With the theme "Green Growth and Digital Transformation: Innovation for a Sustainable Vietnam," TECHFEST Vietnam 2025 emphasizes startup models linked to social responsibility, environmental protection, and the application of high technology. Participating projects are encouraged to adopt the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a crucial foundation in the development of the digital economy .
A notable feature this year is that the Finals stage was held in an open space on the Ho Hoan Kiem pedestrian street, allowing residents and tourists to directly experience the technology products and services. For the first time, the competition welcomed an international team, expanding the possibilities for knowledge sharing and multilateral cooperation.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Le Toan Thang , Director of the National Center for Startup and Innovation Support (NSSC), affirmed that TECHFEST 2025 is an important activity in implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in the development of science , technology, innovation and digital transformation of the nation; and Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on the development of the private economy.
Mr. Le Toan Thang, Director of the National Innovation Startup Support Center (NSSC), delivered the opening remarks.
According to Mr. Le Toan Thang, the competition not only aims to select potential projects but also serves as a long-term support program from October to December, helping startups refine their products and business models and approach ESG standards.
Representatives from the co-organizing units, Startup World Cup Vietnam, Impact Square, and MSD United Way Vietnam, all acknowledged the significant growth of the participating teams this year.
Ms. Silvie Park, Director of Startup World Cup Vietnam & Representative of the Pegasus Foundation, spoke at the ceremony.
Ms. Silvie Park , Director of Startup World Cup Vietnam & Representative of the Pegasus Foundation, assessed that many Vietnamese startups have achieved regional competitiveness, both in technology and business models. She stated that she will continue to support international connections for outstanding projects.
Ms. Nguyen Phuong Linh, Director of MSD United Way Vietnam, delivered a speech at the ceremony.
At the ceremony, from a social perspective, Ms. Nguyen Phuong Linh , Director of MSD United Way Vietnam, emphasized that a new feature of TECHFEST 2025 is the inclusion of social and environmental impact criteria in the evaluation system. According to Ms. Nguyen Phuong Linh, startups today not only aim for growth but also for responsible, inclusive, and sustainable development.
Timothy Dho, CEO of Impact Square, delivered the concluding remarks at the ceremony.
Timothy Dho , CEO of Impact Square, commented that the competition demonstrated effective collaboration between regulatory bodies, support organizations, and the investment community in promoting innovation; and affirmed that participating teams will continue to receive support through the partnership network after the competition.
Following the presentations and Q&A sessions, the judging panel selected the outstanding teams based on criteria such as innovation, implementation capabilities, operating model, scalability, and social impact.
Grand Prize – Growlab (USD 20,000 & a ticket to the Startup World Cup 2026 in San Francisco)
Growlab – a Vietnamese biotechnology startup – has developed Multipuno, a large-scale coconut tissue culture technique aimed at addressing the global shortage of coconut seedlings. The technology helps create uniform, high-yielding seedlings, supporting farmers in increasing their income, creating green jobs, and revitalizing the coconut industry in Vietnam and the tropical region.
Runner-up – Volterra (7,000 USD)
Volterra provides an AI and PaaS platform to support the management and optimization of electric vehicle charging infrastructure through Digital Twin, AI Optimization, and dynamic load management. The solution helps reduce operating costs by 40%, shortens payback periods, and contributes to the Net Zero 2050 goal.
IDO E-commerce Services Co., Ltd. developed Biglead CRM – a solution for automating customer care, managing data, and promoting digital and green transformation in businesses. The system also facilitates equitable access for disadvantaged groups.
Dayladau, the Investment Fund's Choice Award winner, is a platform for booking homestays and apartments by the hour, catering to urban staycation needs. After four years, the platform has reached 100,000 paying customers and 5,000 rooms nationwide; with plans to expand into Southeast Asia.
Outstanding Impact Award – PLANTNER develops organic fertilizers from 8.8 million tons of agricultural waste annually. The solution helps restore soil, increase organic matter by 13%, reduce soil pollution caused by the overuse of chemical fertilizers, and contribute to sustainable agricultural development.
According to the organizers, after the Final round, the participating teams will continue to receive support from the TECHFEST ecosystem to commercialize their products, expand their markets, raise capital, and enhance their social impact.
Source: https://mst.gov.vn/vinh-danh-quan-quan-tim-kiem-tai-nang-khoi-nghiep-doi-moi-sang-tao-quoc-gia-197251213013814034.htm
Comment (0)