(Abstract): In the digital era, entrepreneurship is no longer limited to companies with multiple founders, large teams, or significant capital. Thanks to digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI), a single individual can now build and operate a professional business with little more than a computer and an internet connection.

This model, known as a One-Person Company (OPC) or Solopreneurship, was officially recognized in Vietnam’s policy agenda through the National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Strategy under Resolution No. 86/NQ-CP dated April 5, 2026. The Government has proposed applying and piloting this model to make entrepreneurship accessible to all citizens.

What Is a One-Person Company?

A One-Person Company is a business owned and operated by a single individual, leveraging technology, digital platforms, and intellectual property to create economic value.

Unlike traditional businesses that require large teams and complex organizational structures, OPCs can operate efficiently through:

– Artificial Intelligence (AI)

– E-commerce platforms

– Digital management tools

– Online payment systems

– Cloud computing services

– Remote working platforms

One-Person Company vs. Freelancer

While both may be run by a single individual, a freelancer and a One-Person Company differ significantly.

Source: NACENTECH, 2026

Consider a freelance graphic designer who obtains projects through freelance platforms or personal networks. The designer typically quotes a fee, completes the work, and delivers the final product on a project-by-project basis. Income is largely tied to the individual’s direct involvement and working time.

As the business grows, the same individual may choose to establish a One-Person Company. Instead of operating solely as a freelancer, they can register a business, develop their own brand, launch a professional website, use customer relationship management (CRM) software, digital accounting and e-invoicing systems, and conduct marketing through digital platforms. This enables them to serve multiple clients in a more professional and scalable manner.

Although the founder may still personally perform much of the work, they are no longer operating simply as an independent service provider. Rather, they are managing and growing a business with its own brand, systems, and long-term development strategy.

Is It Really Possible for One Person to Run a Business?

Increasingly, yes.

AI and digital tools are enabling individuals to handle tasks that once required entire teams, including marketing, customer service, accounting, sales management, and business operations.

Today, a One-Person Company can use AI for content creation and customer support, automated accounting software, online sales systems, digital advertising tools, and electronic payment platforms. As a result, startup costs are lower than ever, while access to customers has expanded dramatically.

Government Policy Direction: Removing Regulatory Barriers for One-Person Companies

Source: Ministry of Science and Technology

Resolution No. 86/NQ-CP on the National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Strategy identifies innovation-driven entrepreneurship as a “mission for all citizens.” Within this vision, the One-Person Company model is considered a key solution for expanding entrepreneurial participation across society. Vietnam has therefore set a target of establishing approximately one million One-Person Companies by 2030.

Key policy directions include:

1. Simplifying Business Formation

– Enabling fully digital business registration;

– Streamlining administrative procedures and reducing barriers to entry.

2. Reducing Compliance Costs

– Developing simplified tax and accounting systems;

– Facilitating the transition of household businesses and independent workers into formally registered enterprises.

3. Piloting Regulatory Sandbox Mechanisms

– Developing an appropriate legal framework for One-Person Companies;

– Creating innovation-friendly environments with lower regulatory risks for new business models.

4. Providing Shared Digital Infrastructure

– Offering shared digital platforms and tools for accounting, taxation, financial management, human resource administration, and other essential business functions.

In addition to these broad policy measures, Vietnam is implementing a range of entrepreneurship support programs targeted at specific groups, including women, youth, students, and older adults.

Notable initiatives include:

– Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Program (2026–2035) (Project 2415);

– Youth Entrepreneurship Support Program (2022–2030);

– Student Entrepreneurship Support Program (2026–2035) (Project 336);

– Program for Older Adults to Promote Digital Transformation, Green Transformation, Entrepreneurship, and Job Creation.

Together, these initiatives reflect a consistent policy direction: making innovation-driven entrepreneurship accessible to all citizens, regardless of age, gender, background, or occupation.

From Informal Workers to Digital Entrepreneurs

The goal of creating one million One-Person Companies is not simply about increasing the number of businesses. It represents a broader strategy to help millions of individuals transition from the informal economy into the digital economy as entrepreneurs.

In the future, every citizen may have the opportunity to become a business owner, every innovative idea may become a viable business model, and entrepreneurship may become a pathway open to all.

That is the vision behind Vietnam’s goal of building an innovation-driven entrepreneurial society.

On this journey, the National Academy for Advanced Technology and Innovation (NACENTECH) stands ready to support individuals, startups, and SMEs through incubation and acceleration programs, as well as by connecting them with partners, investors, and experts. Through these efforts, NACENTECH aims to help transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses that contribute to the growth of the digital economy.

Source: National Academy for Advanced Technology and Innovation (NACENTECH)

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A Venture Studio acts as a hands-on co-founder, providing the expertise, operational support, and strategic resources to help startups launch, grow, and commercialize successfully.

