Net Zero Challenge 2024 contest launched

ABO/NDO- The second edition of the annual Net Zero Challenge contest to seek technological solutions to address climate change began in Ho Chi Minh City on July 16.

With prize money of 15 billion VND (630,000), it is open to Vietnamese and foreign startups, research teams, and non-profits working in climate technologies.

Entities whose solutions have been commercialised in other nations but want them piloted in Vietnam are also encouraged to join.

The contest will have three main fields: renewable energy and carbon neutrality, food systems and sustainable agriculture and circular economy and waste management.

The annual Net Zero Challenge contest seeks to find technological solutions for climate change in Vietnam. (Photo: VNA).

Contestants will be asked to develop a product that has the potential to be commercialised or replicated in the country.

The best solutions will be trialled and introduced to investment funds, policymakers and climate change alliances.

Winners can receive an investment of 100,000 USD from Sopoong Ventures and Touchstone Partners venture capital companies, and prize money of 200 million VND (7,835 USD) from the German Corporation for International Cooperation.

The submission deadline is September 15, and nine outstanding teams will enter the final round to be held in November.

This year's contest aims to establish an open, innovative platform to connect entities in climate technologies and promote green technology and green capital among businesses.

Last year the contest received over 100 applicants from 45 countries and 200 others from Vietnam.
The three winners were Vietnamese battery startup Alterno for its thermal energy storage solution using sand battery technology, Forte Biotech with a tester to detect diseases in prawn, and AirX Carbon with a plastic replacement produced from biowaste.

(Source: NDO)