CAN THO – Can Tho City has launched Innovation Hub 4.0 and a science and technology fund as the city steps up efforts to build a startup and innovation ecosystem in the Mekong Delta.
The announcements were made at a workshop on developing Can Tho’s innovation and startup ecosystem for the Mekong Delta region held in the city today, May 22.
The city’s Department of Science and Technology partnered with CT Group to establish Innovation Hub 4.0. Authorities also unveiled a science, technology and innovation development fund and signed cooperation agreements to support startup activities.
The initiative is expected to support research, technology development and innovative startups, helping position Can Tho City as a science and innovation center for the Mekong Delta.
Nguyen Van Khoi, vice chairman of the Can Tho People’s Committee, said science, technology, innovation and digital transformation were becoming drivers of local economic growth.
He added that the city aims to become a national growth pole by 2030 and play a leading role in the Mekong Delta region.
According to city authorities, Can Tho has signed 30 memorandums of understanding and connected with six domestic and foreign investment funds to support its innovation ecosystem.
The city has also supported 21 science and technology enterprises, 68 innovative startups and more than 190 startup projects.
Authorities have linked Can Tho City with five regional innovation networks and established 23 intermediary support organizations and six co-working spaces for startup activities.
Last year, the city set up the Can Tho Startup and Innovation Center. Authorities plan to develop the center into a regional coordination hub for the Mekong Delta’s innovation ecosystem, covering policy connections, regulatory sandbox mechanisms and public-private partnerships.
Nguyen Mai Duong, head of the State Agency for Technology and Innovation under the Ministry of Science and Technology, said technology and innovation were key factors in improving Vietnam’s competitiveness.
He called on Can Tho City to develop measurement systems to assess the contribution of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation to economic growth.
He also urged the city to adopt stronger policies to place businesses at the center of the innovation ecosystem, attract high-quality workers and develop financial tools such as venture capital funds for startups.
