HCM CITY — HCM City aims to have 5,000 new innovative start-ups by 2030 and develop its start-up ecosystem, a conference organised by the HCM City Department of Science and Technology on April 3 heard.

Lâm Đình Thắng, Director of the department, said the city recognises science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as key drivers of growth.

The Politburo’s Decree 57-NQ/TW (dated 12 December 2024) on advancing science, technology, and innovation has supported the city in implementing its development strategies, he said.

HCM City accounts for more than half of the country’s start-ups.

According to global innovation economy research platform Startup Blink, it ranks 111th out of 1,000 cities in the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Index and third in Southeast Asia after Singapore and Jakarta.

HCM City aims to break into the top 100 by 2030 and become a regional and international start-up powerhouse.

Over the next five years it plans to double its number of innovative start-ups, adding 5,000 new businesses. It also aims to increase patent applications and patent protection certificates by approximately 16–18 per cent per year.

The city will refine support policies to streamline administrative procedures, facilitate funding access and safeguard intellectual property, enhance technology infrastructure, expand its network of research centres and start-up hubs, and strengthen workforce development through training programmes while attracting experts from other provinces.

A startup hub will open in District 3 in May to serve as a breeding ground for innovative ideas and help businesses access the latest investment policies.

It will connect universities, research institutes and businesses to develop Industry 4.0 technology platforms, offer services for new businesses and carry out research, pilot programmes and technology transfer initiatives.

Thắng reaffirmed the city’s strong commitment to these goals and its intent to routinely seek feedback from businesses.

Experts discussed key topics like policies necessary to mobilise funds, positioning the city’s start-up ecosystem and strengthening its global connections.

Nguyễn Hương Quỳnh, CEO of BambuUp, a platform connecting innovative start-ups, emphasised the need for large businesses and corporations to engage with this ecosystem and support start-ups.

The Startup & Innovation Hub of HCM City also announced recruitment and incubation programmes for innovative start-ups in 2025, focusing on fields such as artificial intelligence, fintech, education technology and public-sector innovation.

These programmes will provide new businesses with financial aid, consultancy, training, and networking opportunities. — VNS