KisStartup

Digital Transformation (DT) is no longer just about applying technology; it is increasingly seen as a journey of growth that enhances the self-learning ability of business owners. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the capacity for continuous and independent learning is a key factor to adapt to a volatile market and to drive strategic decision-making (McKinsey, 2023). Drawing on experience from projects implemented by KisStartup in Vietnam, this article highlights how DT – especially through Artificial Intelligence (AI) – empowers entrepreneurs to strengthen their self-learning skills, which in turn directly reshapes their strategic choices.

 

Self-directed learning has long been considered an important ability for organizations to adapt (Knowles, 1975). In the digital age, the integration of AI tools turns learning activities from passive intake into an active process of exploration and strategic reflection. Instead of asking “What is this concept?”, business owners gradually learn to search by themselves, experiment, and test strategic options through digital platforms.

Recent studies confirm that AI not only automates processes but also creates personalized learning environments for managers and employees. Platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, Coursera for Business, and Udemy Business have applied AI algorithms to analyze learning progress, detect knowledge gaps, and suggest suitable skill paths (MISA, 2023). This shortens the time to acquire new capabilities and at the same time promotes the adjustment of business strategies.

AI and Business Effectiveness

Adoption rate and learning effectiveness
Global surveys show that the rate of AI adoption in business management has increased rapidly. According to IBM, Forbes, and McKinsey, the percentage of businesses applying AI rose from 33% in 2022 to 72% in 2024 (SkillsBridge, 2023). Another study of 7,500 companies showed that 35% had integrated AI into their processes, while 42% were experimenting (IBM, 2023).

The effect on learning is very clear. AI-based training systems can detect skill gaps, forecast progress, and adjust the curriculum accordingly (AMIS, 2024). Thanks to this, business owners develop a habit of guided self-learning, which is both repetitive and evidence-based.

Performance and strategic innovation
AI-based automation brings significant improvements in performance:

• Businesses report a 20–30% increase in labor productivity thanks to data analysis and decision support (McKinsey Global Institute, 2023).

• In customer service, AI helps increase productivity 1.71 times while reducing staff from 600 to 350 people (Nhân Dân, 2024).

• The application of AI in work management saves an average of 5.4% of weekly working time (~2.2 hours per employee) (Louis, 2024).

These numbers show that AI not only optimizes processes but also creates conditions for employees to focus more on strategic activities, giving business owners more space for critical thinking and strategic innovation.

Cost optimization and human resource development
AI also helps reduce operating costs by up to 25% (Gartner, 2023). This saving allows SMEs to reinvest in training and innovation. When AI is integrated into human resource management and development, entrepreneurs themselves become active learners, ready to test different pricing scenarios, market strategies, and partnership models.

KisStartup’s Approach: Stronger Businesses through Smarter Entrepreneurs

KisStartup’s projects show that digital transformation is not about “doing things for businesses,” but about empowering them to do it themselves. Businesses are encouraged to directly use AI tools, analyze results, reflect, and adjust their own strategies.

In digital transformation accelerator programs in the Northern mountainous region of Vietnam, small homestay owners applied AI tools to design their own marketing campaigns. Export-oriented SMEs used data analysis to adjust product prices and find new markets. Although at first they still made mistakes—such as not providing non-sensitive data to the tools—it was precisely these experiences that helped them understand that openness and transparency are conditions for AI to maximize effectiveness.

We emphasize that digital transformation is a process of nurturing lifelong learning capacity for business owners. The goal is not only short-term productivity, but also forming the habit of self-learning, experimenting, and continuously adapting—qualities that are essential for strategic innovation in an uncertain environment.

Theoretical and Practical Implications

• Resource-Based View (RBV): AI-supported self-learning helps businesses reconfigure resources into competitive advantages.

• Dynamic Capabilities Framework (DCF): Continuous self-learning strengthens the ability to “sense, seize, and transform” which is necessary for strategic flexibility (Teece, 2018).

