UII Demo Day 2023: Fostering Connections in the Startup Ecosystem

UII Demo Day is an annual event designed to facilitate meetings between UII community startups and potential investors and partners in the startup ecosystem across Vietnam and Southeast Asia. UII Demo Day 2023 was a resounding success, attracting over 60 attendees and fostering numerous valuable connections for the UII startup community.

UII Demo Day 2023

A Gathering of the Innovation Community

On December 8th, 2023, UII Demo Day was held in collaboration with Sunwah Innovation Center - a hub for fostering innovation under Sunwah Group Vietnam, with notable initiatives supporting the startup community. The event welcomed over 60 guests, including partners, startup companies, angel investors, and venture capital funds such as ITI Fund, Earth Venture Capital, Fram Ventures, K Capital Group, Quest Ventures, Incom, as well as individual investors.

Also present at the event was Associate Professor Dr. Trịnh Thùy Anh, Vice Rector of UEH College of Technology and Design and Vice Chair of the Southern National Startup Council. In her opening remarks, Dr. Thùy Anh congratulated the startups and expressed her hope for their future development. She emphasized the vital role UEH, particularly the UEH Institute of Innovation, plays in contributing meaningful value to the startup community.

Dr. Trịnh Thùy Anh delivers opening remarks at UII Demo Day 2023

In light of the challenges startups face in raising funds due to difficult economic conditions, events like UII Demo Day 2023 serve as a catalyst for networking and exchange among the various stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem. This event paves the way for potential partnerships and collaborations while fostering the exchange of knowledge, technology, and creative ideas. It contributes to building a vibrant and sustainable startup community.

A representative from Sunwah Innovation Center delivers remarks at the event

Photo: UII Demo Day 2023

Numerous Potential Projects Attract Investors

At UII Demo Day 2023, ten of the most prominent startups from the UII community were showcased. These startups included Beloved & Beyond, TagEdu, GOVO, Bác Sĩ Ơi, Holo Speak, EduBin, Prosus, Naroma, Nextfit, and Hololab. These companies span a wide range of industries, applying advanced technologies at various stages of development, but all with the same goal: securing investment to realize their growth plans.

The presentations by these startups impressed investors with their potential business models and persuasive pitching skills. Many investors expressed excitement and confidence in the growth prospects of these startups, sharing their positive impressions with UII.

Photo: UII Demo Day 2023

Another highly anticipated activity at the event, Speed Dating, also received positive feedback. This session allowed investors interested in learning more about specific startups to engage in in-depth discussions on the spot. Notably, the event recorded 12 direct meetings, with Prosus and Hololab receiving the most attention from investors.

Photo: UII Demo Day 2023

For the startups, these meetings are a valuable opportunity to build strategic relationships, laying the groundwork for future investments and collaborations. For the investors, it is a chance to delve deeper into the business models, profitability, and the founders' capabilities—critical factors when evaluating and deciding on suitable investment opportunities.

A Launchpad for Future Opportunities

Overall, UII Demo Day 2023 successfully met its objectives: creating opportunities for UII startups to connect with investors and potential partners, fostering meaningful relationships, and giving startups a chance to reflect on their entrepreneurial journey and prepare for the next stages of growth.

The UII team would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the investors, startups, partners, media outlets, and entrepreneurial organizations who have accompanied, supported, and contributed to the overall success of the program. With the event growing in scale and continuously improving in organization, the success of UII Demo Day 2023 serves as a powerful motivation for UEH Institute of Innovation to continue its mission of supporting and promoting the development of the startup ecosystem in Vietnam.

UEH Institute of Innovation