Techfest DongNai 2021 – Promoting the Development of Local Innovation and Startup Activities.

Techfest DongNai 2021 carries the theme “Sharing – Connecting – Breaking Through.” Mr. Lại Thế Thông, Director of the Department of Science and Technology, stated:

“Following the orientation conference on innovative startups, Techfest DongNai is the second step in a series of activities aimed at promoting innovative startup activities across all sectors of society, building a startup culture, and strengthening the province’s innovation startup ecosystem.”

Techfest DongNai 2021 includes a variety of activities integrated with the introduction of startup and innovation projects from different groups such as youth, farmers, women, pupils, and students, as well as local OCOP products (One Commune One Product Program).

The event will also provide opportunities for exchange and learning among authors/co-authors who won awards in the Provincial Technical Innovation Contest, the Youth and Children Creativity Contest, and the Provincial High School Science and Engineering Competition. In addition, it will connect with startup projects from the Southeast region and across the country.

Running from November 17 to November 26, Techfest DongNai 2021 will host numerous seminars and panel discussions revolving around innovative startups. It will serve as a forum for all sectors of society to learn about mechanisms and policies that promote innovation and startups. At the same time, participants can share concerns, proposals, and ideas with authorities and government agencies to collectively contribute solutions for developing high-quality innovative startup activities.

To ensure innovative startup activities are focused and suitable for different target groups, Techfest DongNai 2021 conferences and seminars will cover multiple topics and be organized by various departments and agencies. Notably, within the framework of Techfest DongNai 2021, provincial leaders will hold a direct dialogue session with youth under the theme: “Youth Aspirations in Career Building and Entrepreneurship.”

As part of the event, there will be exhibitions showcasing startup products, award-winning products from various competitions, and OCOP products. A total of 70 booths will be set up by participating units. The exhibition will take place from 8:00 AM on November 24 to 4:00 PM on November 26.

Agencies, organizations, lecturers, and students wishing to attend are requested to register via the link below before November 15, 2021.

Registration link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtZmkMfiYRaYZMHu9IMcn1ty6TolqMEEzQyQTR-4kxHPy3lw/viewform?usp=sf_link

Coordination Among Multiple Departments and Agencies

Innovation and Startup Festivals have been organized several times in Dong Nai. However, this is the first time the event has been held on a large scale, with participation from multiple departments and agencies related to innovative startup activities.

Specifically:

• Youth-related events will be chaired by the Provincial Youth Union.

• Women-related events will be chaired by the Provincial Women’s Union.

• Farmer-related events will be chaired by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Farmers’ Union.

• Student-related events will be chaired by the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs.

Organized following the format of Techfest Vietnam, Techfest DongNai 2021 is expected to achieve positive outcomes. This is also a concrete step toward strengthening coordination among departments, agencies, units, and organizations to supplement and complete the innovation startup ecosystem.

Mr. Lại Thế Thông shared:

“Innovative startup activities have been promoted in recent years. However, while various units in the province have implemented related activities, they have not been closely connected. The Department of Science and Technology, as the standing body of the council, will take the lead in connecting, building, and supplementing additional components to complete the innovation startup ecosystem. For example, we need to develop a team of mentors, establish co-working spaces (startup incubators), and organize training programs to foster innovative thinking among those responsible for directing and implementing innovation startup activities.”

According to Mr. Thông, previously innovative startup activities were mainly carried out by the Department of Science and Technology. From now on, these activities will expand so that all relevant sectors, localities, and units can participate.

As the event spans several consecutive days and involves many participants, to ensure Covid-19 prevention and safety, in addition to limiting on-site attendance at the Department of Science and Technology to between 50–100 people per event, Techfest DongNai 2021 activities will be livestreamed on the Department’s communication channels (website, fanpage, YouTube) as well as those of coordinating agencies. Furthermore, the Department will apply 2D and 3D virtual reality technologies in product exhibitions.