• Scaling implications: When businesses build internal learning capacity with AI, scaling becomes more efficient, reducing marginal costs and improving operational performance.

International data matches KisStartup’s observations: SMEs applying AI not only improve productivity but also shift their strategic mindset from reactive to proactive. Therefore, digital transformation is not only a technological change but also a transformation of awareness and organization.

Conclusion

Digital transformation, especially with AI, should be understood as a catalyst for the self-learning capacity and strategic innovation of entrepreneurs. Evidence shows that AI increases productivity, reduces costs, and creates personalized learning environments. The greatest value lies in business owners being able to self-learn, self-reflect, and shape their own strategies.

KisStartup’s approach emphasizes this factor: equipping businesses with the ability to explore and ask questions, so that digital transformation becomes the path toward adaptability and long-term competitiveness. In the context of globalization, successful businesses are not necessarily those with the most advanced technology, but those whose leaders know how to learn and continuously adapt.

 

References

• AMIS. (2024). AI-based learning progress analysis. Retrieved from https://amis.misa.vn/245267/phan-tich-tien-do-hoc-tap-bang-ai/
• Gartner. (2023). AI adoption and cost optimization in SMEs. Gartner Research Brief.
• IBM. (2023). AI adoption survey of 7,500 enterprises worldwide. IBM Global AI Index.
• Louis. (2024). AI application in work: saving 5.4% of working time. CloudGo. Retrieved from https://cloudgo.vn/ung-dung-ai-trong-cong-viec
• McKinsey & Company. (2023). The State of AI in 2023. McKinsey Global Institute.
• Nhân Dân. (2024). Improving business management efficiency with AI and smart data. Retrieved from https://nhandan.vn/nang-cao-hieu-suat-quan-tri-doanh-nghiep-voi-ai-va-du-lieu-thong-minh-post887975.html
• SkillsBridge. (2023). AI boosting efficiency: Performance optimization strategies. Retrieved from https://www.skillsbridge.vn/blogs/ai-nang-cao-hieu-suat/chien-thuat-toi-uu-hieu-suat
• Teece, D. J. (2018). Business models and dynamic capabilities. Long Range Planning, 51(1), 40–49.

• For an average text command:
  • Gemini (Google): approximately 0.24 Wh of electricity, emits 0.03 gCO₂, uses 0.26 ml of water.
  • ChatGPT (GPT-4o): estimated at around 0.3 Wh of electricity.
• These numbers may seem small, but for 1 million commands → approximately 300 kWh, which is the electricity consumption of a household in one month.
• Additionally, each 0.3 Wh of electricity could be equivalent to 0.03–0.21 gCO₂ depending on the "cleanliness" of the energy source.

• Vague prompt → AI gives incorrect responses → need to run again.
• No length limit → AI generates unnecessarily long text → consumes tokens, uses more electricity.
• Choosing an overly powerful model for a simple task → like using a truck to carry a bag of vegetables.

1. Clear goal: Specify exactly what you need, for whom, and in what format.
2. Provide sufficient context: Give data, conditions, and constraints upfront.
3. Limit output: Request specific word count or number of bullet points.
4. Choose the right model: Simple tasks → small models. Complex tasks → large models.
5. Avoid multimedia waste: Only ask for images/slides when absolutely necessary.
6. Save good prompts: Reuse them, don’t "reinvent the wheel."

In the global context, green, sustainable standards, and ESG (Environmental – Social – Governance) have increasingly become not just "external requirements" but a core foundation for businesses to affirm their position and create long-term export opportunities. Many Vietnamese businesses are still accustomed to a passive approach – only changing when requested by partners. However, real-world examples from successful businesses show that proactively starting from within – from the business model and internal governance – creates a creative path, aligns with resources, and provides sustainable competitive advantages.

