HASU is a tech startup for social impact, founded in 2020 with the mission of improving the quality of life for middle-aged and elderly people in Vietnam. In the context of a rapidly aging population, the need for comprehensive health care—covering not only physical health but also mental well-being and social connection—has become increasingly urgent. HASU has chosen a distinctive approach by developing a mobile application that integrates digital health care solutions for the elderly—a demographic often overlooked in the broader picture of health tech innovation.
The original idea behind HASU stemmed from the observation that many older adults live in social isolation and lack access to appropriate physical and mental wellness activities. Rather than focusing on advanced medical devices or traditional nursing home models, HASU leverages digital technology to empower the elderly to take greater control of their health from the comfort of their own homes. The HASU app was developed as a personal health care assistant, featuring medical lectures, health consultations, home workout routines, guided meditation for better sleep and stress reduction, and online classes such as singing, painting, and language learning to support cognitive vitality.
From a technological perspective, HASU does not rely on complex tools like artificial intelligence or smart wearables. Instead, the startup focuses on building a user-friendly platform tailored to older users, with a simple interface and diverse content. A noteworthy aspect of its product development is the HASU team’s commitment to continuously testing and refining features for users with limited vision, hearing, or technological familiarity. While there is limited publicly available information on the startup’s specific tech stack, it is clear that user experience and accessibility were prioritized throughout the R&D process. HASU stands as a compelling example that technology does not need to be overly sophisticated—it simply needs to be effectively applied to address a real social problem.
Compared to traditional health care services such as routine checkups, physiotherapy classes, or community activities for the elderly at local centers, HASU expands access to users across various geographic areas. This was especially valuable during the pandemic, when social gatherings were restricted. Moreover, HASU’s digital platform is not just a content delivery tool—it also serves as a social space, encouraging communication, group participation, and peer connection, helping to reduce the risks of depression and social isolation.
These contributions have earned HASU recognition from numerous programs within Vietnam’s and the region’s innovation ecosystems. The startup won first prize at the Youth Co:Lab 2020 competition organized by UNDP, ranked in the Top 3 in the national round of the Entrepreneurship World Cup, and reached the finals of the Asia Startup Cup. Additionally, HASU was named among the Top 10 at TECHFEST Vietnam 2020 and honored as an Outstanding Community Entrepreneur at the Blue Venture Award 2020. These achievements not only demonstrate the startup’s growth potential but also serve as a springboard for accessing technical support, mentorship, and investment opportunities.
In Vietnam’s still-developing startup ecosystem, the model of HASU not only represents a pioneering force in digital health care for the elderly but also offers a fresh perspective for young founders: successful technology lies not in the complexity of the solution, but in its ability to truly meet human needs.
