Creative Beginnings from TDTU - Accompanying the Project to Support Students’ Startups in the 2026-2035 Period

On August 22, Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU) hosted the Workshop on “Feedback on the Draft Project to Support Students’ Startups in the 2026-2035 Period.” The workshop was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee, more than 150 delegates from Departments of Education and Training, leaders of various universities and colleges, experts, businesses, and a large number of TDTU staff and lecturers. The event took place in a lively atmosphere, affirming a shared commitment to building a sustainable startup ecosystem for the young generation.

Overview of the workshop

Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Tran Van Dat - Deputy Director of the Department of Students’ Affairs (MOET) emphasized: “In the new context, especially after the Politburo issued strategic resolutions and conclusions such as Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, along with several recent resolutions of the Politburo; the continued development of the Project to Support Students’ Startups in the 2026-2035 Period is not only an urgent requirement but also a strategic mission to develop a young, high-quality, innovative workforce with the capacity to shape the future.”

This is a strategic orientation for the entire education system to foster a generation of young citizens who are not only knowledgeable but also innovative and entrepreneurial.

TDTU - A shining example in innovative startups and sustainable development

According to MOET, 100% of higher education institutions have issued regulations supporting startups and innovation for lecturers and students, contributing to the formation of a startup and innovation culture within universities. Some institutions have even established and developed innovation and startup centers. At TDTU, the university has persistently built a comprehensive startup ecosystem over the years, where all activities aim to equip students with the mindset to dare to think, dare to act, and the capacity for global integration.

In her presentation, Duong Thi Thuy Van Ph.D. - Director of the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer, Head of Testing and Quality Assurance Department at TDTU - highlighted notable achievements in supporting student startups at TDTU and proposed breakthrough ideas to enhance the effectiveness of the “Project to Support Students’ Startups in the 2026-2035 Period.”

• In training: Since 2020, TDTU has integrated the “Entrepreneurship Skills” course into its life skills program, with 86 classes organized and 14,290 students participating, along with over 150 exchange sessions with experts and entrepreneurs; 
• In startup ideas: TDTU has organized 3 university-level competitions (64 ideas, 15 selected for national competitions) and 42 faculty-level competitions; 
• In support: The university has mobilized nearly VND 600 million for 5 startup projects, established a Startup Club, and provided specialized facilities; 
• Students have also earned major awards such as: First Prize in Scientific Initiative from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the 2022 Women in Technology Award, Second and Third Prizes at the “Future Innovation” 2023 competition, and the Consolation Prize at the “Students with Startup Ideas” 2024 competition. These achievements reaffirm the university’s leading role in fostering innovation among the youth. 

According to Duong Thi Thuy Van Ph.D., to strongly promote startups in the university environment, a series of breakthrough solutions must be implemented: First, she proposed the establishment of internal venture funds (seed/angel funds) at key universities, mobilizing resources from alumni and businesses to directly support potential projects. At the same time, TDTU recommended a “revolution” in creative spaces by adopting international models such as Design Factory (an interdisciplinary collaboration space) and especially Sandbox Campus. This mechanism allows students to test products and services right on campus, protected by a legal framework, thereby creating an environment of “daring to think, daring to act” without fear of risk.

In addition, TDTU proposed the development of a national “Student Startup Competency Index” to measure practical effectiveness, shifting the focus from the “quantity” of events to the “quality” of startup projects. Particularly, it is necessary to nurture a culture of risk acceptance and encourage failure, considering it as a core foundation for sustainable startup and innovation development.

TDTU - Where startups take off

TDTU is one of the pioneering higher education institutions in promoting innovation and startup activities, while committing to sustainable action aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. For many consecutive years, TDTU has persistently built a comprehensive startup ecosystem, where all activities aim to equip students with the mindset to dare to think, dare to act, and the ability to integrate globally. The Career Fair and Alumni Day are two annual flagship events held at TDTU, where students can easily connect with enterprises and multi-sector startup experts. These events provide students with practical knowledge and experience, ignite the spirit of creativity and bold action, and expand networking opportunities with businesses. The university also regularly encourages and organizes competitions to seek out innovative startup ideas from TDTU students.

With the foundation already established, TDTU reaffirms its commitment to continue accompanying students, enterprises, and society on the journey of entrepreneurship and innovation, while actively implementing the orientations of the Project “Supporting Students’ Startups until 2030,” thereby contributing to building a strong startup ecosystem and making practical contributions to the sustainable development of the country.