KisStartup has compiled and analyzed 7 proactive steps to help businesses enter green export effectively:

Step 1: Analyze the Current Business Model and Internal ESG
The starting point is not from the outside, but from within the business itself. Dissect your current business model according to the 9 components (Canvas) and ask: What is the level of E (Environmental), S (Social), and G (Governance)? What needs improvement?
For example: Does the production process cause waste of materials? Is the team fairly compensated? Is the governance system transparent and tracking ESG effectiveness?
From there, develop a specific strategy to integrate ESG into your business model rather than just treating it as a slogan.

Step 2: Tell the Green Story of Your Products and Services
Today's global customers are not just buying products, they are buying the story and values behind them. Be proactive in sharing your sustainability journey:

• How are farmers supported?

• How does your production process save water and energy?

• How has your company reduced emissions, recycled, or contributed to society?
  Use your website, social media, catalogs, and fairs to build trust and differentiate yourself before the market raises questions.

Step 3: Embrace the First Trial Orders
Once you’ve shared your story, the market will provide feedback. Small trial orders from abroad are opportunities for testing. At this stage, businesses should:

• Understand the needs and consumption habits of international customers.

• Compare with current capacity and resources.

• Identify gaps to be filled for further progress.
  Be proactive in learning from the market through each trial order to adjust quickly and minimize risk.

Step 4: Accurately Understand Market Criteria and Requirements
Each market and customer has different standards. Instead of vaguely aiming to be “green,” clarify specific criteria:

• What is the maximum allowable chemical content?

• How is traceability handled?

• Which certifications are mandatory?
  Proactively reach out to trade organizations, participate in programs like GEVA or SwissTrade, or communicate directly with partners to “translate” requirements into actionable internal processes.

Step 5: Negotiate and Make Investment Decisions
At this stage, businesses need to face reality: with outputs in place, it’s time to invest. Negotiate with customers on purchase commitments, then decide:

• Invest in new technology to meet standards.

• Enhance human resources to manage ESG.

• Adjust processes for greater transparency.
  This is the “risk-balancing” step between market requirements and internal capabilities.

Step 6: Complete Certifications for a Specific Market
Instead of spreading across multiple certifications at once, focus on a priority market and achieve sustainable certifications (Organic, Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, etc.).
Certifications are not only a “pass” but also a commitment that demonstrates your ESG journey.

Step 7: Expand the Market – Continuously Adjust the Business Model
Once successful in one market, use that experience and evidence to expand into other markets.
At the same time, continuously ask: Does the current business model still align with the new ESG context? What needs to change? The mindset of “proactively checking and adjusting” will help businesses remain flexible and not passively follow trends.
Green export is not just about “meeting partner requirements,” but a long-term strategy to create value and sustainable differentiation for Vietnamese businesses. By starting with their own business model, creatively integrating ESG, telling their story, and expanding step by step, businesses can proactively seize opportunities and design their own path to the global market that fits their resources and advantages.

To accompany businesses on this journey, KisStartup and the GEVA project have developed a set of 3 measurement tools to help businesses self-assess, self-adjust, and proactively shape their green export path:

• Export Readiness Measurement Tool – Helps businesses know where they are in their export journey and what they need to prepare.

• Green Export Compliance Measurement Tool – Compares processes and products with green standards (VSS, Organic, Fairtrade, etc.).

• Green Business Model Measurement Tool – Analyzes the current business model and finds creative paths that align with E, S, and G elements.

Businesses can start today by using these tools to map their own path instead of waiting for partner requirements.

© Copyright belongs to KisStartup. The content was developed as part of the Green Export Incubator and Accelerator Program through Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) project. Any form of reproduction, citation, or reuse must clearly credit KisStartup/GEVA as the source.

 

In the increasingly competitive global landscape, the business model is the "heart" that determines the survival of a company. Many businesses still view the business model as just a diagram hung on the wall, designed once and left unchanged for years. However, KisStartup has a completely different approach: the business model is a dynamic tool, constantly being tested, adjusted, and adapted.

