Across the country, young entrepreneurs are launching ventures with energy, innovation, and a vision for the future—signaling the dawn of a dynamic business generation.

A Culture of Innovation is Taking Root

With nearly 60% of the population under 35, Vietnam is primed for innovation. National initiatives like Project 844 and startup incubators at schools and universities are empowering youth to create and lead. From 2020 to 2024 alone, students launched almost 39,000 startup ideas, including 9,000 from high schoolers.

Incubators and accelerators, both public and private, are helping young founders bring their ideas to life—transforming educational institutions into innovation launchpads.

Gen Z Leads the Way

Vietnam’s Gen Z entrepreneurs are digital natives with strong social awareness and a desire to lead. Many are bypassing traditional careers in favor of startups in fields like e-commerce, edtech, sustainability, and creative industries.

Female founders are especially active in this movement, drawn by the flexibility and independence entrepreneurship offers. From side hustles to full-scale enterprises, Gen Z is proving that age is no barrier to leadership.

Challenges Young Entrepreneurs Face

While the momentum is strong, young business leaders in Vietnam must navigate several major hurdles:

Access to Capital: Early-stage funding remains elusive. Without assets or credit history, many youth-led startups struggle to secure loans or attract investment.

Business Know-how: Lack of real-world experience can hinder growth. Many new founders need support in areas like planning, finance, and market research.

Bureaucratic Hurdles: Starting and legally operating a business can be complicated. Despite reforms, Vietnam’s regulatory environment can overwhelm first-time entrepreneurs.

Cultural Expectations: Traditional values often prioritize job security over entrepreneurial risk. Young people may face family pressure to choose more stable careers.

Vietnam’s Support Ecosystem is Growing

Encouragingly, Vietnam is investing in its youth business generation:

  • The Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association in Europe is building global networks.
  • Collaborations with Meta and Nvidia are boosting tech and AI capacity.
  • Innovation programs like the Vietnam Innovation Challenge and VinFuture Prize inspire youth to solve real-world problems through science and entrepreneurship.