07/10/2026
Overview of the National Startup Forum – Thanh Hoa 2026
With the theme “Investment in Startups and Innovation within the Collaborative Framework of Government – Universities – Businesses – International Partners,” the Forum identified connectivity among stakeholders in the startup and innovation ecosystem as one of its key priorities. According to the program, in addition to networking activities, brand and product showcases, and a Cross-Border Trade Roundtable Conference held in the morning, the afternoon session of the National Startup Forum focused on the theme “Investment, Innovation, and Creativity in a New Era.” The session featured a series of dialogues on business development, investment opportunities, and innovation in the context of emerging opportunities and challenges.
Delegates attending the National Startup Forum – Thanh Hoa 2026
Bridging Higher Education and Real-World Demands
Addressing the issue of human resource development, President Le Hoang Ba Huyen stressed that higher education institutions must strengthen their connection with professional practice and labor market demands. Universities should not only provide academic knowledge but also create opportunities for students to engage with real-world environments, develop practical competencies, enhance adaptability, cultivate innovative thinking, and foster an entrepreneurial mindset.
Drawing on the experience of Hong Duc University, the President highlighted that entrepreneurship should be nurtured from the early stages of a student’s academic journey rather than being introduced only near graduation. Entrepreneurship education has been integrated into the University’s curriculum through compulsory courses and a range of startup support activities. These initiatives equip students with essential entrepreneurial knowledge, skills, and mindsets while creating a supportive environment for developing innovative ideas directly from the classroom.
According to the President, Thanh Hoa Province is gradually establishing a more comprehensive startup and innovation ecosystem, creating favorable conditions for universities and young entrepreneurs. The launch of the Thanh Hoa Venture Capital Investment Fund Joint Stock Company and the Thanh Hoa Innovation Center Joint Stock Company in August 2026 has opened new opportunities for collaboration among educational institutions, research groups, startups, businesses, investors, and innovation support organizations.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hoang Ba Huyen, Secretary of the Party Committee and Rector of Hong Duc University, participates as a guest speaker in the panel discussion, sharing insights on Higher Education and Human Resource Development
He emphasized that effective collaboration among stakeholders is crucial to transforming student ideas into practical outcomes. Universities provide knowledge foundations and nurture creativity; businesses contribute practical challenges, testing environments, and industry experience; while investment funds and innovation centers offer resources and support to help promising ideas grow into viable projects. Close cooperation with enterprises also enables universities to better understand labor market needs and enhance the relevance and responsiveness of their training programs.
Discussing scientific research and technology commercialization, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hoang Ba Huyen emphasized the need to bring research activities closer to real-world challenges and create favorable conditions for promising research outcomes to be further developed, applied, and introduced to the market.
He noted that the true value of scientific research lies not only in generating knowledge but also in transforming that knowledge into products, technologies, and solutions with practical applications. Connecting research ideas and projects developed by lecturers and students with business and market demands can expand opportunities for technology transfer, innovation, and startup development. Such efforts help shorten the distance between research and application, and between innovative ideas and market realities.
Concluding his remarks, the President reaffirmed Hong Duc University’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibility as a key higher education institution within Thanh Hoa’s startup and innovation ecosystem. Leveraging its strengths in human resources, education, and scientific research, the University will continue to strengthen cooperation with government agencies, businesses, investors, and domestic and international partners to create favorable conditions for lecturers and students to pursue research, innovation, and entrepreneurial activities.
He also expressed his aspiration for Hong Duc University to remain an active and responsible contributor to the province’s innovation ecosystem, sharing resources and collaborating closely with stakeholders to ensure that innovative ideas, scientific knowledge, and research outcomes can be translated into practical contributions to local and regional development.
As Thanh Hoa continues to accelerate socio-economic development, attract investment, and expand industrial and business activities, the demand for high-quality human resources, scientific research, and technological innovation is becoming increasingly linked to practical challenges faced by enterprises and local communities. This context underscores the importance of stronger cooperation among government agencies, universities, and businesses in identifying workforce needs, delivering relevant education and training, conducting applied research, and transferring scientific and technological achievements.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hoang Ba Huyen emphasizes Hong Duc University’s responsibility and commitment to supporting Thanh Hoa Province’s entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem
Over recent years, Hong Duc University has steadily expanded partnerships with government bodies, local authorities, and enterprises in education, scientific research, technology transfer, and graduate employment support. These collaborations have not only created valuable opportunities for student internships, practical training, and employment but have also enabled the University’s teaching and research activities to address the evolving needs of Thanh Hoa’s socio-economic development.
Following its recent expansion into a comprehensive multidisciplinary university, HDU now possesses greater capacity and opportunities to deepen engagement with industry and local stakeholders. Strengthening the alignment between education and workforce demand, connecting research with practical development challenges, and promoting the application and transfer of scientific outcomes remain key priorities in maximizing the University’s contribution to provincial development.
The participation of Hong Duc University’s Rector at the National Startup Forum – Thanh Hoa 2026 further strengthened dialogue and collaboration between the University and policymakers, experts, businesses, investors, and innovation organizations. The issues highlighted during the discussion—bridging the gap between university education and business needs, and advancing the commercialization of research outcomes—reflect important priorities for enhancing university-industry collaboration and supporting sustainable development.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hoang Ba Huyen poses for a commemorative photo with delegates and students attending the Forum
According to the Organizing Committee, the Forum aims to foster a collaborative ecosystem connecting Government, Universities, Businesses, and International Partners, thereby generating practical initiatives and action programs that contribute to sustainable growth and innovation.
For Hong Duc University, participation in the Forum was not only an opportunity to share perspectives on higher education and human resource development but also a valuable platform for expanding partnerships in education, research, innovation, and technology transfer, ensuring that the University’s resources and expertise continue to contribute effectively to the development of Thanh Hoa Province and beyond.