Business Model – The Core and Driving Force for Change
The starting point for every project KisStartup undertakes is always the company's current business model. From there, KisStartup collaborates with businesses to analyze the big picture:

• Emerging trends that are having a strong impact (technology, market, consumer behavior, policies).

• Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges within each component of the model.

• The flexibility and adaptability in response to changes.

This process helps businesses clearly see their position, not passively following trends, but proactively designing their own paths, leveraging existing advantages, and creating room for future innovation.

Digital Transformation – The Foundation Tool for Business Model Innovation
KisStartup sees digital transformation not just as a technology project but as the tool and driving force for innovating the business model. When a company begins to digitalize processes, data, and distribution channels, they are essentially restructuring how they create, distribute, and capture value.

This means that digital transformation is, in fact, business model innovation. Companies that understand this no longer struggle with the question “What’s the point of digital transformation?”, but instead set clear goals: increasing customer reach, optimizing operations, opening new markets, or creating new revenue streams.

KisStartup’s Creative Approach – Combining Training, Mentoring, and Service Provision
What sets KisStartup apart is its multi-layered and integrated approach:

• Training and Raising Awareness: Going beyond theory, KisStartup's programs are designed with practical applications, helping leaders and business teams realize how their business model can change in the new context.

• Hands-on Support: After training, KisStartup directly accompanies businesses, from analyzing the model, testing solutions, to adjusting strategies.

• Providing Necessary Services: Instead of letting businesses "fend for themselves" after training, KisStartup provides technical services and in-depth consulting – from building digital channels, analyzing data, to redesigning operational processes – to ensure sustainable changes are maintained.

Towards a Sustainable Innovative Ecosystem
With this approach, KisStartup is not just a training or consulting entity, but a comprehensive platform supporting businesses throughout their innovation journey. Each project is both a process of capacity building and a process of creating new services to nurture a sustainable innovation ecosystem.

In the digital and green era, businesses can only go far when their business model is flexible enough to adapt and creative enough to break through. And KisStartup has chosen the business model itself as the “key” to unlocking that path.

For the first time in Vietnam, an export incubator has been established with a hybrid model: both nurturing businesses that are not yet ready and accelerating those that have already developed. The unique feature of this model is that it is designed using a funnel approach, helping to expand knowledge and gradually enhance the capacity of businesses in their journey to access sustainable international markets.

The project, 'Green Export Incubator and Accelerator Program through Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS)' – GEVA, will be implemented from April 2025 to April 2026, funded by the Swiss Government through the Swiss Economic Affairs Directorate (SECO), managed by the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (Vietrade) and the International Trade Center (ITC), and operated by KisStartup Joint Stock Company – a private unit with rich experience in innovation and creativity.

Funnel Approach: From Awareness to Specialization

Training – Raising Awareness for the Business Community

Courses, workshops, and guides help businesses and individuals understand green export, VSS standards, and global market trends. This is the "wide mouth" of the funnel, expanding the foundation of general knowledge.

Incubation – Building Foundational Capacity

Businesses that are not yet ready will be supported in identifying suitable business models, learning how to integrate sustainability into their products, and preparing for the initial steps of their export journey.

Acceleration – Specialized & Tailored Solutions

For businesses with an existing foundation, the acceleration program focuses on 1:1 advisory sessions lasting 6 months, helping to adjust business models, optimize the value chain, and effectively apply VSS standards.

Market Connection – Paving the Way to International Markets

After incubation and acceleration, businesses will be directly connected with partners and importers in the EU, the US, Canada, Australia, ASEAN, and the Middle East, opening up real collaboration opportunities.

Hybrid Model: Incubation & Acceleration

Unlike traditional support programs, GEVA adopts a market approach:

• Incubation is for young businesses that lack a strong foundation, helping them understand green export requirements, reach international standards, and build new business models.

• Acceleration is for businesses that are ready, providing in-depth support to optimize their business models, apply VSS standards, and directly connect with export markets.

Throughout the process, the services go beyond short-term support, being designed, tested, and refined to operate according to market mechanisms, creating sustainable solutions that truly serve businesses in the long term.

