There is a need for national policies and programs to promote green startups.

With a business model focused on developing sustainable products, services and solutions, green startups not only help promote green growth but also have a direct impact on the total factor productivity (TFP) of the economy. Currently, TFP only contributes about 45% to Vietnam's GDP growth, which is not enough to ensure sustainable development. The goal is to increase the contribution rate of TFP to more than 55% and green startups are an important factor to achieve this goal.

The green startup community in Vietnam is still young. According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, Vietnam currently has more than 4,000 innovative startups, including 2 “unicorns” valued at more than 1 billion USD; 11 businesses valued at over 100 million USD; more than 1,400 startup support organizations, 202 co-working spaces, 208 investment funds, and 35 business promotion organizations. Of these, an estimated 200-300 businesses focus on green transformation, including areas such as renewable energy, environmental technology, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy. This figure is equivalent to about 5-7% of the total number of startups today.

Through recent innovative startup competitions, many solutions related to sustainable initiatives and environmental protection have been awarded, focusing on areas such as renewable energy technology, waste management and treatment, environmentally friendly products and sustainable agriculture, etc.

For example, at the 2024 National Creative Startup Talent Search Competition, the Champion Award was given to the Yeast Era solution with advanced technology that converts natural ingredients into high-quality protein, saves water and significantly reduces CO2 and methane emissions - the two main greenhouse gases that cause climate change. This is proof that when startups approach and develop green solutions, they not only create innovative products but also have a positive impact on the environment and the community.

Growing interest from international investors also shows the strong potential of green startups.

According to a survey by the international auditing firm PwC, 75% of investors confirmed that they consider environmental, social and governance factors in their investment decisions. Green startups are attracting attention from governments, development funds, international organizations and corporate social responsibility programs. This creates opportunities for green businesses not only to develop in Vietnam but also to expand to international markets. For example, the Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (PG4) Summit in 2025 has 6 Vietnamese green transformation startups sponsored by the P4G Forum to expand production scale and access global markets.

According to experts, the green transition is a challenge for businesses following the old model, but a great opportunity for fast-growing startups.

Resolution 57/NQ-TW dated December 22, 2024 of the Politburo aims to seek new resources and production methods for rapid and sustainable socio-economic development. The Resolution prioritizes the development of advanced technology, encourages entrepreneurship in science, technology, and innovation.

To contribute to the formation of a green economy, it is necessary to clarify the role of green startups and science and technology enterprises. They need to lead small and medium enterprises into the green transformation process, providing new technologies for application and transformation of sustainable production models. Green startups have the opportunity to export green technology to the world, contributing to enhancing Vietnam's position in the international arena in the field of technology and sustainable development.

Therefore, there is a need for national policies and programs to promote green startups and green science and technology enterprises to orient and support a sustainable green ecosystem, thereby popularizing the application of green technology and green innovation, aiming at the dual goal of both economic growth from science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, and green growth.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/can-co-cac-chinh-sach-va-chuong-trinh-quoc-gia-ve-thuc-day-khoi-nghiep-xanh-post878671.html