Developing a creative startup ecosystem
Vice Chairman of Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee Huynh Minh Tuan has just signed and issued the Plan to implement the National Strategy on Creative Startups (KNST) for the period 2026 – 2030, with orientations to 2045. The plan aims to concretize Resolution No. 86/NQ-CP of the Government, in accordance with local practical conditions.
Accordingly, Dong Thap identifies the development of the KNST ecosystem with enterprises (DN) as the center, promoting growth based on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation. The province aims to become one of the localities with a dynamic startup ecosystem in the Mekong Delta region, associated with strengths such as high-tech agriculture, green economy, digital economy and key industry value chains. By 2030, the province strives to support the formation of at least 150 KNST enterprises with rapid growth potential.
At the same time, build and operate at least one provincial-level startup support space such as innovation centers, incubators, and co-working spaces; attract 3-5 investment funds and investors to participate in the ecosystem.
Specific targets are also set: about 20% of small and medium-sized enterprises have innovation activities; at least 60 products and services are commercialized; over 35% of startups register intellectual property; 80% of educational institutions integrate startup content into training programs. Notably, Dong Thap orients to build at least one university according to the innovation university model, and at the same time form the Provincial-level Innovation Support Fund.
Towards the top of the country
To realize the goal, Dong Thap implements many groups of key tasks and solutions. In which, priority is given to completing mechanisms and policies to support startups, including policies on taxes, credit, intellectual property and product testing; and at the same time promote administrative procedure reform and improve the investment and business environment.
The province also focuses on developing startup infrastructure, with the establishment of a provincial-level innovation space and gradually expanding this model to commune and ward levels. Startup businesses will receive financial support in the first 5 years, such as 100% support for intellectual property protection costs, technology accreditation, legal advice, as well as costs for participating in training, incubation and acceleration programs.
In parallel, Dong Thap will establish the KNST Support Fund, strengthen connections with investors, venture capital funds and support businesses to access credit capital. Human resource training is also particularly concerned, with programs equipping startup, finance, and digital technology skills deployed from high school to university, associated with promoting STEM/STEAM education and activities such as "Starting a business from school".
The province will annually organize events such as startup festivals, KNST competitions, investment connection programs; and promote product commercialization through e-commerce, fairs, exhibitions and market promotion activities. All to aim for the goal: by 2045, the KNST ecosystem in Dong Thap will be deeply connected with the domestic - international network and be in the top 10 localities in the country in terms of local innovation index. The digital economy and businesses based on innovation are expected to contribute at least 30% of the province's GRDP.
