BLOCK71, the innovation arm of NUS Enterprise, has officially launched UniVentures, a new regional accelerator programme aimed at nurturing Vietnam’s next generation of university startup founders.
Developed in collaboration with Temasek Foundation and supported by the Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC), the initiative has already drawn close to 1,500 applications, surpassing its initial target and signalling strong demand from the country’s early-stage ecosystem.
Designed as a “University to Unicorn” platform, UniVentures connects Vietnamese students, alumni, and researchers with regional networks in Singapore and beyond, offering mentorship, investment opportunities, and access to cross-border markets.
“We don’t just want to run a programme, we want to change the trajectory of these 1,500 young Vietnamese founders,” said Edward Lim, Vietnam Country Manager at BLOCK71 – NUS Enterprise, in a statement. “By linking them with the Singapore innovation ecosystem, we’re building more than startups. We’re building talent and lasting partnerships.”
The programme received a significant financial boost from Golden Gate Ventures, which has committed a US$250,000 fund under the newly established ‘GGV UniVentures Prize’. The funding will support up to 10 standout startups from the programme, providing crucial runway for follow-on growth.
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“The next unicorn doesn’t come from capital alone. It comes from community, mentorship, and belief,” said Vinnie Lauria, Founding Partner at Golden Gate Ventures. “This prize is our way of accelerating Vietnam’s next wave of founders.”
NIC, a key national agency driving Vietnam’s innovation agenda, has been involved in the programme since inception. Director Vu Quoc Huy described UniVentures as “a platform for transformation—bringing together the public and private sectors to accelerate innovation for the next generation.”
The launch also reflects deeper strategic alignment between Singapore and Vietnam. In March 2025, both governments elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with innovation and entrepreneurship as core pillars. The initiative follows a 2023 MoU between NUS Enterprise and NIC aimed at expanding cross-border startup opportunities.
UniVentures has already engaged leading Vietnamese universities including VinUniversity, HCMC University of Technology, and Hanoi University of Industry, underscoring its intent to build grassroots innovation from academic institutions across the country.
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Image Credit: UniVentures
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