Developing an innovative startup ecosystem in Hai Phong

With the support and companionship of Hai Phong City and the Department of Science and Technology, many start-up projects have had initial results.

Mr. Ho Minh Phuong with Shop24 vending machine project

Implementing Plan 281 of the City People's Committee on developing the innovative startup ecosystem of Hai Phong City in the period of 2021 - 2025, from 2021 to present, the Department of Science and Technology has supported 124 startup projects through many forms of practical support. From here, many projects have been successful.

Hard but not alone

From a coffee shop owner in Hanoi , Ms. Trieu Thi Mai in Hung Dao ward had a big turning point in 2022 when she decided to start a business with nutritional foods in her hometown. Witnessing her family members suffering from serious illnesses and surrounded by dirty food, Ms. Mai understood more clearly the important role of clean food for health.

Ms. Mai has researched and created 6 products called “Satami Healthy Food” such as brown rice floss cakes, cookies, seaweed crackers with seeds… processed according to the principle of balancing yin and yang, helping digestion, not causing heat in the body, bloating. The main ingredients include brown rice, seaweed, nutritious seeds, organic coconut water, no sugar, no frying oil, no additives or preservatives, ensuring “4 no” for dieters and diabetics.

Ms. Trieu Thi Mai with Satami nutritional cereal cake product

Up to now, Satami cereal cake, owned by Ms. Mai, is present on many e-commerce platforms, social networks and has expanded its dealerships in Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho... with a revenue of more than 300 million VND/year.

Ms. Mai shared that as a “dairy mother”, she faced a lot of pressure regarding capital and market. There were times when she thought about giving up because she had to juggle taking care of her young child and production and business, and even up to now, she has not had a clear profit. However, with great spiritual motivation from her family, she is still determined to pursue the path of starting a business from the heart.

In April 2025, Satami nutritional cereal products were inspected, product quality announced and trademark protection registered.

“In early 2025, through information from friends, I registered to participate in the startup support program of the Department of Science and Technology of Hai Phong and was fortunately one of the 5 projects selected. I hope to receive support in communication, capital, infrastructure to open a large-scale production workshop, support in legal procedures to register to establish a business as well as the opportunity to participate in startup competitions, spreading products to a larger market,” Ms. Mai shared.

Delegation from Hai Phong Department of Science and Technology visited the production process of cereal cakes of Ms. Trieu Thi Mai

“Starting a business is a difficult journey but not a lonely one” shared by Mr. Ho Minh Phuong, Director of Shop24 Automatic Sales Technology Co., Ltd., in Ngo Quyen Ward. Mr. Phuong is the owner of the “Shop24 Automatic Sales Machine” Project. The machine uses a robotic arm and conveyor belt to accurately pick up goods to the buyer’s location; it can be used with most goods of various sizes and shapes, including fragile goods.

Up to now, Shop24 vending machines have been installed on a trial basis at several locations and have received positive feedback from customers. Over the past 3 years, from the time he conceived the idea to turning it into a startup project, Mr. Phuong has always received active support from the authorities, especially the Department of Science and Technology.

Mr. Phuong participated in the Hai Phong and Vietnam Innovation Festival (Techfest), the Hai Phong - Creative Startup Café program organized by the Department of Science and Technology; connected with experts, participated in startup and innovation competitions.

In June 2025, Mr. Phuong's solution won second prize in the Hai Phong City Technical Innovation Contest 2024 - 2025; before that, it was third prize in the Hai Phong Startup Talent Search Contest 2023.

“I hope to continue to access capital to support small and medium enterprises or participate in larger playgrounds to find investors,” Mr. Phuong expressed.

Accompanying startups

Hai Phong Creative Startup Café Program organized by Hai Phong Department of Science and Technology from the end of October 2024

Among the 124 startup projects supported in the past time, the Department of Science and Technology selected to provide specialized support for a number of potential projects, such as supporting co-working spaces; 1-1 consulting on business models, marketing with experts from the national startup network; consulting, completing related documents and papers in the business process based on the reality of the project such as intellectual property, business registration, standards/regulations, sub-licenses... Support to participate in training programs, coaching on startups, Hai Phong - Creative Startup Cafe; support to access the market, expand networking networks, attend fairs, exhibitions... to promote and communicate products.

Director of the Center for Supporting Creative Startups (Department of Science and Technology of Hai Phong) Do Thi Nhung informed that since the beginning of 2025, the program "Hai Phong - Creative Startup Cafe" - an initiative organized by the unit has created attraction for the startup community in the city and neighboring localities.

Through 21 episodes, the program attracted more than 1,500 individuals and organizations with startup ideas and projects; consultants, investors, startup experts; owners of large, medium and small enterprises; scientists, researchers; lecturers and students of universities, colleges and vocational schools; startup clubs, business associations and people interested in startups, science and technology...

The program revolves around issues in the creative startup process, such as: startup business management; updating technology trends on green transformation, AI; capital calling skills; brand building...

In the coming time, in addition to the exchange and sharing activities with guests, the Organizing Committee of the program "Hai Phong - Creative Startup Cafe" will integrate more connection activities for startup projects in need. At the same time, organize activities to attract the participation of startup project owners in the west of Hai Phong; share in-depth content related to incubation of ideas and startup projects; business management issues such as production, marketing, finance, human resources... for startups, small and medium enterprises with guest speakers who are experts inside and outside the city.

NGUYEN NGUYEN

Source: https://baohaiphongplus.vn/phat-trien-he-sinh-thai-khoi-nghiep-doi-moi-sang-tao-tai-hai-phong-416870.html