Selected from nearly 1,500 applications submitted by participants from more than 80 universities nationwide, the opportunity for two VN startups to accelerate in Singapore reflects a growing trend in which universities are becoming incubators for tech-businesses capable of competing internationally.
At the UniVentures Global Launch Day 2026 event, held in Ho Chi Minh City on June 25, two Vietnamese startups, Selfomy and Volterra, were selected from the top 10 teams to join an incubation programme at BLOCK71 Singapore. They will gain access to the international network of mentors, investors, and corporate partners within the National University of Singapore (NUS) startup ecosystem.
The result concluded the first season of UniVentures, a programme run by BLOCK71 Vietnam with the support of Singapore’s Temasek Foundation, aimed at identifying and supporting university-originated startups. After nearly one year of implementation, the programme attracted almost 1,500 applications from more than 80 universities nationwide.
Most participating projects focused on artificial intelligence (AI), deep technology, energy, sustainable materials, education, and healthcare.
According to Edward Lim, Country Director of NUS Enterprise and BLOCK71 in Vietnam, the innovation ecosystem’s greatest challenge is not a shortage of talent, but rather the ability to transform knowledge into scalable businesses.
“Vietnamese universities have long possessed an abundant pool of talent. What is needed more is a pathway that can transform that talent into businesses capable of expanding across the region and globally,” Mr. Lim said.
Of the two selected startups, Selfomy was founded by alumni of the University of London and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City. It helps foreign-language centres acquire new learners and optimize operations through AI-powered tools. Selfomy currently serves more than 5,000 regular users. In addition to securing an incubation place in Singapore, Selfomy announced a partnership with the Wellspring International Bilingual School System to expand the application of AI in foreign-language teaching and learning.
Meanwhile, Volterra was developed through a collaboration among scientists, VinUniversity students, and technology entrepreneurs. The startup focuses on building smart electric-vehicle charging infrastructure integrating renewable energy, energy-storage systems, and an AI-based optimization platform. By 2030, the company aims to convert 30,000 conventional charging stations into green and smart charging stations, contributing to the development of electrified transport infrastructure in Vietnam.
In addition to the two representatives selected to travel to Singapore, Vietnam’s BioWraps startup received the Promising Startup Award for its model of producing bio-based packaging from agricultural by-products. BioWraps has processed more than 35 tonnes of fruit peels and has begun establishing commercial partnerships in South Korea and India. By 2030, the startup aims to process 100,000 tonnes of by-products, bring 80,000 tonnes of bio-based packaging to market, and help reduce approximately 380,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
During the event, BLOCK71 Vietnam and Van Lang University further expanded their cooperation to develop programmes supporting talent, startups, and business connections.
ABOUT UNIVENTURES
UniVentures is a university-startup development programme delivered by BLOCK71 Vietnam and NUS Enterprise to support a new generation of founders from Vietnamese universities. The programme focuses on transforming ideas, research, and technology into businesses capable of commercialization and expansion into regional markets.
Meanwhile, BLOCK71 is the innovation and entrepreneurship hub of the National University of Singapore (NUS). It operates a startup acceleration and innovation-connection network across 11 cities worldwide. Since its establishment in 2011, more than 10 unicorns have emerged from the BLOCK71 ecosystem.
In Vietnam, BLOCK71 Vietnam operates actively and independently under its new strategic positioning, with NUS Enterprise and the National University of Singapore as its parent organizations. BLOCK71 Vietnam’s mission is to help Vietnamese startups access markets, capital, technology, and international partners, while serving as a bridge between innovation ecosystems in Asia and globally.
Source: VnEconomy