Key Activities

• Online Measurement Toolkit: Businesses can assess their readiness for export, business model innovation, and VSS compliance for free. The summary report will help them determine the improvement roadmap.

• Capacity Building & Market Connection: A series of training activities, workshops, and events connecting with importers from the EU, the US, Canada, Australia, ASEAN, and the Middle East.

• In-depth Incubation & Acceleration Program: 23 businesses in the spice, coffee, and seed industries will receive 6 months of 1:1 advisory, with weekly sessions focusing on three pillars: green export, business model innovation, and VSS standards implementation.

Journey with Vietnamese Businesses

GEVA is not just a technical assistance project. It is a journey of mindset transformation, accompanying Vietnamese businesses in enhancing their competitiveness, aiming for green, sustainable, and responsible exports.

By pioneering the establishment of the first export incubator in Vietnam, GEVA opens up opportunities for agricultural businesses – from small to developed – to step onto a global stage, where value lies not only in products but also in sustainability, transparency, and the ability to adapt to increasingly strict international standards.

A Meaningful Milestone After 10 Years of Steadfast Innovation

At the National Exhibition of Achievements—held by the Ministry of Science and Technology to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day—we were deeply honored to see the KisStartup logo featured on the map of Vietnam’s innovation and startup ecosystem. This recognition is not only a source of pride for us, but also a reminder to remain humble, dedicated, and resilient throughout our decade-long journey supporting entrepreneurs.

In a world eager for quick, headline-grabbing success, we believe that true change comes from perseverance. Every startup we accompany is more than a figure in a report; it is a vital piece of a larger picture. Every trainer we mentor will, in turn, pass knowledge to hundreds of students in the years ahead. That is how we understand sustainable innovation: not by creating one-off miracles, but by laying the foundation for positive change to multiply on its own.

Execution Matters More Than Ideas

After years of working with hundreds of startups, KisStartup has learned a crucial truth: good ideas can come from anywhere, but the ability to turn those ideas into reality is rare. That’s why entrepreneurship isn’t a race against time—it’s a race to shorten the learning curve and build the fundamental capabilities needed to transform ideas into sustainable action.

When implementing donor-funded projects in general—and the IDAP program in particular—we chose not to simply teach businesses how to use digital tools. Instead, we approached it as an inclusive, market-system-oriented effort to develop a comprehensive digital transformation ecosystem. We put businesses and their needs at the center. For the ecosystem’s players to work effectively together, every stakeholder must strengthen their own capacity. Once that happens, universities can connect with enterprises, service providers can link with users, and a self-sustaining support network can emerge. This process has deepened our understanding of our own role.

Along the way, KisStartup has helped startups expand their markets. Companies like So Ban Hang and Sac Moc Tinh not only brought technology to new audiences but also uncovered fresh needs. To foster local ecosystem models, we’ve invested in understanding our partners’ requirements as well as in sharpening our own expertise. Our organization and projects serve as incubators where all ecosystem stakeholders can participate and grow.

Inclusive Innovation, Broader Connections

One of the most valuable lessons from our innovation journey came through the IDAP4D program, where we opened opportunities for people with disabilities. At first, we thought we were creating chances for a specific group. But with creative methods and flexible approaches, locally run service providers led by people with disabilities began to take shape. From these efforts, a model for enabling persons with disabilities to join the digital transformation has emerged—one that is closely intertwined with the local ecosystem.

Responsibility on the National Innovation Map

Seeing the KisStartup logo on Vietnam’s national startup and innovation map brought not just pride, but also a profound sense of responsibility. It’s a call to keep laying small but steady building blocks so that, one day, innovation will no longer be the privilege of a select few, but the shared capability of an entire community.

Presence at the Exhibition Extended to 15/09/2025

Being featured in the national exhibition—whose duration the Prime Minister has decided to extend until 15/09/2025—is not only a recognition, but also a daily reminder of our commitment. The past ten years are only the beginning. We believe that with every small yet steady step, KisStartup will continue to be a trusted companion, helping transform aspirations into reality and ideas into positive impact for the community and society.

