Unlocking Potential, Developing Green Agriculture

On November 13-14, the University of Education, Da Nang University (UED), in collaboration with the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology, organized the 2025 Agricultural and Medicinal Plant Entrepreneurship and Innovation Forum, with the participation of nearly 500 delegates including scientists, businesses, investment funds, startups, management agencies, students, and central and local press agencies.

CONNECTING RESOURCES AND CREATING MOMENTUM FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND MEDICINAL PLANT SECTOR

With the theme “The journey to commercializing innovative startup products in the field of Agriculture and Medicinal Plants,” the Forum aims to connect four key stakeholders: universities, scientists, managers, and businesses, in order to exploit the potential of medicinal plants, develop green agriculture, and promote knowledge-based innovation.

Speaking at the forum, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang City People’s Committee Ho Quang Buu emphasized: The 2025 Agricultural and Medicinal Plant Entrepreneurship and Innovation Forum is of great importance, not only as a professional event but also as a place to connect intellect, aspirations, and the spirit of innovation between schools, businesses, and the startup community.

“This is an opportunity for us to share new ideas, connect resources, and create momentum for the agricultural and medicinal plant sector, a field with great potential and which the city is orienting towards modern and sustainable development,” Mr. Ho Quang Buu affirmed.

Nearly 500 delegates, including scientists, businesses, investment funds, and startups, participated in the Forum.

The Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee stated that Da Nang possesses a rich and diverse source of medicinal herbs, ranging from rare native species such as Codonopsis pilosula, Morinda officinalis, and Dendrobium nobile to the national treasure Ngoc Linh ginseng – one of the most valuable medicinal herbs in Vietnam. This is an important foundation for the city to orient its development of the medicinal herb industry, linked to science, technology, and the market.

However, for potential to become value, close coordination between research, application, and commercialization is necessary. Therefore, today’s Forum is an opportunity for experts, scientists, businesses, and startups to dialogue, share solutions, and jointly overcome difficulties, especially in the areas of research, deep processing, intellectual property protection, and market expansion.

Vice Chairman Ho Quang Buu believes that with the convergence of intellect, dedication, and innovative spirit at this Forum, many new ideas will be sparked, many cooperation opportunities will be formed, and many projects will have the conditions to develop more strongly in the future.

“Da Nang City always appreciates and supports the business community, scientists, and startups. We hope to support the early application of scientific research results, bringing benefits to the community and contributing to the socio-economic development of the city,” the Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee stated.

POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPING MEDICINAL PLANT AGRICULTURE, CONNECTING ECOSYSTEMS, AND COMMERCIALIZING PRODUCTS

According to the organizers, the Forum was organized with rich content, including 3 main working sessions and 8 thematic reports. The first discussion session focused on the potential for developing medicinal agriculture in Da Nang, with reports on high-tech development orientations, tissue culture methods for propagating Ngoc Linh ginseng, and some research results and product commercialization potential at Da Nang University of Education.

The second session revolved around the theme of entrepreneurship and product commercialization, introducing the journey of innovative startups, fundraising platforms, and the role of investment funds in bringing research products to market.

In the afternoon, an activity connecting the innovative startup ecosystem in universities and colleges took place.

Reports focused on the role of educational institutions in the startup ecosystem, lessons from international experience and Vietnamese practice, followed by in-depth discussions to enhance cooperation and share experiences.

Within the framework of the forum, an exhibition of scientific and technological achievements and startup products was also held, showcasing over 30 booths introducing agricultural products, medicinal herbs, new technologies, and typical startup models from UED lecturers, students, and partners. The exhibition served as a space for converging and connecting research, innovation, and application projects, all in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the connection and development of the University of Education – Da Nang University.

As one of the key teacher training institutions in the Central and Central Highlands regions, the University of Education, Da Nang University (UED) not only fulfills its mission of training teachers but also focuses on developing creative capacity and a spirit of scientific research – core elements of modern knowledge.

Over the years, the University’s research groups have consistently pursued applied research directions linked to the socio-economic development needs of the locality, notably: Conservation and development of indigenous medicinal plant genetic resources, contributing to building a self-reliant pharmaceutical system based on Vietnamese resources; Application of biotechnology and new materials in agriculture, environment, and life; Research on STEM education, ecology, and sustainable agriculture, bringing scientific thinking into education and production.

From laboratories to collaborative projects with local communities and businesses, UED’s knowledge has been transformed into products serving life, such as: biological preparations, medicinal plant propagation processes, environmental treatment models, and technology transfer to cooperatives and businesses.

This is clear evidence of the University’s philosophy of action: “Science is only truly valuable when it serves people, the community, and the locality where it originates.” This philosophy has shaped the scientific identity of UED – a teacher training university closely linked to practice, directing knowledge towards solving practical problems of society.

Source Ngô Anh Văn VnEconomy tại đây