Deadline: 14 September 2017
Within the framework of the Newton Fund Vietnam year 4, the National Agency for Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialisation under the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology and the UK Royal Academy of Engineering is seeking applications from Vietnamese researchers to attend the “Leaders in Innovation Fellowships” programme.
The programme aims to build the capacity of Vietnamese researchers for entrepreneurship and commercialisation of their research and create international networks of innovators and technology entrepreneurs. The programme is aimed at researchers who are about to develop, or are in the process of developing, a business proposition for their innovation.
Programme Design
The LIF 2017 Vietnam programme consists of the following stages:
- Stage 1: Introduction training on technology commercialisation prior to the training in the UK, led by NATEC in cooperation with the UK experts.
- Stage 2: Two-week residential training in London, for 14 Vietnamese researchers and 1 representative from NATEC, with coaching and mentoring for all participants.
- Stage 3: Follow-on activities in Vietnam, with the guidance of NATEC and the collaboration of the Vietnamese research organisations sending participants.
Eligibility Criteria
Researchers interested in this programme must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Vietnamese citizen and currently living in Vietnam.
- Be a researcher at a Vietnamese university or research institution (private or public sector); or an independent researcher who holds a national patent; or a researcher working in the research and development department of a Vietnamese start-up company.
- Be in the founding team of a proposed innovation and in the process of developing a business proposition for their innovation; priorities are given to the engineering-based innovation.
- Innovation’s technological readiness: at least at proven concept or prototype level.
- Have a good command of English skills.
Selection Criteria
Selection decisions will be made on the basis of:
- Prioritised sectors: no limitation but priorities are given to innovation in the fields of health; agriculture; environment and energy; future cities/urban engineering; or digital innovation and creativity.
- Excellence of the research: Excellence, novelty and/or effectiveness of the proposed innovation.
- Potential of the innovation for commercialisation: Feasibility, market size and potential benefit of the proposed business plan.
- Expected benefit(s) of the innovation to the Vietnam’s socio-economic development.
- The applicant’s potential to contribute to develop the Vietnamese innovation ecosystem.
- The applicant’s potential in taking the idea forward: Track record (including technical and non-technical capabilities) and entrepreneurial potential and commercial awareness of the applicant.
- English language skills of the applicant.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must apply online via given website.
Eligible Country: Vietnam
For more information, please visit Newton Fund Vietnam.