Regional linkages: Shaping the innovative startup ecosystem

AI and UAVs emerge as new growth drivers for Tay Ninh

Speaking at the forum, Le Van Han, Chairman of the Tay Ninh Provincial People's Committee, said the province has introduced a series of initiatives to implement Viet Nam's National Strategy on Innovative Entrepreneurship for the 2026-2030 period. Tay Ninh has also launched a plan to develop its innovation system and strengthen the provincial startup ecosystem.

The province's priorities include putting Phase I of the Tay Ninh Innovation Center into operation, expanding innovation spaces, startup incubation and acceleration programs, connecting entrepreneurs with experts and investors, and supporting businesses in technological innovation, digital transformation, green transition, and the commercialization of new products.

For the 2026-2030 period, Tay Ninh aims to build a network of 300 members within its innovation ecosystem, address around 100 innovation challenges annually, support 100 enterprises in improving productivity, and incubate between 300 and 350 startup projects.

Le Van Han added that, alongside strengthening a regionally connected startup ecosystem, Tay Ninh has identified UAVs and AI as two strategic technologies to be prioritized for development through 2030.

For the UAV sector, Tay Ninh is developing a strategy for the 2026–2030 period, with a vision to 2035, to build a comprehensive unmanned aerial vehicle ecosystem. The province aims to become southern Viet Nam's hub for UAV testing, training, certification, applications, and supporting industries.

"By making innovation a key driver of growth, Tay Ninh aims to build a startup ecosystem centered on high-tech agriculture, agricultural processing, and the green economy. This will help enhance the value of agricultural products, strengthen business competitiveness, and promote sustainable regional development," Le Van Han said.

Regional cooperation to strengthen the startup ecosystem

The forum also featured discussions among experts on lessons learned in developing local innovation ecosystems, along with recommendations to strengthen regional cooperation and leverage the comparative advantages of each province and city to build a more dynamic startup ecosystem across southern Viet Nam.

According to the experts, innovation ecosystems across localities remain unevenly developed. Ho Chi Minh City continues to serve as the country's leading startup hub, supported by a strong network of startups, investment funds, and business support organizations. Dong Nai has advantages in manufacturing and logistics, while the Mekong Delta is gradually building an innovation ecosystem centered on high-tech agriculture, digital transformation, and the green economy. Given its strategic location connecting the Southeast and Mekong Delta regions, Tay Ninh is well positioned to play a greater role in the region's startup network.

To capitalize on these advantages, the experts recommended that the province continue refining its post-merger policy framework, strengthen collaboration among government agencies, businesses, research institutes, and universities, expand mentor networks and investor connections, and gradually establish local venture capital funds to provide financial support for startups.

Concluding the forum, Associate Professor Dr. Ho Sy Hung, President of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), emphasized that every locality should build three core pillars of a strong startup ecosystem: entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors. Once these three pillars are firmly in place, the ecosystem will be better positioned to attract additional resources and provide a supportive environment for innovative ideas to grow into successful businesses.

The forum's recommendations are expected to lay the groundwork for Tay Ninh and the southern region to strengthen their innovation-driven startup ecosystem, capitalize on local advantages, deepen regional cooperation, and promote sustainable development.