To attract high-tech investors, and promote innovation, develop knowledge human resources, and build a modern educational infrastructure of important roles. Well aware of this, Binh Duong has initiated networking issued specific policies, attracted resources of the whole society, and determined to form a foundation for innovation and entrepreneurship to be able to break through.
The foundation
Binh Duong currently has 4 universities and colleges in the project of training human resources for the locality including Eastern International University, Thu Dau Mot University, Vietnam - Germany International University and Vietnam - Singapore Vocational College that have received a lot of investment and support in terms of facilities, equipment, and human resources to carry out the mission of establishing a foundation for building and developing creative and entrepreneurial communities. Currently, all schools have established startup centers, clubs or business incubators, bringing startup content into training programs.
Research activities of students are at Faplab of Eastern International University
Schools and institutions form laboratories and experiments based on areas of local strengths. For example, Fablab mechanical engineering at Vietnam – Singapore Vocational College, Biotechnology Fablab at Thu Dau Mot University, the combined lighting laboratory between Philips Corporation and Eastern International University, Startup Experimental Workshop aka Aspire Sci-Tech Park on an area of 16,000 square meters for start-ups in manufacturing; research and development department is invested by VNTT Company of Binh Duong and Wus Tech Group of Taiwan. Block 71 Vietnam located in Ho Chi Minh City will especially form a bridge to Binh Duong connecting resources with Ho Chi Minh City and integrate into the global start-up chain.
In recent years, Thu Dau Mot University has been known as a bright spot in startup and innovation activities where, every year there are hundreds of ideas and research topics of lecturers and students, many of which have been developed into highly applicable products. The model the school is aiming for is training linked to practice in order to promote the positivity, initiative and creativity of students by strengthening the relationship between the school and the enterprises. Students are able to study and research in a dynamic environment, and are provided with all conditions in terms of facilities, infrastructure, and laboratories.
To connect and grow
Dr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong – the President of Thu Dau Mot University, said: “Over the years, the university has cooperated with the Southern Advisory and Startup Support Council, the British Council in Vietnam, and the Department of Science and Technology, the Center for Community Initiatives and Support for Start-ups of the province to expand cooperation with businesses, incubators, and universities in Vietnam in developing innovative start-up activities.
Becamex IDC’s Business Incubator (BBI) belonging to Eastern International University is also a bright spot in the development of startup and innovative ecosystems. BBI regularly organizes many training classes to foster knowledge about entrepreneurship and innovation for students, startups and start-up businesses. The international standard Becamex IDC and FabLab business incubators are operating very effectively to be connected to the 16,000m2 Startup Experimental Workshop, which is the place to incubate ideas and projects through startup support programs, call for investment capital and commercialize startup products. From BBI, many students and young people have been facilitated to become entrepreneurs, business owners who are also very successful.
As a technology start-up company about electric motorcycles, in the first time, Datbike Company made a strong impression in the domestic market. Last April, this startup successfully raised VND 2.6 million from a venture fund. Nguyen Ba Canh Son - founder and CEO of Datbike Company, said: “The company received support from the government, Eastern International University, and Becamex IDC business incubator in building factories. free, and at the same time introduce students to work at the company, support to connect with other investors.”
It can be seen that universities play a particularly important role in the startup and innovation ecosystem. The university is a place to train talents, as well as a place to connect and build networks between students, scientists, experts, and start-ups. Business incubators, startup clubs or university hubs are places of practice; thereon, the quality of innovation and entrepreneurship activities are promoted and improved among students and young people.
Reported by Phuong Le – Quang Tri – Translated by Vi Bao