KisStartup – Knowledge Transformed into Action, Aspirations into Reality!

Innovation for Sustainable Community Development

• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/kisstartup
• Website: https://www.kisstartup.com/
• Email: hello@kisstartup.com
   

On the evenings of June 27th at the Foreign Language Dormitory and June 29th at the Me Tri Dormitory, the DormLab program – an initiative by the Student Support Center – VNU in collaboration with KisStartup – brought inspiring, practical sharing sessions that sparked innovative thinking for students residing in the two largest dormitories of VNU.

The Startup Journey: Real Insights from Those Who Have Gone Before

Apologies for the confusion. Here's the revised version with proper nouns written without diacritics:

At both sessions, Ms. Nguyen Dang Tuan Minh – CEO of KisStartup – shared her nearly 10-year journey working with the startup community in Vietnam, from the early stages to building a supporting ecosystem for training, connecting, and incubating innovative startups.

Rather than focusing solely on success stories, Ms. Minh offered a more realistic perspective on the journey – highlighting failures, personal struggles, and how to overcome them with inner strength and an unwavering spirit of continuous learning.

Two sessions, two different atmospheres – One shared spirit: Ready to take action.

At the University of Languages & International Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi Dormitory (June 27), the program took place in a warm and intimate atmosphere. The students, primarily from the fields of social sciences, languages, and education, proactively asked insightful questions about entrepreneurship with limited resources, how to identify problems from personal experiences, and the role of social knowledge in innovation. Some initial idea groups began to form based on everyday issues related to living, studying, and work.

At the Me Tri Dormitory (June 29), the atmosphere was more dynamic and practical, with the participation of many students from technical, technology, and natural science fields. The discussion revolved around challenges such as energy consumption, plastic waste, and the impact of natural disasters on students from mountainous areas. This led to the formation of student groups that immediately began working on solutions within the dormitory.

Both sessions shared a valuable common trait: the proactive spirit, open-mindedness, and eagerness to take action from the students – despite their different starting points, fields of study, or strengths.

Connecting with Practice and the Startup Community
To give students a more concrete view of entrepreneurship, the program introduced several partner businesses, including:

• BTR Global – an innovation investment firm.

• Wu Song Capital – a venture capital fund.

• EM Farm – a smart agriculture startup model.

• And especially Ca Phe Bay – a business bringing real products for students to try, provide feedback, and connect with reality.

Through the product display section, students at both dormitories had the opportunity to directly experience, evaluate, and learn from real business models, instead of just listening to theoretical concepts.

Long-term Partnership with Students via the NEXA15 Platform
KisStartup also introduced the NEXA15 learning platform to students – a place offering courses and resources on Innovation & Entrepreneurship, helping students accumulate knowledge, develop skills, and build a solid mindset from an early stage.

DormLab is not just a series of workshops; it is a call to action for students: start with the problems around you, from the dormitory – where you live – and work together to turn small ideas into big changes.

KisStartup is thrilled to collaborate with the Student Support Center – VNU in designing and implementing the DormLab program. We would like to thank the students at the University of Languages & International Studies Dormitory and Me Tri Dormitory for their warm reception, positive interaction, and readiness to take action.

See you in the next DormLab sessions!

Four digital service providers have participated in the Vietnam E-Commerce and Digital Technology Application Forum. This marks their first direct involvement at the heart of the digital transformation wave, where concepts are tested and turned into practical solutions.

The exhibition will open doors for impromptu encounters. A question about optimizing shipping costs might lead to a discussion on logistics in remote areas. A sharing about challenges in digital marketing may inspire a direction rooted in the strength of local culture.
It is moments like these that create the true value of this trip. When hearing how a startup in Ho Chi Minh City expanded its business model, participants began to consider the possibility of scaling their own services. When witnessing a business solution in action, they asked themselves: "Which part could be simplified to suit local services?"
After the trip, the IDAP project will host exchange sessions for participants to share their learnings. Valuable ideas will be developed into concrete plans and become a reference for other units in the community. The ultimate goal is to enhance collective digital transformation capabilities through targeted learning.

