Da Nang is making bold moves again with SURF 2025, its premier innovation and startup event set to return on July 29–30 at the National Assembly Guest House (NALOD). Following the resounding success of SURF 2024, which drew more than 3.000 attendees including top investors and global tech experts, this year’s edition comes with a renewed vision: turning policy into power for high-growth startups.

From SURF 2024’s Breakthrough to SURF 2025’s Visionary Leap

Investor-startup discussions at SURF 2024

Last year’s SURF 2024 left an indelible mark on Vietnam’s startup landscape. With 09 startups pitching live and 16 MoUs signed during the event, it acted as a powerful catalyst for investment, tech transfer, and business development in the region. Over 30 top-tier speakers and experts from Singapore, Korea, the U.S., and China joined the action, along with more than 10 active VCs including Touchstone, Quest Ventures, and FUNDGO. The hybrid exhibition featured 300 booths—200 of them hosted on an immersive virtual platform—setting a new benchmark for startup showcases in Vietnam.

Emerging stars like UCTalent, winner of SURF 2024, went on to place 3rd in the Global Vietnamese Startup Competition 2025 in the UK. Meanwhile, BINKS transformed its runner-up title at SURF into a national win at SV_STARTUP 2024 hosted by Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training.

These stories underscore Da Nang’s growing strength as an internationally competitive innovation hub.

SURF 2025: Policies that Nurture Unicorns

SURF 2025 takes the theme “Policy Launchpad – Nurturing Unicorns,” signaling a deepened commitment to creating a policy ecosystem where startups don’t just survive—they thrive.

This year’s highlight is the International Innovation Investment Connection Forum “Blockchain and Digital Assets: Innovation in Urban Digital Transformation and Digital Economic Development in Da Nang”, focused on innovative technologies transforming smart urban development and digital economies. Expect in-depth discussions on blockchain, asset tokenization in tourism and trade, fintech solutions, and blockchain integration in digital governance and urban data management.

Heavy-hitting investors like Quest Ventures, TRIVE, Fundgo,… are slated to attend, alongside international players in Web3, blockchain,… The event will also welcome global innovation leaders such as Swiss EP, Draper Startup House, startup incubators, along with universities, startup incubators, and innovation support organizations from various countries and territories.

Startup Competition: Where Talent Meets Opportunity

The representative of the EARTEM Project is presenting at the preliminary round of the competition

The flagship SURF 2025 Startup Competition returns with new vigor. From an initial pool of 31 applicants, 10 projects have made it to the final round, including eTelecom, Rally AI, EARTEM, NFC Connect, Enfue, LocalLifeAsia, Cho Ca Phe, TikTour.vn, AIVOS, and LotusEase. These promising ventures will undergo intensive pitch coaching and 1-on-1 mentorship sessions before taking the main stage on July 29.

From July to December 2025, the innovation showcase will expand into a virtual exhibition, hosting over 200 digital booths. Onsite activities will feature expert panels, themed workshops, live pitching rounds, and formal partnership signings to support startup growth across borders.

Beyond a Festival – It’s a Movement

More than just an annual meetup, SURF 2025 is a movement to redefine Da Nang’s future. It’s where innovation meets intent, where founders connect with funders, and where policy turns into platforms for real progress.

This is Da Nang’s bold step toward its long-term vision: becoming Southeast Asia’s leading smart city and a high-impact startup hub by 2030. With its forward-thinking leadership, digital-ready infrastructure, and growing international connections, SURF 2025 sets the tone for what’s next—not just for Vietnam, but for the entire region.

Join the SURF 2025

Want a front-row seat to this startup showdown? Hit up the official site at https://surfdanang.zone/en for the full scoop and registration details. Whether you are a startup founder, investor, tech leader, or policymaker, Da Nang invites you to ride the wave of innovation and be part of a future-defining moment.