Born in 2006 under the sponsorship of Kawai Scholarship Fund (Japan), the competition organized by the Future Entrepreneurs Club - Foreign Trade University (TEC FTU) has become a strategic bridge in the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Japan. Over 21 years, "Startup with Kawai" has affirmed its position as a leading startup playground when attracting 27,000 students to participate with 2,500 projects.
Notably, the program has awarded more than 7 billion VND in cash and become a launching pad for many successful startups such as: YBOX, ColorMe, Ulstraw... The contest currently owns a network of more than 300 strategic partners including large corporations and investment funds such as: Jouju Japan, NOVAON, ThinkZone Ventures, Intech Group...
With the message emphasizing breaking out of the safe zone to create spreading value, the 2026 season sets a goal to make innovation a driving force for national development.
At the launching ceremony, Mr. Doan Anh Tuan - Secretary of the Youth Union of Foreign Trade University - expressed his belief that this year's competition will attract contestants to reach globally. Meanwhile, Mr. Ngo Tri Nguyen - Chairman of TEC Club - affirmed that the biggest goal is to develop young people based on three pillars: Knowledge, Experience and Experience.
The 2026 competition is designed with 3 rounds lasting 5 months, focusing on combat effectiveness. It is expected that there will be 5 teams competing and introducing and promoting products in the final night.