ABOUT THE IDAP PROJECT
The Inclusive Digital Acceleration Program (IDAP) – Strengthening an inclusive digital transformation ecosystem for SMEs focusing on agriculture and tourism in the provinces of Lào Cai and Sơn La – is a project funded by GREAT (Gender Equality Through Enhancing Agricultural Production and Tourism Development) and implemented by KisStartup from 2024 to 2027.
The GREAT project is an initiative funded by the Australian government and managed by Cowater International. The first phase of GREAT was implemented from 2017-2022, and the second phase (GREAT 2) will be conducted from 2024-2027 with a total investment of AUD 67.4 million from the Australian Government.

For any inquiries, please contact:
Fanpage: KisStartup
Website: www.kisstartup.com
Email: hello@kisstartup.com
Phone: (+84) 0396292442 (Ms. Xuan)

To promote the connectivity of the national digital transformation ecosystem, the IDAP Project is organizing a learning tour at the Vietnam Sourcing Forum 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City from September 4-6, 2025, for prominent digital service providers.

The tour is not only an opportunity to explore new trends in digital transformation but also a chance for service providers to engage directly with experts, learn about smart business models, and establish relationships with potential partners. The forum will offer fresh perspectives on the market, helping participants seize practical opportunities to apply in their digital service development strategies in Lào Cai and Sơn La. This trip also represents a new approach from the IDAP project to enhance the capabilities of ethnic minority women and people with disabilities. Instead of just learning theoretical knowledge, direct exposure to the real-world environment allows learners to observe, learn, and apply digital transformation more easily.

The IDAP project has always been by the side of service providers, supporting them in improving their business models, helping them reach out to and find customers. Over two seasons, we have witnessed their unwavering efforts to improve service quality and business operations. From late-night assignments seeking feedback to continuous innovations to improve processes, these units have truly shown their commitment to learning and change.

The next phase will be a significant turning point, as these units will not only accumulate knowledge but also actively connect and expand their market networks. The goal is to apply the knowledge gained in practice, build long-term relationships, and create a solid foundation for future cooperation opportunities.

The selected units participating in this trip are:

• Ms. Dương Hồng Thuỷ – Provider of Nặm Chữ services

• Ms. Phạm Thị Kim Anh – Provider of Cultural Heritage Digitalization Consulting services

• Ms. Vàng Thị Mơi – Provider of Mơi Design services

• Ms. Lương Thị Việt Chinh – Provider of Mây Studio services

We will continue to organize more tours in the future, offering opportunities for other service providers to learn and grow. This is the time for you to actively seek opportunities, enhance your capabilities, and decide on your own digital transformation path.

Always be ready to seize new opportunities, learn from real-world experiences, and strive for success in the future.

ABOUT THE IDAP PROJECT
The Inclusive Digital Acceleration Program (IDAP) – Strengthening an inclusive digital transformation ecosystem for SMEs focusing on agriculture and tourism in the provinces of Lào Cai and Sơn La – is a project funded by GREAT (Gender Equality Through Enhancing Agricultural Production and Tourism Development) and implemented by KisStartup from 2024 to 2027.
The GREAT project is an initiative funded by the Australian government and managed by Cowater International. The first phase of GREAT was implemented from 2017-2022, and the second phase (GREAT 2) will be conducted from 2024-2027 with a total investment of AUD 67.4 million from the Australian Government.

For any inquiries, please contact:
Fanpage: KisStartup
Website: www.kisstartup.com
Email: hello@kisstartup.com
Phone: (+84) 0396292442 (Ms. Xuan)

Ten years of working with startups, universities, and businesses have given us a clearer view of the gap between smart technological ideas and meeting real-world needs. We have witnessed the struggles and uncertainties of scientists along this path.

