Customers choose plates made from bamboo from a start-up business during the 2019 Techfest event held in Hà Nội on Wednesday and Thursday. — VNS Photo Mai Hiên

HÀ NỘI — Lack of capital and appropriate training were hindering the developing of start-up innovations among students at vocational training facilities, heard a workshop held in Hà Nội yesterday.

Addressing the workshop, entitled: “Building and developing innovative start-up models in vocational education institutions", Phạm Xuân Khánh, rector of the Hà Nội High Technology College, said although contests to seek initiatives on techno-entrepreneurship were held annually, they still failed to meet expectations.

He blamed a lack of capital and business experience as well as advice from experts for the issue.

In his opinion, start-up activities at vocational training facilities should be improved by enhancing autonomy and setting up a strong link with businesses.

Nguyễn Gia Ngọc from Construction Technical College No 1 agreed.

“Vocational training facilities should change their teaching methods and focus on appropriate subjects and skill-sets,” he said.

“Training for start-ups must embrace creativity and embed a desire to implement ideas and take risks.”

Nguyễn Quốc Huy, rector of Bac Ninh College of Electronics and Construction, said despite the fact a start-up club had been set up, the college still faced difficulties due to a lack of guidance.

He proposed setting up a curriculum for start-up development.

While agreeing with the need to strengthen innovation among students, he said, students should be conducting their own research rather than learning by rote.

Raising capital and managing money played an important role in this area, so a special financial mechanism relating to start-ups should be offered to colleges, Huy said.

Đỗ Năng Khánh, Deputy Director-General of the Directorate of Vocational Education and Training,  said the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs had put forward a plan for start-up support for students until 2025.

Under the plan, information relating to start-up projects and connections with enterprises and investors would be strengthened.

The plan would focus on creating favourable condition for start-ups as well as training in this field at vocational training facilities

The workshop was part of 2019 Techfest in Hà Nội and aimed to boost the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Việt Nam.

The festival attracted the participation of thousands of students, investors, corporations and start-up support organisations.

Training sessions on presentations and how to attract investment for start-up businesses were organised during the festival.

An exhibition also took place to showcase new products created by successful start-ups.

According to Trần Văn Tùng, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, the event served as a forum for experts in technology and start-up innovations to share experiences and initiatives.

“The festival creates a platform connecting the start-up ecosystem in the region and reaches out to the start-up community across the country,” he said.

National start-up festival Techfest Vietnam is scheduled to be held in Hạ Long City, Quảng Ninh Province from November 22-24. — VNS