innovation

Center for Research on Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Digital Economy (IEDE) – Trung tâm Đổi mới sáng tạo và Kinh tế số  established in 2017 by KisImpact.

With the goal of promoting the development of the digital economy and building a vibrant innovation-driven startup ecosystem, IEDE is tasked with closely collaborating with partners to implement research, training, coaching, and investment connection programs that create long-term and impactful results within the entrepreneurial community.

We are honored to introduce the center's logo on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of KisStartup. The logo features a modern design with stylized letters “IEDE” in blue tones, symbolizing hope and the transformative power of technology for the future. A key highlight of the logo is a lightbulb integrated into the letter “D”, representing continuous creativity and innovation.

Accompanied by the slogan “Turning Insights into Innovation”, IEDE aspires to transform deep market and customer insights into breakthrough innovation, leveraging available resources to foster the growth of the digital innovation startup ecosystem. With a mission to advance research and application in innovation, IEDE positions itself as a pioneering force in the development of Vietnam’s digital economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Over its 8 years of operation, IEDE has conducted both academic research and internationally published studies, as well as commissioned research for organizations and enterprises. Additionally, IEDE has partnered with universities and researchers to pursue deeper studies in innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation. The center also continues to nurture a young team of researchers, contributing to the formation of insightful and highly practical knowledge for Vietnam’s startup ecosystem and international collaboration. 

Center for Impact Innovation and Sustainability (CIIS) – The Center for Impact Innovation and Sustainability, under Kis Impact, was established in 2020.

With a mission to promote innovation and develop sustainable business models in Vietnam, CIIS focuses on addressing specific challenges faced by businesses while also implementing projects that generate positive social and environmental impacts. This is achieved through collaboration with both domestic and international partners, building networks, and enhancing innovation capacity within the business community.

The CIIS logo features a circle formed by gradient green leaves, symbolizing sustainable growth, connection, and the spread of positive impact. The leaves are arranged from light to dark shades, resembling a cyclical motion that reflects the continuous movement of innovation and impact-driven initiatives. This design embodies CIIS's mission to promote innovation activities closely linked with sustainability values and positive community impact. Beneath the logo is the slogan “Design Innovation Delivery Impact”, where “Design Innovation” is highlighted in orange-yellow to represent creativity and innovation, while “Delivery Impact” in green reflects the commitment to delivering practical and sustainable impacts—not only for the environment but also for society as a whole.

Over nearly five years of operation, CIIS has conducted research on innovation and sustainable business model development, implemented local capacity-building programs, and carried out commissioned projects from domestic and international partners. It has also developed training materials on circular economy entrepreneurship and innovation-driven startups in cultural heritage. CIIS aims to become a bridge connecting startups, researchers, businesses, and international organizations to promote high-impact innovation solutions that address social and environmental challenges—towards building a sustainable and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

On December 17, 2024, at the seminar “Directions and Solutions for Preserving and Promoting Rituals and Ritual Folk Songs of the Dao People in Vietnam in the Age of Industry 4.0” organized by the Lao Cai Branch of Thai Nguyen University and the Lao Cai General Museum under the framework of the Vingroup Project, Ms. Nguyễn Đặng Tuấn Minh, representing KisStartup, KisImpact, and the Business Incubator, delivered an important presentation on developing new business models based on cultural heritage, digital technology, and entrepreneurship.

Key Highlights of the Presentation

The presentation emphasized the role of new business models in creating and enhancing value from cultural heritage through the following key points:

• A business model is a way to create and capture value.
• A new business model is a method to generate new value and receive new returns.
• When applied to cultural heritage, the new business model includes:
  1. Refreshing current business models by enhancing value through cultural and heritage elements combined with digital technology.
  2. Developing entirely new business models based on cultural heritage, leveraging digital technology to create unique competitive advantages.

