Developing University Spin-off Enterprises: From Research to Commercialisation

On 21 October 2026, the University of Transport Technology (UTT) hosted a conference entitled “Developing University Spin-off Enterprises: From Research to Commercialisation”. The conference focused on discussing innovative university models, the commercialisation of research outcomes, connecting technology supply and demand, and developing spin-off enterprises within universities.

The conference was attended by Dr. Tran Thanh An – Vice Rector of the University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Thanh Huong – Head of the Office of Science, Technology and International Cooperation; Dr. Dinh Quang Toan – Director of the Institute of Innovation and Digital Economy (IIDE); Mr. Dinh Xuan Tu – Director of the Technology Incubation Centre; and Mr. Tran Tri Dung – Swiss EP Programme Manager in Hanoi and Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Innovation Startup Mentors Council (VSMA), together with representatives of the University's departments and units, lecturers and students.

Dr. Tran Thanh An – Vice Rector of the University of Transport Technology – delivering his welcome remarks

Mr. Dinh Xuan Tu – Director of the Technology Incubation Centre – delivering the opening remarks

In the university context, a spin-off can be understood as an enterprise established on the basis of knowledge, technology or intellectual property originating from research activities. This model helps bridge the gap between scientific research, technology transfer and the market, creating further opportunities for research outcomes to be developed and applied in practice.

At the conference, speakers offered a range of perspectives on developing university spin-off enterprises. Discussions covered innovative university models; approaches to transforming ideas and research outcomes into commercially viable solutions; the development of EdTech spin-offs from research products in response to user needs; and the demand for intelligent transportation solutions, real-world challenges and opportunities to establish university spin-offs. The programme also addressed connecting technology supply and demand and developing support networks for spin-off enterprises.

The topics were approached from two complementary directions: “from research to market” and “from market to research”, placing research activities in the context of practical application needs. This is particularly relevant to the development of spin-off enterprises, as bringing research outcomes to market requires not only knowledge and technology but also effective connections among universities, businesses and supporting resources.

Speakers sharing their perspectives at the conference

During the question-and-answer session, speakers and delegates continued to discuss and address issues relating to the challenges encountered in both directions when bringing technology into practical application. The session also provided further opportunities for scientists, experts and stakeholders interested in technology transfer and commercialisation to connect and exchange ideas.

Delegates exchanging views at the conference

The conference “Developing University Spin-off Enterprises: From Research to Commercialisation” contributed to broadening discussions on aligning scientific research with practical needs, promoting collaboration and technology transfer, and gradually bringing promising research outcomes closer to the market.

University of Transport Technology