1. Startup Wheel – One of Southeast Asia’s Largest Startup Platforms

Startup Wheel is widely recognized as one of the most prominent startup competitions and innovation platforms in Southeast Asia. Organized by the Business Startup Support Centre (BSSC) in Ho Chi Minh City, the program aims to discover and support promising startups from Vietnam and around the world

Over the years, Startup Wheel has evolved into a vibrant meeting point for thousands of startups, investors, experts, and ecosystem partners. More than just a competition, it serves as a growth journey where startups receive exposure, mentorship, and access to global opportunities.

Key Highlights from Startup Wheel 2025

The 2025 edition marked an impressive milestone with strong international participation:

• 28 countries and territories involved
• 1,914 projects in the Vietnam Track
• 1,914 projects in the Vietnam Track

Participating startups represented a wide range of industries including technology, education, agriculture, e-commerce, sustainable production, and other innovative business models.

What Do Startups Gain from Startup Wheel?

Participating startups can benefit from several key opportunities:

1. Access to Investors

Startups have the chance to pitch their ideas to hundreds of venture capital funds, angel investors, and startup support organizations.

2. Professional Mentorship

Participants receive guidance from experienced mentors in areas such as business strategy, product development, marketing, and fundraising.

3. Startup Exhibition Opportunities

Selected startups can showcase their products and solutions at the Startup Exhibition, gaining visibility among investors, partners, and the broader business community.

4. Global Pitching and Networking

Through pitching sessions and networking events, startups can build valuable partnerships and expand their reach into regional and international markets.

Many startups have successfully secured investments or expanded their operations after participating in Startup Wheel.

📅 Application deadline for Startup Wheel 2026: March 15, 2026

👉 Apply here: https://startupwheel.vn/vi/dang-ky/

2. Shinhan Square Bridge Vietnam – Driving Social Innovation

Another notable initiative is Shinhan Square Bridge Vietnam 2026, a program designed to support startups working on innovative solutions that create positive social impact.

The program is funded by the Shinhan Financial Group Hope Foundation and implemented through United Way Worldwide, with coordination from MSD United Way Vietnam.

Over the past few years, Shinhan Square Bridge has become a recognized model for fostering collaboration between startups, corporations, and social organizations to develop solutions that address real societal challenges.

Five Years of Building an Innovation Ecosystem

The 2026 program marks the fifth year of implementation in Vietnam. During this time, numerous startups have been able to:

• Test their solutions in real-world environments
• Build partnerships with corporations and social organizations
• Expand their operations within the Vietnamese market
• Strengthen their innovation capabilities

The initiative promotes the concept of Social Open Innovation, where startups, businesses, social organizations, and communities collaborate to solve pressing social challenges through technology and innovation.

Focus Areas for Startup Solutions

Shinhan Square Bridge Vietnam 2026 is seeking startups working in the following sectors:

• EdTech – Education technology
• AgriTech – Agricultural innovation
• ClimateTech – Technology addressing environmental and climate challenges
• Digital Solutions for Social Impact – Digital technologies that generate meaningful social value

Benefits for Participating Startups

The program spans 10 months and offers a wide range of support opportunities:

1. Intensive Mentorship and Training

Startups receive guidance from experienced experts to refine their solutions and strengthen their business models.

2. Corporate and Partner Connections

Networking sessions allow startups to collaborate with organizations and explore partnership opportunities.

3. Proof of Concept (PoC) Implementation

Participants can test their solutions in real-life contexts, helping validate their effectiveness and scalability.

4. Demo Day and Investor Exposure

At the end of the program, startups present their results at Demo Day, connecting with investors and potential partners.

5. Potential Financial Support

Selected projects may receive financial assistance to further develop and scale their solutions.

📅 Application deadline: March 24, 2026 – 11:59 PM

👉 Apply here: https://livinglabvietnam.org/s2b2026/

3. Opportunities for the Startup Community – Especially Women Entrepreneurs

Programs like Startup Wheel and Shinhan Square Bridge are not only valuable platforms for technology startups but also for entrepreneurs across various sectors—from manufacturing and agriculture to education and sustainable business models.

For women entrepreneurs, these initiatives provide meaningful opportunities to access innovation ecosystems, learn from industry experts, connect with investors, and scale their businesses more effectively.

For women entrepreneurs, these initiatives provide meaningful opportunities to access innovation ecosystems, learn from industry experts, connect with investors, and scale their businesses more effectively.

If you are developing a startup or exploring an innovative idea, these programs could become a gateway to new opportunities.

The startup journey is never easy, but with the right ecosystem and support network, every entrepreneur has the chance to grow stronger, reach further, and make a lasting impact.

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