Vietnam's Global Potential

KisStartup highlighted Vietnam’s immense potential in combining cultural heritage with digital technology and entrepreneurship:

• Vietnam ranks 24th out of 89 countries for its richness in heritage (according to U.S. News & World Report).
• Vietnam ranks 56th in cultural influence worldwide.
• Vietnam ranks 43rd out of 89 countries for having a dynamic startup ecosystem.

With its rich cultural heritage and a rapidly developing startup ecosystem, Vietnam is well-positioned to pioneer the development of innovative and sustainable business models based on cultural heritage. This approach creates new values and enhances competitiveness in the Industry 4.0 era.

Under the IDAP Project (Inclusive Digital Acceleration Program) to enhance the inclusive digital transformation ecosystem in Lao Cai and Son La, KisStartup has also witnessed significant transformations in various business models during the digital transformation process.

The presentation by the representative of KisStartup, KisImpact, and the Business Incubator provided a new perspective and proposed many practical solutions for preserving and promoting cultural heritage, particularly that of the Dao people, and Vietnam in general. Integrating digital technology and entrepreneurial spirit into the cultural sector not only preserves traditional values but also creates sustainable and unique business opportunities for the future. 

KisStartup's AI4Innovation project was born to meet the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) applications and data management in businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups. For these businesses, AI is not only an innovation tool but also the key to enhancing competitiveness, optimizing operational processes, and expanding scale sustainably.

AI and data now play an extremely important role in:

Understanding and predicting customer behavior.
Optimizing production processes and supply chain management.
Increasing the effectiveness of marketing strategies and personalizing user experiences.
Therefore, AI4Innovation has been designed with the vision of accompanying businesses on the journey of effectively applying AI, from improving knowledge about technology to implementing practical solutions. The project includes:

Group AI training program:

Businesses will learn about AI tools and techniques, from basic to advanced, such as customer analytics using big data. A practical example is helping businesses use AI to predict trends and adjust business strategies.
Intensive 1:1 coaching:

Businesses will receive personalized support through private coaching sessions, helping them implement AI into their actual operations. For example, a manufacturing business can be guided on how to automate its supply chain using AI to improve demand forecasting and reduce costs.
Developing a specialized service package on AI and data:

The project also offers customized service packages, from consulting on implementing AI in the manufacturing process to data analysis for marketing. For example, an e-commerce startup can use AI to develop a product recommendation system, optimize customer experience and increase conversion rates.
With AI4Innovation, KisStartup hopes to support businesses in optimizing processes, enhancing team capacity and developing innovative values, thereby growing sustainably and long-term.

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Based on some information and statistics on the application of AI and data to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the world today:

1. AI application rate in SMEs:
- About 29% of small businesses have applied AI[4].
- 68% of large companies use at least one AI technology, compared to 15% of small businesses[9].
- In China, 58% of companies have deployed AI and 30% are exploring the application of AI[9].
2. Benefits of AI for SMEs:
- AI can help increase revenue from 6% to 10% for businesses[5].
- Companies using AI for sales can increase the number of leads by more than 50%, reduce call times by 60-70% and reduce costs by 40-60%[11].
- AI can add $500 billion in value to SMEs globally[10].
3. Popular AI applications in SMEs:
- 47% of small businesses use AI to create content for email marketing and advertising
- The most popular AI applications are virtual assistants, recommendation systems and machine learning[2].
- 52% of small and medium businesses use AI for social media, 44% for content creation and 41% for email marketing[11].
4. Challenges in applying AI:
- 37% of businesses say lack of expertise is the main problem when applying AI[4].
- Data security, high costs and potential learning curves are the biggest concerns of SMEs about AI[11].
5. Future Trends:
- The global AI market is expected to reach USD 641.3 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 36.1% from 2021 to 2028[4].
- 41% of small businesses are developing an AI strategy for the future[4].
Overall, although the adoption rate of AI in SMEs is still lower than that of large businesses, the trend is increasing rapidly due to the increasing awareness of the benefits of AI. SMEs are using AI mainly in the fields of marketing, customer service and data analytics to improve operational efficiency and increase revenue.

