India Joins Hands with Vietnam to Accelerate Youth Innovation Through Vietjet’s Startup Flight

MUMBAI:

In the era of global innovation acceleration, more than 600 startup ideas from India and Vietnam have come together through Startup Flight, a pioneering initiative where the most promising projects are poised to shape the future of entrepreneurship between the two nations.

Launched in the Vietnamese commercial hub Ho Chi Minh City in August, the contest is co-organized by India’s Amity Innovation Incubator, Vietnam’s National Startup Support Center (NSSC), and Vietjet, Vietnam’s leading airline. Beyond discovering bright startup ideas, the program seeks to build a cross-border innovation corridor that will connect and amplify the creative energy of young entrepreneurs from two of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.

14 outstanding projects ready to shine

After a rigorous selection process from more than 600 applications, 14 outstanding projects have secured “golden tickets” to attend the Bootcamp in India, taking place from November 10 to 13, 2025. This Bootcamp serves as a “real-world laboratory,” where ideas will be tested, refined, and developed under the guidance of international mentors, experts, and investors, paving the way for potential funding and cross-border partnerships.

“The innovation bridge between Vietnam and India is stronger than ever,” said Ojasvi Babber, CEO of Amity Innovation Incubator. “The synergy of shared values and complementary strengths has attracted over 600 startup ideas in such a short time. The Startup Flight initiative reflects the spirit of cross-border collaboration and the global ambition of young entrepreneurs from both nations.”

The selected projects span four key sectors — Software & Data/AI, E-commerce & Retail, EdTech, and Transportation & Logistics — reflecting the diversity and vitality of the Vietnam-India startup ecosystem.

“Startup Flight is a practical bridge between the innovation ecosystems of Vietnam and India,” said Bui Trung Thuong, Trade Counselor and Head of Trade Office at the Embassy of Vietnam in India. “The program connects startups, opens doors for market development, technology collaboration, and bilateral investment. We believe its outcomes will further promote economic cooperation, deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries.”

Vietjet: Connecting economies, empowering innovation

The initiative also showcases the power of public–private partnership (PPP) in action — co-creating a foundation for sustainable growth. By linking government support with private-sector innovation, the program strengthens the regional startup ecosystem and reinforces PPPs as a driving force for innovation, knowledge transfer, and inclusive development.

As India–Vietnam relations continue to flourish, Vietjet has expanded its flight network connecting the two countries. The airline now operates direct routes linking New Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, with major Vietnamese cities, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for bilateral cooperation and cross-region growth.

By supporting the program, the largest private airline of Vietnam continues to strengthen India-Vietnam partnership, create sustainable economic value, and connect innovation hubs while promoting cross-border collaboration and global knowledge exchange.

“Innovation can only be sustainable when ecosystems grow together,” said Nguyen Bao Thuy, the NSSC expert who leads the Organizing Committee of Startup Flight 2025. “Vietnam and India possess complementary strengths in technology, talent, and market potential. We believe the program will transform these individual advantages into collective power, laying the foundation for a long-term and sustainable partnership between the next generations of innovators from the two countries.”

Following the Bootcamp in India, the final round will be held in Vietnam in December, where the most groundbreaking ideas will compete on an international stage. More than just a competition, Startup Flight marks the beginning of a new era of cooperation, where Vietnamese and Indian startups share a common vision of sustainable growth and global impact.