FPT University and FPT Corporation are building a practical ecosystem — where students can study, operate businesses, and even pitch for funding to develop products while still in school.
On April 24, FPT University signed a cooperation agreement with the National Innovation Center (NIC), marking a strategic milestone in the university’s journey to establish a comprehensive startup ecosystem for its students.
Under the agreement, the two parties will collaborate on a series of activities such as expert exchanges, startup event organization, project development support, and investment mobilization. This is one of the key differentiators of FPT University — where students can “test run” real business models, receive financial backing, and connect with investors during their studies.
This partnership aims to support students in developing their business projects from idea to execution, through initiatives such as startup events, networking with experts and investors, and intensive training. The model of “learning through entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurship through learning” has become a signature of FPT University.
Dr. Nguyen Khac Thanh — Rector of FPT University, FPT Corporation — emphasized: “Innovation and fostering entrepreneurial spirit are the guiding principles of all university activities. Collaborating with NIC opens numerous opportunities for students, from accessing a dynamic startup ecosystem to participating directly in impactful innovation projects. With NIC’s support, FPT University will continue to nurture and develop young talents, contributing to building a high-quality workforce for the nation.”
On NIC’s side, Mr. Vu Quoc Huy — Director of the Center — expressed confidence that both sides would vigorously promote innovation and entrepreneurship activities. He noted that FPT University is a unique institution, born within the heart of an enterprise. This model reflects a strong integration between education and practical experience, aligning with the Party and State’s policy of effective collaboration among the three pillars: schools, businesses, and regulators.
In fact, FPT University has long been oriented toward cultivating entrepreneurial spirit among its students. By 2023, the entrepreneurship program was formally integrated into the official curriculum, with two compulsory courses — “Startup Experience 1 and 2” — in the final three semesters. Impressively, students with outstanding startup projects not only have their projects recognized in lieu of a graduation thesis but also receive financial support of up to VND 50 million per project from FPT University for implementation. Since 2024, the university has provided over VND 5 billion in funding to support 125 student startup teams nationwide.
This model not only helps students build experience through real-world practice but also inspires them to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys methodically, strategically, and with strong institutional support.
Beyond training, FPT University is expanding its startup ecosystem through competitions and innovation platforms such as F-Shark, Student Showcase, and FPT Edu Biz Talent. Here, students can pitch ideas, engage in critical discussions before expert panels, seek investment, and realize their products. Throughout this journey, the university, lecturers, entrepreneurs, and investors accompany, mentor, and support students from ideation and experimentation to commercialization. This gives students the confidence to launch startups with a robust support system behind them.
With a pioneering educational philosophy, a comprehensive startup support strategy, and the partnership with NIC, FPT University is steadily realizing its ambition to become an incubator for young entrepreneurs — individuals who not only take control of their own futures but also contribute to the development of Vietnam’s creative economy.