Through technology-scouting projects for corporations and enterprises, we identified a key issue: although Vietnamese scientists possess strong research foundations and the ability to develop advanced technologies, the commercialization of these technologies into practical market-ready products often lacks the right orientation. The main reason lies in limited experience applying technology to production, building viable business strategies, and understanding customer needs. These are essential factors in turning research into useful solutions that can compete with existing products.

The core issue is the lack of connection.

Within Vietnam’s startup ecosystem, KisStartup believes innovation struggles to thrive when confined to narrow frameworks without strong community linkages. The world is facing major environmental, economic, and social challenges, and solutions cannot come from a single country or region alone. Connecting with and learning from global technology hubs and innovation platforms is critical to enable Vietnamese researchers to access advanced methods, technologies, and models. This, in turn, helps refine and expand their solutions, effectively addressing local problems while gradually creating opportunities for Vietnamese technologies to reach international markets with shared characteristics.

LIF Global: Why We Became the National Partner of the Royal Academy of Engineering

We chose to join the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships (LIF) program for three main reasons:

• The program functions like a comprehensive commercialization accelerator, enabling scientists to fully focus on developing their ideas.

• The Royal Academy of Engineering’s network opens doors to experts, investors, and leading policymakers.

• With over 1,500 alumni worldwide, LIF offers a global community and ecosystem that, if leveraged, provides powerful mutual support.

What impressed us most is LIF Global’s emphasis on developing scientists’ business mindset and entrepreneurial skills, guiding them to find pathways for technical solutions to address real-world challenges. When learning about UK innovations in sustainable production and circular economy models, we saw their potential application for Vietnam’s small and medium enterprises—a business segment common across developing countries.

The program also encourages women’s participation, aligning with our philosophy of inclusive innovation. We believe diversity of perspectives leads to more effective and creative solutions.

Lessons from LIF Global 2025

In 2025, ten Vietnamese projects were selected for LIF Global, and seven scientists successfully completed training in the UK. This result demonstrates the systemic potential of international collaboration that we have been building.

Upon returning to Vietnam, these scientists brought not only technical expertise but also new methods, fresh perspectives, and essential networks. These resources will help them implement and refine projects locally, delivering real-world impact.

However, successful technology transfer still requires deep understanding of local contexts. While UK approaches are effective, applying them in Vietnam demands knowledge of customer needs, legal frameworks, and cultural factors. This is where KisStartup’s long-standing experience becomes the key to bridging international innovations with local realities.

These seven scientists have become ambassadors of Vietnam’s innovation capacity, not only for their own projects but also for the broader research community. Their stories create ripple effects, inspiring more researchers to pursue international collaboration opportunities.

That is why continuing to support LIF Global 2026 is a long-term strategy for KisStartup, built on our deep understanding of the innovation ecosystem. We believe sustainable social impact comes not just from funding projects, but from equipping scientists with professional capacity and deep strategic thinking.

KisStartup recognizes that the journey of innovation does not end with initial achievements. Therefore, we are committed to supporting projects during and even after the program—helping refine business models, craft market-entry strategies, and ensure that innovations not only bloom but grow sustainably. This is our promise to Vietnam’s scientific community: to stand alongside them not only at the starting line of entrepreneurship but throughout their long journey of building the future.

In 2021, Ms. Nguyen Đang Tuan Minh, Founder of KisStartup, was a member of LIF7 and a direct beneficiary of the program. Four years later, KisStartup has used its resources to fund and implement one of the world’s most prestigious commercialization programs. This is not only proof of our ecosystem-connecting capacity but also a statement of our commitment to proactively advancing the international commercialization of Vietnam’s research. With the ambition of bringing Vietnamese technology and intelligence beyond national borders, KisStartup will continue striving so that more global markets carry the imprint of Vietnam—using technology to tackle grand global challenges and contribute to the development of society at large.