This was one of the activities by the Centre for Enabling Startups and Knowledge Transfer (VNU CSK) to promote innovation and support for start-ups and connection of science and technology supply and demand.

Attending the ceremony were VNU Vice Presidents Nguyễn Hữu Đức and Nguyễn Hồng Sơn; representatives from VNU functional departments, training units, research institutes; a large number of scientists, students, alumni and representatives of enterprises.

Addressing the ceremony, VNU Vice President Nguyễn Hữu Đức shared about the trend of innovation-oriented university in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Innovation-oriented universities aim not only at a better community service, but also at highly effective management of intellectual property and commercializing knowledge within their own premises, contributing to the implementation of their financial autonomy.

Based on the characteristics of the innovation-oriented university, the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation must be instilled in all stakeholders (leaders, lecturers, learners and employers); and all activities, such as training, research, international cooperation, community responsibility; and the higher education sector as a whole, comprise a start-up ecosystem.

Innovation-oriented universities do not pursue economic goals, but the objective of economic development is integrated into the goal of developing scientific knowledge, aiming to create a practical and effective resonance value for the society. The developing of complete, directly commercialized products for final consumer contributes to the adding of value right on campus is not only a trend, but also a promotion of university autonomy. However, the university also has a responsibility to serve the community, first and foremost, the community in the locality where the university operates, including the provision of human resources, the transfer of knowledge and an increase in revenues from the local community.

VNU Vice President Nguyễn Hữu Đức emphasized that Entrepreneurial innovation and Start-up were closely related to each other, like start-up spirit, culture and outputs. There are four core elements for successful start-ups: ideas, manpower, capital, and markets. Associating to the building of a start-up nation, VNU Vice President expected VNU CKS to be a hub for transferring scientific ideas and a launch pad for startups.

VNU CSK Director Vương Quốc Thắng said, Café Business Start-up Program was held monthly with the purpose of: 1) creating a forum for startup enthusiasts to meet and share knowledge and experience on startup to inspire the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship; 2) providing a venue for start-up groups to present their excellent ideas and persuade investors; and 3) being a linkage to promote scientific research and commercialization of science and technology products.

At the ceremony, Dr. Phan Thị Tuyết Mai (from VNU University of Science) presented her startup team’s project "Producing Bio-Sap from agricultural byproducts" in search of interested investors.

The participants also listened to Dr. Vũ Hữu Kiên’s talk on the key to conquer investors and streamlined startup. The ideas shared would help startup groups gain more experience in mobilizing capital, attracting investment in their projects, as well as a better understanding of more effective tools for startups.

Also within the framework of the launching ceremony, a scientific research contract between LG Group and VNU CKS was signed.