UTT Signs Strategic Cooperation Agreement with the National Innovation Center: Affirming the Role of Universities in the Innovation Ecosystem
On the morning of 10 February 2026, the University of Transport Technology (UTT) held a working session and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on strategic cooperation with the National Innovation Center (NACENTECH). The event marked a new milestone in the University’s strategy to strengthen linkages among training – research – innovation, aiming to address practical challenges faced by enterprises and localities.
Opening ceremony of the signing event between the National Innovation Center and the University of Transport Technology
The NACENTECH delegation was led by Dr. Phạm Hồng Quất – Director General, accompanied by leaders of its affiliated professional units, including the Center for Electronics and Informatics, Center for Optoelectronics, Center for Biotechnology, and the Technology Development Division. On behalf of UTT, attendees included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Hoàng Long – Rector, Vice Rectors, and leaders of the University’s offices, faculties, institutes, and centers.
In his remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Hoàng Long emphasized that in the context of accelerating digital transformation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, universities must go beyond their traditional role of knowledge transmission to become innovation hubs, generating technological solutions that serve socio-economic development. In recent years, UTT has proactively developed an internal innovation ecosystem through idea competitions, startup initiatives, enterprise engagement, and by encouraging lecturers and students to apply knowledge to solving real-world problems.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Hoàng Long – Rector of the University delivering remarks at the meeting
The Rector underscored that the cooperation with NACENTECH represents a concrete step toward transforming UTT from a traditional training model to an innovation-driven university model, aligned with the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthrough development in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.
Sharing the same perspective, Dr. Phạm Hồng Quất highlighted the pivotal role of institute–university collaboration in developing the national innovation ecosystem. According to the Director General of NACENTECH, every university has the potential to become an innovation center if it effectively leverages the creative capacity of its lecturers and students while closely linking training and research activities to the practical needs of enterprises and localities. The ability to transform knowledge into marketable products and solutions is, in his view, the true measure of innovation in the current context.
Dr. Phạm Hồng Quất – Director General of the National Innovation Center emphasizing the importance of institute–university collaboration in advancing innovation
During the meeting, both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on their respective development orientations and agreed upon five strategic pillars of cooperation. Key areas include joint research and development in high-tech fields such as microelectronics, UAVs, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence; and the development of venture studios and spin-off models to bring research outcomes to market. The two parties will also collaborate in training high-quality human resources through joint programs, hackathons, and enterprise-based case study challenges.
Another important area of cooperation is the sharing of infrastructure and research spaces, gradually realizing the orientation of “Institute within the University – University within the Institute,” thereby creating optimal conditions for research, training, and innovation activities. The two sides also agreed to strengthen coordination in communications, scientific publications, and international cooperation to promote technology products, connect experts and investors, and accelerate the commercialization of “Made in Vietnam” innovations.
The signing ceremony of the MoU between UTT and NACENTECH was conducted in a formal, open, and forward-looking atmosphere. Representatives of both institutions exchanged commemorative gifts, reaffirming their commitment to a long-term, substantive, and effective partnership.
Representatives of the two parties signing the cooperation agreement
Leaders of both institutions witnessing the signing ceremony
This event not only opens up strategic cooperation opportunities between UTT and NACENTECH but also demonstrates the determination of the University of Transport Technology to affirm its position as an innovation-oriented higher education institution, actively contributing to the national science and technology ecosystem and the sustainable development of the country.
University of Transport Technology (UTT)
