The First Internationally Standardized Design Factory Model in Vietnam is at HUST

On June 27, Hanoi University of Science and Technology launched the Interdisciplinary Innovation Space on the 6th floor of the Ta Quang Buu building, initiating the process of building a Design Factory model meeting international standards to promote research, innovation, tech startups, and the practical transfer of knowledge.

The event was attended by Minister of Education and Training Hoang Minh Son, along with representatives of leaders from ministries, branches, the Hanoi People's Committee, economic groups, and the domestic and international scientific and technological community.
  The space spans three floors: the 6th, 7th, and 8th of the Ta Quang Buu Library Building. It is a complete ecosystem formed by the combination of the Interdisciplinary Innovation Center, research institutes, and cooperation spaces with corporations and enterprises - typically the Geleximco Group. This is not merely a physical infrastructure project, but a symbol of the innovation in mindset and operational methods of the University in implementing the Party's Resolution 57 and Resolution 71 on the development of science, technology, and innovation.

The Interdisciplinary Innovation Space is built as an open environment where students, lecturers, researchers, and enterprises work together to develop ideas, design products, test technologies, and deploy practical projects.

Prof. Le Anh Tuan - Secretary of the Party Committee, President of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, affirmed: "The Interdisciplinary Innovation Space is the heart of creativity and knowledge connection, the place to realize the 'triple helix' cooperation model: University - Enterprise - State to create practical values serving the country's development."
  The Interdisciplinary Innovation Center of Hanoi University of Science and Technology is built according to an international model initiated by Aalto University (Finland) in 2008 - currently present at 38 centers worldwide through the Design Factory Global Network. This is the first Design Factory center in Vietnam meeting the standards of this network.

Unlike conventional creative spaces or makerspaces, the Design Factory is a comprehensive integration of people – methods – space – enterprises into a unified ecosystem. Students not only learn specialized knowledge but also experience the entire product development process – from problem identification, design thinking, and experimental manufacturing to evaluation, refinement, and moving towards commercialization.

Hanoi University of Science and Technology possesses special advantages to deploy this model: A contingent of over 1,000 full-time lecturers, of which 76.2% are PhDs; incoming students belong to the most excellent group in the country with many winning national and international excellent student awards in STEM subjects; a diverse interdisciplinary structure ranging from mechanical, electrical-electronic, automation, and information technology to materials, biochemistry, energy, and environment.
  The University has also built an innovation ecosystem over the years with the BK-Holdings system (incubating and accelerating nearly 100 startup groups), the BK Fund investment fund which has poured capital into 7 tech startups, and the Student Innovation and Startup Center. Hanoi University of Science and Technology is concurrently the Permanent Chairman of the Science and Technology Club of Technical Universities with 26 member universities. The Interdisciplinary Innovation Space will be the nucleus connecting schools, research institutes, laboratories, enterprises, and startup groups throughout Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

Right in 2026, the Interdisciplinary Innovation Space aims to serve 10,000 learners in soft skill subjects, support 200 learners in implementing practical projects, create 10 prototype products, and register 3 patents. By 2030, these numbers are expected to increase to 30,000 students, 1,000 project implementers, 200 prototypes, 30 patents, along with 50 startup groups and 30 spinoff/startup enterprises formed through the University's ecosystem.
  Besides the training goal, the Center is oriented to become a model that can be replicated at technical universities nationwide, contributing to the formation of a sustainable innovation ecosystem - one of the national strategic priorities defined in Resolution 57.

Prior to the event, the Ministry of Education and Training coordinated with Hanoi University of Science and Technology to organize the "Seminar on Implementing STEM Human Resource Training Programs and Policies."

The seminar clarified 3 issues: Helping universities understand what programs and policies are currently available to attract students to corresponding and suitable fields; how to implement and deploy those policies effectively; and connecting University - State - Enterprise to create a collective strength in training human resources and solving major problems.
  At the seminar, the Minister of Education and Training expressed his joy upon feeling the proactive spirit of higher education institutions. The Minister emphasized: "We need to change our mindset about training talent. The training model we aim for is learning linked to research; research linked to innovation; innovation linked to enterprise and serving the country's development."

President of Hanoi University of Science and Technology - Prof. Le Anh Tuan stated: "Recently, Hanoi University of Science and Technology has had strategies to shift training and research from mass to intensive, enhancing students' capacity, combined with scientific research and innovation."

This is also a reason contributing to the decision to launch the Interdisciplinary Innovation Space of Hanoi University of Science and Technology. Following the launch ceremony, the Interdisciplinary Innovation Center will continue to receive investment and refine its facilities, with the inauguration expected on October 15, 2026 - right on the 70th founding anniversary of Hanoi University of Science and Technology.