Launching an ecosystem to support social innovation startups for VNU-USSH students

Social science and humanities students have many advantages in social innovation startups, but still face major challenges in terms of limited technological skills as well as lack of foundation and orientation in entrepreneurship and innovation. Support from partners in the startup ecosystem will help build a sustainable foundation, concretizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
After the success of the scientific seminar "Challenges of social innovation in the current context and startup opportunities for students of social sciences and humanities" held on January 8, 2025 at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-USSH), the Institute of Policy and Management (IPAM) signed a cooperation agreement with partners to create a network and startup ecosystem for students of social sciences and humanities.
- IPAM signed an agreement with: Vietnam Impact Startup Incubator and Accelerator - VISIA, i3 Networks System Joint Stock Company, Citizen Developer Company Limited - Citizen Developer on the cooperation in implementing the Zoho Young Creator Program (YCP) - a global Youth Innovation Initiative designed to empower future business leaders in Vietnam who wish to contribute to the National Strategy for Digital Economy and Digital Society (Decision No. 411/QD-TTg) of the Prime Minister. The main cooperation content focuses on supporting the development of startup models and applying technology platforms to students, focusing on impact startup models at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Hanoi.

- Cooperation agreement with Vietnam Creative Startup Fund Investment and Development Joint Stock Company to jointly research, develop and implement a project to incubate startup projects, including the goal of creating 500 young entrepreneurs in the cultural industry within 10 years.

- STG Center for Research, Consulting and Training on Local Development on the issue of Developing Innovative Startup Ecosystems and Impact Economic Models in Universities.

- The next cooperation agreement is with the Vietnam Innovation Hub Network VIH HANOI to promote activities related to the Startup Ecosystem, digital transformation and open innovation in the technology sector associated with economic development and environmental protection; piloting and testing new economic technology models, creative digital economy, digital transformation, through businesses and startup projects, especially projects from students and alumni of USSH.

- The next cooperation agreement is with the founder of OPENNEZT, the main content is related to startup development and startup communication, organizing seminars and events to share experiences and knowledge related to finding co-founders and building startup teams.

Launching R2SI Program for VNU-USSH students

With the desire to increase the participation of teachers and students of social sciences and humanities in solving social and environmental challenges in the current context through innovative solutions and business projects, realizing cooperation contents, the Institute of Policy and Management built and officially launched the R2SI Program to create an incubation space for future social innovation entrepreneurs in Vietnam.

Road2Social Innovator (R2SI) is a social-focused open innovation promotion program for students, aiming to equip them with social innovation thinking, knowledge and skills (Identify urgent social issues and design sustainable solutions); Promote sustainable entrepreneurship (Explore startup opportunities, develop social business models with sustainable impact) and Build a network connecting students with social impact businesses, non-governmental organizations, startup support organizations and investors, connecting students from different fields in interdisciplinary projects.
The program emphasizes tapping the potential of social sciences and humanities students, while enhancing their adaptability to digital transformation, inspiring sustainable entrepreneurship and social innovation thinking.
The program is an initiative of the Institute of Policy and Management of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, attracting the attention and support of many units inside and outside the university such as the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, the University's Student Association, VNFund, YCP, STG, Vietnam Impact Startup Incubator and Accelerator (VISIA); i3 Networks System Joint Stock Company; Citizen Developer Company Limited, Vietnam Citizen Development Company Limited, Vietnam Startup Association, OpenNezt and other partners in the Vietnam Innovation Startup Ecosystem.
 

The program will be implemented in 4 phases with very specific goals, messages and action plans:

Phase 1: Discover “Social innovator - who you are?” - Discover personal values ​​and the power of innovation

Phase 2: Challenge to Innovate

Phase 3: USSH Launchpad - USSH Launchpad

Phase 4: Impact the World – Bringing Innovation to Market

In addition to training courses, workshops, talkshows, innovation tours on self-employment, Nocode, aims to equip knowledge and skills on entrepreneurship, within the framework of the program, students will be supported with tools, skills, and resources to turn ideas to solve social challenges, problems ordered from businesses into feasible projects that can be brought to market, creating real social impacts and economic value.
These activities not only build a sustainable startup foundation for students but also contribute to affirming USSH's commitment to the sustainable development goals (SDGs), while creating additional value for Impact Ranking, enhancing the school's position and reputation on the international education map.
This is a great opportunity for Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities students to directly participate in the creative startup ecosystem right at the school, to have the opportunity to fully develop their strengths, to turn knowledge, skills, and methods of the Social Sciences and Humanities majors that have been trained in a systematic and in-depth manner into ideas and successful startup projects that bring value to themselves and the community. With the participation of many students from all majors in the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the cooperation of organizations and businesses, the Program's Executive Board expects that in the first year of implementation, there will be 10 projects of Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities students incubated and at least 3 projects will receive investment and have products on the market.

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