developing a holistic startup ecosystem
The choice of TDTU as the venue for this national event was no coincidence. For many years, the University has persistently developed a comprehensive startup ecosystem, where every activity is aimed at equipping students with the courage to think and act boldly, as well as the competencies required for global integration.
The most vivid testament to this effort is the recent establishment of the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer (CITT) on August 5, 2025. Regarded as the “heart” of the ecosystem, the Center represents a strategic step to bridge scientific research with practical application, supporting startup projects from incubation to product commercialization.
Beyond that, support activities have been carried out in a methodical and continuous manner. The “Searching for TDTU Student Startup Ideas” contest for the Academic Year 2024 - 2025 recently attracted hundreds of project submissions, with 10 outstanding projects selected for the final round. The ideas were diverse – ranging from technology applications addressing environmental issues to sustainable business solutions – demonstrating the creativity and responsiveness of TDTU students to society’s challenges.
A commitment to cultivating a creative and responsible generation
In addition to nurturing ideas, TDTU also serves as a solid bridge between students and the labor market. The annual Career Fair and Alumni Day are not only venues for seeking job opportunities but also platforms for young people to gain experience, learn from successful entrepreneurs, expand their networks, and connect with potential investors.
From hosting national-level science and technology events for high school students to pioneering its commitment to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable development goals, TDTU has demonstrated a broader vision: to educate a generation that is not only professionally competent and entrepreneurial, but also deeply responsible to the community.
This conference, therefore, was not only a platform for TDTU to accompany the Ministry of Education and Training in policy planning, but also an opportunity for the University to share its model and inspire others. It tells the story of a university striving to ensure that every graduate carries an entrepreneurial spirit, ready to create new value and contribute to the sustainable development of the country.
Source: Vietnamnet
