Why did Dai Nam University organize this startup competition, and what has it created for young people after 6 years?

Entrepreneurship at Dai Nam University doesn't begin with the dream of becoming a CEO, nor does it end with a business plan. For the past six years, the university has consistently organized a platform where students can experiment, make mistakes, grow, and develop an entrepreneurial mindset linked to social responsibility. The Social Innovation Launch (SiL) is the clearest evidence of this educational orientation.

Starting a business at Dai Nam University: not about making a big deal, but about daring to begin.

In Dai Nam's understanding, entrepreneurship is, first and foremost, about creation. It's when a student dares to think differently, dares to act on an issue they care about, and dares to take responsibility for their own choices. A student working part-time at a coffee shop, if they only work shifts, that's just a job. But when they proactively think of ways to add to the menu, suggest new menu items, or improve the customer experience even without being assigned the task, that moment marks the beginning of the entrepreneurial spirit. It may seem small, but it's practical.

Therefore, Dai Nam is not looking for "future bosses." What the school wants is for each student to know how to get started.

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Why did Dai Nam University create a startup "game"?

Because if students only learn theory, they will be afraid of making mistakes.

But when they get to participate in a real game – with guidance, feedback, and limits, but still safe enough – they will understand their strengths, weaknesses, and what they need to learn next.

That game wasn't about choosing a winner, but about:

Activate an action-oriented mindset.

Develop the ability to learn through trial and error.

Cultivating a sense of responsibility towards the community.

That served as the foundation for Dai Nam University to initiate the Social Innovation Launch (SiL) in 2021.

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Social Innovation Launch - a startup focused on serving the community.

SiL is not just a student competition, but an experiential training model. Here, young people don't just generate ideas, but are placed into practical societal issues: education, healthcare, environment, technology, culture, tourism, etc.

Sharing her vision for this direction, Dao Thi Thu Giang, Rector of Dai Nam University, emphasized: " Higher education should not only impart knowledge but also create an environment for students to engage with real-world situations, learn how to solve social problems with creative and responsible thinking. The Social Innovation Launch is designed as a journey to develop professional skills and civic spirit in learners."

Six years of creation - six seasons of nationwide impact.

After 6 seasons (2021–2025), SiL has transcended the boundaries of a platform solely for Dai Nam University, becoming a community-oriented entrepreneurship hub for students nationwide, leaving a distinct mark:

Over 7,400 students participated.

Over 320 students advance to the official competition round.

Over 130 ideas were received and developed.

Nearly 140 businesses and organizations are participating.

220+ speakers, mentors, and expert advisors

46 training sessions, workshops, and mentoring sessions.

These figures not only show the scale, but also reflect an emerging ecosystem based on experience.

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Sil's value doesn't lie in the awards.

At Social Innovation Launch, rankings aren't the destination. The greatest value lies in the journey of growth: students learn how to analyze problems, design solutions, critically analyze, present, work in teams, and develop a sustainable entrepreneurial mindset.

Student Nguyen Huu Quan – Founder of the social enterprise "Dream of the Border Region," and SiL 2023 contestant – shared:

SiL gave me the first building blocks to lay the foundation for my business. More importantly, I learned how to create real value for the community, not just stop at an idea.

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From competitions to projects that come to life.

After 6 years, many projects originating from SiL have been implemented in practice or developed into businesses, notably:

CV Media, GAPViet, Border Region Dream, Carbon Vietnam, CadenceUS, Crystella… and projects implemented during the exam season such as Ride X, MealMaster, MindUp (Top 3 SiL 2025).

These projects demonstrate that SiL goes beyond mere ideas, truly becoming a launching pad for community-oriented startups.

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A game – a long-term educational strategy

Having been with SiL from its early days, Dam Quang Thang – Chairman of the National Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Innovation – commented:

Dai Nam University has created a meaningful platform where students can experience the very real demands of entrepreneurship and learn how to innovate responsibly.

Concluding its 6th season, the Social Innovation Launch not only marks a sustained journey but also affirms Dai Nam University's consistent choice: putting learners at the center, connecting classroom knowledge with social practice, and serving the community.

One game cannot instantly create a startup.

But after 6 years, Dai Nam has produced thousands of students who dare to start their own businesses.

And sometimes, just by starting, the future takes a completely different turn.