UEH Hosts Delegation from the Austrian Embassy and Global Incubator Network (GIN): Fostering Cooperation and Connecting the Vietnam-Austria Innovation Ecosystems

12 Mar, 2026

On the afternoon of March 9, 2026, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) was honored to host a delegation from the Austrian Embassy in Vietnam and the Global Incubator Network (GIN), along with Austrian startups, as part of the "UEH & Austria Startup Exchange" program. The event aimed to promote bilateral cooperation in innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer between Vietnam and Austria.

The program was attended by Mr. Philipp Agathonos – Ambassador of Austria to Vietnam; Mr. Stefan Stantejsky – Austrian Commercial Counsellor; representatives from the Global Incubator Network (GIN); and five Austrian startups.

From UEH, attendees included: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung – UEH Interim President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Thuy Anh – Rector of the UEH College of Technology and Design (CTD); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Duong Phuong Thao – Deputy Head of the Department of Research, Development and Global Engagement; along with leaders from the Institute of Innovation, representatives from investment funds, and seven startup companies incubated at the UEH Institute of Innovation Incubator.

An overview of the working and reception session at UEH Campus A

Promoting connections for cooperation opportunities to develop UEH's innovation ecosystem

During the program, the delegates held an open discussion on opportunities for bilateral cooperation in education, innovation, and startup ecosystem development. The discussion focused on the potential for research collaboration and technology transfer, particularly in the fields of digital transformation, new technologies, creative design, and business model innovation. Through the academic and business networks of both countries, applied research projects can be developed and tested in real-world environments, thereby promoting the commercialization of research outcomes.

Mr. Philipp Agathonos, Ambassador of Austria to Vietnam, delivering his welcome remarks

Another key topic was connecting the networks of startups, investment funds, and enterprises between Vietnam and Austria. The parties agreed that building a bridge between the two startup ecosystems would open up numerous opportunities for cooperation, from sharing experiences in product development and fundraising strategies to accessing new markets through an international partner network.

The Austrian Embassy delegation, representatives from the Global Incubator Network (GIN), and five Austrian startups were in discussion at the working session

At the meeting, UEH proposed support programs for Austrian startups looking to explore and develop in the Vietnamese market. Accordingly, Austrian startups can work at UEH's innovation spaces, connect with the university's network of experts, faculty, and businesses, and collaborate with UEH students through practical projects and internship programs. In return, GIN representatives introduced opportunities for UEH startups to broaden their international perspective, participate in acceleration programs, and access the European market.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung speaking at the working session

Speaking at the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung expressed his appreciation for the visit and highlighted the program's significance in strengthening bilateral cooperation. With a strong aspiration to connect the startup ecosystems of Austria and Vietnam, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung proposed promoting practical exchange programs, creating conditions for Vietnamese startups, especially those from the UEH incubator, with opportunities to study and engage in technology transfer in Austria. He also affirmed that UEH is always ready to welcome Austrian startups to explore and develop in the Vietnamese market. This is seen as a strategic step to access advanced knowledge, foster an innovation mindset, and bring UEH's potential solutions to the international market, contributing to further strengthening the friendship between the two countries.

Practical Insights into Vietnam's Innovation Startup Ecosystem

The program also provided practical insights into Vietnam's startup and investment ecosystem through in-depth sharing sessions from founders and investors.

Mr. Thinh Pham, CEO of STEAMax (a startup incubated at the UEH Institute of Innovation), shared his experiences in developing a startup in an international environment and how foreign startups can effectively connect with Vietnam's innovation ecosystem.

Mr. Khiem Tran, Partner at Expara Ventures Vietnam, presented a comprehensive overview of the venture capital ecosystem in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, along with investment trends and fundraising strategies for international startups.

Mr. Thinh Pham, CEO of STEAMax, presenting on "Bridging Borders"

Mr. Khiem Tran, Partner at Expara Ventures Vietnam, sharing on "Navigating Capital"

Additionally, a Flash Pitch Session provided an opportunity for Austrian startups to quickly introduce their products and solutions and connect directly with Vietnamese startups, investment funds, and business partners. Participating entities included Artsip, Zimt, Altitude Advisory Solutions (RECO), and NoxAvis Tech Solutions (HeliDoc), offering solutions in technology, mental health, business consulting, and digital technology.

Austrian startups sharing their developing projects

Projects currently being incubated at the UII Innovation Incubator participating in the exchange session

Through direct exchange and networking activities, the program not only created a collaborative forum but also continued to affirm UEH's role as a key connection point in the international innovation startup ecosystem in Vietnam. The event also opens up many prospects for practical cooperation between UEH and its Austrian partners, contributing to the promotion of academic connectivity, technology transfer, and the development of a global-oriented innovation ecosystem.