Many research assets, inventions, and emerging technologies hold immense potential, yet struggle to reach the commercial market. In the startup ecosystem, the gap between R&D, technology validation, and commercialization is commonly referred to as the “Valley of Death”. This is the most brutal phase, where the majority of promising projects fail  Startup failure data highlights this challenge: 

• 42% of startups fail because there is no clear market demand for their product. 
• 38% run out of cash or fail to secure follow-on funding in time. 

In response, the Venture Studio model — also known as a venture builder or startup studio — has emerged as a breakthrough approach to bridging the commercialization gap. So, what is a Venture Studio?.

The Venture Studio Model: A Breakthrough Solution for the Future

A Venture Studio is an organizational model focused on building startups from the earliest stages of development, where technologies, research assets, or intellectual property have not yet been commercialized. 

Venture Studios help startups address critical commercialization challenges:

• Technology Refinement: Optimizing and advancing existing intellectual property and technologies.
• Market Validation: Testing products in real-world environments to evaluate user demand and market fit.
• Investor Access: Building connections with strategic investors and venture capital networks.
• Venture Building: Transforming promising technologies into scalable and professionally operated businesses.

How is a Venture Studio different from traditional startup support models?

Unlike traditional incubators or venture capital firms, Venture Studios are directly involved in building and operating startups from the earliest stages of development — often beginning at the ideation phase itself.

Successful Venture Studio Models Worldwide

Globally, the Venture Studio model has become an increasingly important mechanism for connecting research, innovation, and commercialization. 

Rocket Internet (German) 

Rocket Internet is one of Europe’s most recognized venture builders, known for launching and scaling technology companies across e-commerce, logistics, and digital platforms. The organization became widely known for its ability to rapidly build and expand startups at global scale.

Idealab (US)

Founded in 1996 by Bill Gross, Idealab is widely regarded as one of the earliest Venture Studio models. The organization operates by testing multiple technology ideas in parallel and developing the most promising concepts into standalone companies.

With a focus on sectors such as AI, clean energy, and internet technologies, Idealab has launched more than 150 technology companies and contributed to numerous successful IPOs and acquisitions.

Beanstalk (Australia) 

Beanstalk AgTech is a leading ventures and advisory firm operating across the Indo-Pacific region. Beanstalk assists the agriculture industry through three approaches: creating new solutions through research commercialisation, and venture building; scaling technology adoption through landing pads and corporate innovation; and providing systems design and advice to shape agritech policies and strategies

Through its “Drought Venture Studio”, Beanstalk supports researchers and startups to translate climate-resilient and drought-focused technologies into commercially viable agricultural solutions. This model is currently being designed for launch across Asia. 

In summary, these models provide NACENTECH with a pragmatic ‘operational architecture’, shifting its role from traditional research management to a proactive, highly efficient, and fast-growing driving force for technology enterprise creation and incubation.

NACENTECH Venture Studio

Building on international Venture Studio best practices, NACENTECH has engaged Beanstalk AgTech as a strategic advisor to co-design and build Venture Studios at 25 Le Thanh Tong (Hanoi) and 366A Truong Chinh (Ho Chi Minh City). The initiative is designed to accelerate technology commercialization and support the growth of market-driven technology startups in Vietnam. 

NACENTECH Venture Studio serves as an integrated commercialization platform connecting research institutes, universities, startups, enterprises, investors, and international partners. The model focuses on helping technologies and intellectual property bridge the gap between R&D and real-world market adoption.

NACENTECH Venture Studio’s Workflow: 

– Scouting & Selection: Identifying promising technologies, IP, and breakthrough ideas from universities, research institutions, startups, and enterprises while evaluating market relevance and team capability.

– Validation & Venture Design: Conducting market validation, technical feasibility assessments, and IP evaluation to design scalable business models and commercialization strategies.

– PoC & Product Development: Developing Proof of Concept (PoC) and prototype solutions through testing environments such as Tech Labs and Tech Testing facilities while validating solutions with industry partners and end users.

– Venture Building & Go-To-Market: Supporting startup or spin-off formation, building operational capabilities, strengthening teams, and deploying go-to-market strategies.

– Scaling & Investment: Connecting ventures with investors, supporting fundraising activities, expanding market access, and enabling long-term sustainable growth.

NACENTECH Venture Studio provides end-to-end venture building and commercialization support. 

As a leading science and technology institution, NACENTECH positions itself as a long-term strategic partner for scientists, research institutes, universities, and enterprises. We focus on optimizing national and international resources to mitigate risks, accelerate commercialization, and seamlessly integrate R&D results into practical production and business operations.

We cordially invite government agencies, organizations, research teams, and enterprises seeking to assess commercial potential or find market development solutions for core technologies to contact us directly to co-develop and execute optimal collaboration plans.

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