Announcement of Project Selection for the Innovation Startup Incubator Program – UII Incubation Program Intake 2/2020

I. Program Overview

The Incubation Program at UII aims to create opportunities and provide benefits to the UEH community, while also spreading the entrepreneurial spirit more broadly across society.

UII's incubator offers opportunities for all startups to pursue their business plans. By participating in this program, we empower and motivate the next generation of entrepreneurs by connecting them with a network of mentors and experts, providing 1-on-1 training, and offering comprehensive startup incubation services.

The goal of the UII Incubator is to "build a sustainable launchpad for future successful companies." If you missed the first intake of the UII Incubator Program Project Selection, don’t hesitate to apply for this second intake of 2020. Let UII accompany you in creating your success story for the future.

Incubation Program:

After successfully passing the selection round, projects/ideas will join a 12-month incubation program at UII. Your project will go through five phases, during which you will receive knowledge and practical skills to apply in building your startup. At each development stage, the program will monitor the project’s progress based on its key performance indicators (KPIs) and assist in overcoming challenges.

Graduation Requirements: During the 12-month incubation period, a project will be considered eligible for graduation when it achieves the following milestones:

• A prototype/demo product or service within 6 months from the start of the program;

• A comprehensive pitch deck (project introduction materials);

• Connection to suitable startup acceleration programs or financial resources (based on the project’s KPIs).

1. Mentorship and Consultancy: Each project will be connected to a mentor (UEH lecturers, successful alumni entrepreneurs, angel investors, etc.) for a 1-hour session per week. The main activities between the mentor and the project include:

• Evaluating ideas/business models;

• Guiding the completion of the business plan;

• Assisting with challenges encountered during project implementation.

In addition, projects can meet weekly with Seedplanter@UII to update progress and engage in “Speed-Dating” sessions with guest mentors.

2. Training and Advisory Activities: Projects will be equipped with knowledge from UEH faculty and experienced trainers, who will apply their expertise directly to the startups. Founders will be inspired to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, while project members will receive tailored theoretical and practical knowledge through each stage of the incubation program, including:

• Building and evaluating business models;

• Market testing;

• Developing financial models;

• Fundraising and pitching to investors.

3. Networking, Partner Introductions, and Market Access Support: Projects will be connected to investors and experts who will help them refine their business models and become competitive in today’s market. Key activities include:

• Connecting projects with the startup ecosystem through competitions, events, conferences, and boot camps;

• Opportunities to access early-stage investment, sponsorship, joint ventures, and acceleration programs at the end of the incubation phase;

• Participation in international exchange programs.

4. Media Support: Successful startup stories from the program will be featured on media outlets such as VOH (Startup and Innovation segment) and HTV7 (Innovation Startup Boost).

* Benefits for participating projects:

• Free workspace at the UEH Institute of Innovation for up to 4 official members during the 12-month incubation;

• Access to meeting rooms, team spaces, and areas for meeting partners or customers;

• Free participation in training programs, workshops, and events organized by UEH’s Institute of Innovation.

II. Project Selection Process

1. Priority Areas for Selection in 2020:

UII encourages applicants to highlight these focus areas in their applications to help the evaluation panel make informed selections based on the project's vision:

• Digital Transformation:

• Solutions related to digital technologies;

• Building ecosystems and business models based on cloud computing;

• Applying information technology to develop the Internet of Things (IoT) network;

• Utilizing big data and automation;

• Software applications for enterprises to optimize processes;

• Implementing service platforms for smart cities and urban development.

• Sustainable Development: Inspiring new business ideas and innovative approaches for building a sustainable future, aligned with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2. Evaluation Criteria:

• Founding Team:

• Possesses leadership qualities and commitment to the business idea;

• Displays long-term vision and good strategy, minimizing short-term risks;

• Ability to self-learn;

• At least one team member must work full-time on the project for the next six months.

• Business Model:

• High feasibility;

• Technology-based foundation;

• Clear development strategy;

• Positive social impact.

3. Application and Selection Process:

Submit your application directly here.

For any questions about the program, please contact the UEH Institute of Innovation via email at uii@ueh.edu.vn or directly contact Mr. Tran Cao Tri – Program Coordinator (+84-902-989 690).