KisStartup is honored to have accompanied the "Ready to Export (R2E)" program over the past two years, sponsored by the Dutch Business Association Vietnam (DBAV) and led by ASSIST. The program aims to enhance the capacity of Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to become long-term partners in the value chain of foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises, Dutch companies, and multinational enterprises (MNEs), contributing to building competitive and reliable Vietnamese SME trade partners.

On August 9th, the first class for businesses in the Northern region officially took place. Our joy lies in accompanying SMEs on their continuous journey to bring "Made in Vietnam" products to the global market. A special feature of this year's class is that, under the guidance of KisStartup, businesses have utilized artificial intelligence (AI) tools in export activities. AI can strongly support businesses in market research, customer understanding, and identifying truly quality export pathways. For the first time, we also introduced the SATTO tool—an export readiness measurement tool developed by KisStartup in collaboration with Vinno. The questions and concerns of business owners when faced with changing their business models to better prepare for the bigger challenge called Export; their enthusiasm and eagerness when engaging with new tools; and the connections formed within the small community after the class have created memorable values for us over the past two R2E seasons.

The program will take place every Friday for 10 weeks, covering various topics that help businesses equip themselves with the necessary management, operational, and export skills. Classes are organized in Hanoi for Northern businesses and in Ho Chi Minh City for Southern businesses. For detailed program information, please refer to the link: https://www.readytoexport.org/

Yesterday afternoon (June 12, 2024), a workshop jointly organized by KisStartup and ADN Communications Company provided valuable information and knowledge on effectively implementing ESG for businesses.
During the workshop, speaker Nguyen Diem Anh (CEO & Founder of ADN Communications Company) highlighted the importance of ESG in the context of globalization. ESG helps businesses meet the requirements and expectations of stakeholders such as governments, customers, investors, and partners. However, pursuing ESG presents challenges such as information overload and high initial costs. To avoid getting "lost" in the matrix of ESG frameworks and standards, businesses need to clearly define their goals based on their industry, scale, and current situation. Mrs. Diễm Anh introduced a 7-step model for implementing ESG, starting with simple steps like ensuring commitment and consistency within the company.

Later in the workshop, speaker Nguyen Dang Tuan Minh (CEO & Founder of KisStartup) shared insights on the differences between the business models (BM) of companies pursuing ESG principles and traditional businesses. According to her, as you pursue ESG principles, a company's business model will change in goals, scope, stakeholders, transparency reporting and creative innovation. Therefore, businesses need to thoroughly analyze their BM to identify the associated benefits and costs of pursuing ESG, enabling them to develop appropriate strategies.

We look forward to seeing you again in the next training session and hope to continue receiving your enthusiastic support.
If you are interested, please:
Register via the form: https://forms.gle/qnwvxwtBQKhXPzAX9;
Access the project's brochure: 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yOpw3kyZnYu5SR83_nDfz9MhL0eeogTg/view
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Any questions please contact:
Email: hello@kisstartup.com/hieult.kis startup@gmail.com
Hotline: +84.392161403 (Mr. Hieu)

The first training session was successfully completed and brought about certain positive effects, as the ESG concept is currently of great interest to many guests, including business owners and experts. During the training session, speaker Nguyen Diem Anh (CEO & Founder of ADN Communications Company) discussed the concepts, standards, reference frameworks, and analyzed the importance of ESG compliance to the attendees. From this, the following conclusions were drawn.

• ESG is not optional but mandatory  for businesses in the context of globalization
• Depending on the field and characteristics, each business will have different ESG compliance strategies and reference frameworks
• The commitment from the leaders and managers plays a crucial role in ESG compliance.

