Da Nang Startups Enter Acceleration Phase

Last weekend, the VTS 2025 Startup Acceleration Program with the theme “Innovation - Launching pad for sustainable startups” organized by the Song Han Startup Incubation Center (SHi) was officially launched, marking the beginning of a series of incubation activities this year. This year's program continues to convey a strong message: Startups need speed, but must have a solid foundation.

Scene of the opening ceremony of the VTS 2025 Startup Acceleration Program. Photo: PHAN VINH

Accelerate with desire

Among the typical projects at the VTS 2025 Startup Acceleration Program, "Smoke Bread" by Mr. Le Duc Nguyen (born in 1994, Hai Chau ward) is typical of the adaptability and ambition of young entrepreneurs in Da Nang .

Originating in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, from his quarantined apartment, Mr. Nguyen started selling bread online to meet the demand for fast, convenient, and safe meals. Realizing the potential, he expanded into a “Smoke Bread” cart model - hot, convenient, evoking warmth in a time when society is tense due to the epidemic.

Mr. Le Duc Nguyen - Founder of the project "Smoke Bread" presents his business model. Photo: PHAN VINH

“After nearly 5 years, the model has developed into a chain of more than 80 points of sale in 16 provinces and cities, mainly in the North. With a franchise fee of only 3.5 million VND, “Smoke Bread” opens up business opportunities for many young people and manual workers.

However, when the system expands, management and cost become challenges, so I really need programs like VTS to shorten the startup journey, gain more knowledge and companions," said Mr. Nguyen.

Also in the group of projects expected to create a strong ripple effect in this year's acceleration program, "Echobag - Environmentally Friendly Mesh Bag" demonstrates a creative and humane social approach.

The project focuses on researching and producing mesh bag products to replace disposable plastic bags, aiming at an environmentally friendly consumer community and a green retail system. Although still young, the message and development direction of the founding group has attracted the attention of the VTS 2025 organizing committee.

Echobag mesh bag products attract delegates' attention because of the green trend. Photo: PHAN VINH

Project representative, Mr. Ngo Tan Thien said: "We are aware that starting a business does not necessarily have to start with a high-tech product. With mesh bags, the important thing is how to convey the message of green living, raise public awareness and build a brand associated with a sustainable lifestyle.

By participating in VTS, we hope to support the connection of the startup ecosystem, approach experts and investors to perfect products, expand the market and spread the spirit of environmental protection more widely."

Sustainable from strategy

VTS 2025 is an acceleration program built and operated by SHi in 2017 under the direction of the Department of Science and Technology of Da Nang City. To date, the program has supported 71 startup projects, including 6 incubation groups and 8 acceleration groups, creating the premise for many startups to enter the market.

The organizers presented flowers to congratulate the projects selected to participate in the VTS 2025 Startup Acceleration Program. Photo: PHAN VINH

This year, the organizers selected 5 outstanding projects in the fields of technology, tourism, cuisine, education and environment, including: "Smoke Bread", "Valuntun - Connecting the community", "Nhat Phong - Home health care solutions", "Echobag - Environmentally friendly mesh bag" and "Athena Chess Center".

Mr. Ly Dinh Quan, General Director of SHi affirmed: "VTS 2025 is not just a simple training program, but a foundation for building a sustainable innovation community. We expect this event to be a bridge to help startups connect with investors, experts, support organizations and the market. This is the path to creating sustainable growth, not explosive growth and then decline."

Mr. Ly Dinh Quan - General Director of SHi speaking at the VTS 2025 Startup Acceleration Program. Photo: PHAN VINH

As planned, the acceleration journey will last for 6 months with the following stages: Strategy shaping, operational optimization, market expansion, investment capital calling and Demo Day organization.

Project teams will be supported through intensive training, 1-1 mentoring, market connections, participation in “talk shows” and operating cost support (up to 30 million VND/project according to Resolution No. 54).

In particular, each startup has its own roadmap to achieve specific goals such as: perfecting the product, targeting the business model, connecting with investors and developing the brand...

Many projects are highly appreciated for their judgments and positive impact on society. Photo: PHAN VINH

To date, the program has contributed to the formation of a stable network of advisors, experts and accompanying investors, creating conditions for many businesses to access practical resources. Projects graduating from VTS in previous years have not only completed products and expanded their scale, but also successfully called for capital, creating more jobs and social values.

"Shi hopes that with its coordination capacity and experienced team of experts, the Startup Acceleration Program will continue to become the second incubator to help startups grow strongly in an increasingly competitive environment. That is also the long-term orientation of VTS to accelerate on a sustainable foundation, from knowledge, thinking to models and people," Mr. Quan affirmed.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/khoi-nghiep-da-nang-vao-chang-tang-toc-3265131.html