ETIX goes to Vietnam: Supporting BK-Holdings to strengthen local University-Industry Partnerships
ETIX GmbH lands in Vietnam to Drive Innovation and Industry-University Partnerships
We’re thrilled to announce that ETIX GmbH, the Zurich-based Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Innovation consultancy, is taking an exciting new step into Vietnam. Under the leadership of Managing Partner Dr. Luca Dalessandro, ETIX GmbH will be in Vietnam from November 1st to 17th, 2024, as part of a strategic mission to foster university-industry partnerships in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies.
As part of this mission, Dr. Luca has been appointed as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) at BK Holdings, a key player in Vietnam’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This appointment underscores ETIX’s commitment to bringing impactful change through university and industry linkages that propel Vietnam’s innovation capacity forward.
The Mission: strengthen the University-Industry liasons
The mission is supported by Swiss EP (Swiss Entrepreneurship Program), an initiative committed to boosting entrepreneurial ecosystems worldwide. ETIX’s role in Vietnam will focus on strengthening BK Holdings’ corporate partnership development team to foster collaborations between universities and industries. This partnership aims to accelerate technology transfer, open innovation, and collaborative research—cornerstones for establishing Vietnam as a leader in entrepreneurship and technology.
In collaboration with BK Holdings, ETIX GmbH will work on building a strong network for the future. By connecting academia with industry, this mission will serve as a catalyst for expanding Vietnam’s tech landscape, facilitating an environment where universities and companies can collaborate on innovative projects that push the boundaries of research and development.
Why Dr. Luca Dalessandro?
Dr. Luca brings extensive expertise and a unique blend of experience to this mission. Based in Zurich, he has carved out a niche in academia, open innovation, and global business development. His portfolio of skills spans startup and corporate services, covering coaching, funding, and governance. Luca’s hands-on approach, combined with his academic and industry insights, makes him the ideal partner to help BK Holdings realize its vision of a dynamic and interconnected entrepreneurial ecosystem in Vietnam.
His international perspective and proven success in venture building provide a strong foundation for creating lasting change, especially in markets like Vietnam, which are poised for rapid growth in tech and innovation. Dr. Luca’s engagement with BK Holdings is more than a consultancy role; it’s a partnership to lay the groundwork for a sustainable and globally competitive Vietnamese innovation ecosystem.
Acknowledging Key Collaborators
This transformative mission wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration and commitment of key figures within BK Holdings and Swiss EP. Special thanks to Dr. Hua Thuy Trang, Director of the Enterprise Cooperation Division; Ms. Jen Vu Huong, Community Program Director; Dr. Nguyen Trung Dung, Council Member and CEO of BK Holdings; Hub Langstaff of Swiss EP Vietnam; and Tri Dung Tran, Program Manager for the Hanoi Region. Their dedication to innovation and their vision have been instrumental in making this partnership a reality.
Background: Who are BK Holdings and Swiss EP?
BK Holdings is an innovation and investment organization affiliated with the esteemed Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), one of Vietnam’s top technical universities. It focuses on fostering collaboration between academia and the private sector, supporting startups, and promoting technology commercialization. Through its work, BK Holdings is establishing itself as a cornerstone of Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem, encouraging a culture of entrepreneurship and technological advancement.
Swiss EP (Swiss Entrepreneurship Program) is a Swiss government-backed initiative aimed at strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems worldwide. Active in regions across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, Swiss EP provides resources and expertise to help emerging economies thrive in the global startup landscape. In Vietnam, Swiss EP is heavily involved in mentoring local organizations, supporting business growth, and connecting entrepreneurs with international partners.
The Impact: What This Means for Vietnam’s Tech and Innovation Ecosystem
Vietnam’s tech sector is witnessing a period of incredible growth. With a youthful, digitally savvy population and a burgeoning startup culture, Vietnam has become a regional hub for technology and entrepreneurship. The partnership between ETIX and BK Holdings will further accelerate this growth by building robust frameworks for collaboration and innovation. By empowering local organizations and bridging the gap between universities and industries, this mission is poised to unlock new opportunities for students, entrepreneurs, and corporations alike.
Looking Ahead
As ETIX GmbH embarks on this journey, the potential for impactful, lasting change in Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem is substantial. The mission will continue to evolve with time, with each partnership, project, and connection adding value to the Vietnamese tech landscape.
Stay tuned for updates as we share the journey and progress of ETIX and BK Holdings in shaping a brighter, more connected future for Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem.
