Recognizing the importance of knowledge transfer and entrepreneurial support, on August 29, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) officially launched two spin-off enterprises — startups originating from university research and academic institutions.
The two companies are:
- Microbial Biotechnology Application Co., Ltd., affiliated with the Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology.
- Greentech Green Technology JSC, founded by the research group led by Dr. Bùi Thị Thanh Hương from the School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Arts.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đào Thanh Trường, Vice President of VNU, the development of university-based startups not only brings research results into real-world application but also creates new products and services that address practical challenges and contribute to socio-economic development.
Dr. Trường noted that despite significant efforts in recent years, the process of knowledge transfer, commercialization of scientific and technological products, and promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship within universities still faces numerous challenges.
“Therefore, VNU will continue to research and implement comprehensive solutions to make innovation and science–technology a true driver of growth, enhance economic competitiveness, and address pressing social issues,” he affirmed.
At the event, VNU also signed incubation contracts with five startup projects to help them further develop their technologies and evolve into full-fledged enterprises in the near future.
These projects include:
- Nanogel – a natural gel combined with silver nanoparticles that forms a protective membrane over open wounds, replacing skin before healing occurs.
- 3SR – a smart green mini-mart and automated retail system that dispenses essential consumer goods and household items, automatically sells various liquids, and implements Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) through an automated packaging collection and reward system.
- Duachua24h – a clean vegetable pickling technology.
- Ladee – a range of specialized laundry products for underwear and women’s physiological needs.
- Bizmatee – a platform using AI recommendation technology to match entrepreneurs with suitable partners and co-founders.
Bridging Science and Business: A Researcher’s Perspective
Dr. Hoàng Văn Hà, a lecturer at the Faculty of Chemistry, VNU University of Science and principal investigator of the Nanogel project, shared that scientists are eager to commercialize their research. “There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing a product you created serve the community,” he said.
“However, we face many challenges in business operations, fundraising, and sales. These are significant limitations, and we urgently need support from incubators to commercialize our scientific and technological ‘brainchildren’ and establish companies to bring these products to market,” Dr. Hà added.
Towards a Leading Innovation Ecosystem
VNU is currently establishing an Innovation and Startup Incubator, structured as a university-affiliated enterprise. The incubator aims to become a leading startup support hub in northern Vietnam within the next 3–5 years, with activities such as startup support, technology incubation, and connections with venture capital funds and startup organizations.
This initiative represents a significant step in transforming scientific research into market-ready products, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, and contributing to Vietnam’s innovation-driven economic growth.