BLOCK71, the innovation arm of NUS Enterprise, has formally launched UniVentures, a brand new regional accelerator programme aimed toward nurturing Vietnam’s subsequent era of college startup founders.
Developed in collaboration with Temasek Basis and supported by the Vietnam Nationwide Innovation Middle (NIC), the initiative has already drawn near 1,500 functions, surpassing its preliminary goal and signalling sturdy demand from the nation’s early-stage ecosystem.
Designed as a “College to Unicorn” platform, UniVentures connects Vietnamese college students, alumni, and researchers with regional networks in Singapore and past, providing mentorship, funding alternatives, and entry to cross-border markets.
“We don’t simply need to run a programme, we need to change the trajectory of those 1,500 younger Vietnamese founders,” stated Edward Lim, Vietnam Nation Supervisor at BLOCK71 – NUS Enterprise, in a press release. “By linking them with the Singapore innovation ecosystem, we’re constructing greater than startups. We’re constructing expertise and lasting partnerships.”
The programme acquired a major monetary enhance from Golden Gate Ventures, which has dedicated a US$250,000 fund beneath the newly established ‘GGV UniVentures Prize’. The funding will help as much as 10 standout startups from the programme, offering essential runway for follow-on development.
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“The following unicorn doesn’t come from capital alone. It comes from neighborhood, mentorship, and perception,” stated Vinnie Lauria, Founding Accomplice at Golden Gate Ventures. “This prize is our method of accelerating Vietnam’s subsequent wave of founders.”
NIC, a key nationwide company driving Vietnam’s innovation agenda, has been concerned within the programme since inception. Director Vu Quoc Huy described UniVentures as “a platform for transformation—bringing collectively the private and non-private sectors to speed up innovation for the subsequent era.”
The launch additionally displays deeper strategic alignment between Singapore and Vietnam. In March 2025, each governments elevated their ties to a Complete Strategic Partnership, with innovation and entrepreneurship as core pillars. The initiative follows a 2023 MoU between NUS Enterprise and NIC aimed toward increasing cross-border startup alternatives.
UniVentures has already engaged main Vietnamese universities together with VinUniversity, HCMC College of Expertise, and Hanoi College of Business, underscoring its intent to construct grassroots innovation from educational establishments throughout the nation.
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Picture Credit score: UniVentures
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