During the discussion, participants (including business owners, lecturers, and consulting service providers) and the speaker discussed the importance of educating and training the younger generation (students) about ESG. Businesses should not only regard providing internship opportunities to students as fulfilling a community responsibility but also recognize that the younger generation will play a crucial role in the sustainable development of businesses in the future. Therefore, businesses and universities should proactively collaborate to not only teach theoretical knowledge but also apply students' ESG knowledge in practice.
In the next three training sessions, the speaker will provide knowledge and experiences on:

• Integrating ESG to increase competitiveness for businesses;
• Practicing ESG in the financial sector and export sector;
• Practice and Application of ESG in branding for businesses;

If you are interested, please:
Register via the form: Register via the form: https://forms.gle/qnwvxwtBQKhXPzAX9;
Access the project's brochure: 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yOpw3kyZnYu5SR83_nDfz9MhL0eeogTg/view
—------------------------------
Any questions please contact:
Email: hello@kisstartup.com/hieult.kisstartup@gmail.com
Hotline: +84.392161403 (Mr. Hieu)

As always, the beginning of a new year is a time for our team to reflect on the results of the previous year and to prepare for the plans ahead. Here are some key metrics that we would like to share:

• 32: Number of events, including both in-person and online
• 44: Training sessions
• 126: Consulting and coaching sessions
• 3: New international markets: Japan, Canada
• 42: Programs designed and operated by KisStartup and KisImpact
• 9: Mentor-mentee pairs established in the SME 1on1 mentoring program
• 125: Networking community of businesses, startups, and investors, both domestic and international

For us, numbers are not just a reflection of success and failure. They are also a source of lessons and new ideas. We use them to improve our weaknesses and to be bolder in our changes.

To our partners, colleagues, and customers, we hope that these numbers provide a glimpse into our work and accomplishments. They are not the whole story, but they are a starting point for building trust and collaboration in the years to come.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the network of partners and collaborators in the KisStartup ecosystem for their tremendous efforts and support. We could not quantify their contributions, since they are invaluable.

From the KisStartup team.
 

Innovation Mindset & Tools at Hanoi University of Industry is part of a cooperation program between the Youth Union of Hanoi University of Industry (SIP HAUI Club) and VinTech city. In this program, KisStartup acts as a professional training unit for not only students who have a startup project or idea but also teachers in the school with the desire to create core lecturers who can sponsor, support and directly supervise ideas or projects coming out of Hanoi University of Industry.

The intensive training program took place in 04 sessions and ended in the afternoon on November 17, 2019. The end of this training program is the opening of the next 03 months of support for the 05 most potential projects selected under the direct supervision of the source lecturer and KisStartup.

KisStartup hopes this is the beginning of the university's journey in fostering innovation and strong support for the students themselves.

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On November 18, 2019, KisStartup officially signed a cooperation agreement with Minh Tri Startup Youth Fund. Through this, KisStartup and the Minh Tri Startup Youth Fund will cooperate to either finance or sponsor the business projects of young people living or working in Cau Giay District. The collaboration aims to support projects with innovative business models located in the area and focusing on agriculture or service sectors.

In this role, KisStartup will assist in reviewing, selecting and connecting startup projects according to the criteria set out for the Minh Tri Startup Youth Fund . At the same time, KisStartup will help foster skills and capability in operation for the fund's staff, coordinate with partners to supervise projects when financial and / or investment support is received.

Forms of the Minh Tri Startup Youth Fund in Cau Giay District include:

• Financial support at a maximum of USD 2500

• Invest in implemented projects, have revenue, manage costs and are in need of capital to complete and develop. The total investment capital is from USD 5000 to USD 10000.

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About the Minh Tri Startup Youth Fund:

Minh Tri Fund was established under Decision No. 4656 / QD-UBND dated August 26, 2016 of the Hanoi People's Committee on the establishment and recognition of the Charter of Minh Tri Startup Youth Fund in Cau Giay District, Ho Chi Minh City. Hanoi. With the principle and purpose of operation is a social fund, Minh Tri Fund was born to encourage, encourage and provide financial support for ideas, production and business projects of youth (from 16 to 35 age) or youth organizations within Cau Giay District (Hanoi City).

See more information about the Minh Tri Startup Youth Fund at: https://www.quyminhtri.com/

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