Making Da Nang a pioneer in innovation

*The innovation and science and technology startup community expects the city to have many breakthroughs in the new period. Photo: VAN HOANG*

Removing difficulties for startups to develop

The LACO technology car booking application was born from the concerns of a group of young people in Ban Thach ward, who used to work as a car rental service. Not originating from a startup center or a large research institute, LACO formed a domestic technology solution, integrating many functions at the same time from booking motorbikes, calling cars, fast delivery, driving for others to connecting services for tourists .

In 2024, this application surpassed more than 60 projects to win First Prize at the Quang Nam Startup Talent Search Competition.

Mr. Ha Nhat Anh, founder of the LACO project, shared that after the competition, the group expected to be included in the city's innovation space, supported with office space, access to basic technology infrastructure such as servers, security testing systems or even user data analysis tools. But in reality, it is still difficult to access these policies.

“Creative spaces are places to work, but more than that, they are places for young people to test their hypotheses about technology, markets, and user behavior. Only when those spaces are truly shaped can technology startups make leaps and bounds in the coming period,” Anh added.

Meanwhile, amid efforts to diversify products from indigenous medicinal herbs, the story of Ms. Bui Thi Tuyet Nhung (Quang Phu ward), founder of the Best One brand, has shown a typical slice of the entrepreneurial journey of those who started from passion and careful market observation.

Ms. Nhung is focusing on producing products from noni fruit, with a closed process from controlling raw materials, investing in semi-automatic machinery systems, to perfecting packaging and building a brand aimed at high-end customers.

Like many startups, Ms. Nhung's biggest obstacle is the lack of space to develop production. She is currently operating a small workshop with less than 10 employees and about 30 semi-automatic machines. Such a space requires many steps to be done in batches, making continuous production impossible, affecting order progress. It is even more impossible to consider expanding to meet large orders from potential partners.

“One of the necessary supports for startups is a stable land mechanism to develop production. In addition, a financial support mechanism of a “controlled risk” nature is needed, where startups can access capital to upgrade machinery and recruit more staff without having to mortgage all of their personal assets,” said Ms. Nhung.

Strategic orientation for the breakthrough phase

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Chuong, Member of the Standing Committee of the Da Nang Young Entrepreneurs Association, as an organization accompanying the startup community and young businesses, the Association hopes that after the 1st Congress of the Da Nang Party Committee, the city will put forward strategic directions, creating a breakthrough for the innovative startup ecosystem and science - technology . Thereby, contributing to concretizing the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, helping Da Nang master strategic technology, promote local advantages, towards building a modern, unique and livable city.

To realize that expectation, mastering strategic technologies is considered a key factor. Da Nang aims to pioneer the construction of a semiconductor chip research and production center, taking advantage of its geographical location and high-quality human resources. Cooperating with large technology corporations and international experts to form a Fab-Lab in Software Park No. 2 will open a turning point, helping the city participate in the global technology supply chain and create thousands of high-value jobs.

With Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP dated September 9, 2025 of the Government on piloting the crypto asset market, Da Nang has the opportunity to pioneer the implementation of a sandbox mechanism to test new technologies and business models. For example, it is expected that Da Nang will promote the application of robots in production and services. In the field of logistics, there is a need for sandbox space for new solutions to increase the efficiency of the supply chain of transporting goods throughout the region, paving the way for a green and sustainable low-level economy.

To support these orientations, in the coming time, the city needs to promote the building of a comprehensive innovative startup ecosystem, in line with the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW. At the same time, it is necessary to prioritize the training of high-quality human resources, specializing in semiconductors, data, AI, blockchain, robotics, combining scholarships, internships and attracting domestic and foreign experts; free digital skills training to spread the spirit of innovation to the people.

“We also hope that strategic technologies will be applied to preserve and spread local culture. These efforts will not only help Da Nang become a smart, innovative city, where technology and identity blend, creating an attractive destination for both residents and tourists,” Mr. Chuong expressed.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/dua-da-nang-thanh-ngon-co-dau-trong-doi-moi-sang-tao-3303276.html