Leaders of the University of Economics HCM City and UEH Institute of Innovation attend a ceremony to mark the five-year operation of the institute on Wednesday. Photo courtesy of the University of Economics HCM City

HCM CITY — The Institute of Innovation under the University of Economics HCM City will foster a dynamic ecosystem of innovation and creativity and deeper integration into national and regional innovation networks, the university’s leaders said.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the five-year operation of the Institute of Innovation on Wednesday, Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Đông Phong, chairman of the University Council, said the institute has pioneered training programmes for innovation, start-up incubators, scientific research, innovative consulting and transferring activities.

It has developed a vibrant startup community with more than 6,000 members and organised more than 300 community engagement events over the past five years, he said.

Its training, incubation, research, consulting and knowledge transfer activities have created much value for the startup community and students.

It has helped domestic start-up companies and projects to develop sustainably and access global markets.

Total funding raised for start-ups in the past three years was estimated at more than US$520,000.

During the period, the institute has become a start-up and innovation hub in Việt Nam, with a network of more than 50 domestic partners, 20 international partners, more than 40 international publications and more than 30 scientific papers.

It was recognised as an I-Star 2021 Award winner in HCM City and one of the ten Best Start-up Support Organisations in Southeast Asia (AsiaStar 10x10 Launchpad) in 2022.

The Institute of Innovation was established in 2019 on a foundation of co-operation between the University of Economics HCM City and Singapore Management University. —VNS