The Net Zero Challenge 2025 concluded with over VND 20 billion (USD 790,000) in combined catalytic grants and investment prizes awarded to outstanding startups, which will pilot innovative climate technologies in Vietnam. The catalytic funding will support innovative solutions  that address the world’s pressing challenges in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy solutions.

Co-organised by Touchstone Partners and Temasek Foundation, in partnership with the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies (HIDS), the Net Zero Challenge is an annual global climate innovation platform that identifies and supports global technology startups with potential to contribute to Vietnam’s green transition, laying the foundation for regional scalability. This year, the Challenge received over 700 applications from more than 60 countries and territories, making it the most competitive edition since its inception in 2023. Nine finalists presented their solutions at the Grand Finale in Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing technologies ranging from AI-enabled to nature-based solutions across key themes in renewables, agriculture, waste management.

This year’s programme is supported by a diverse group of partners, including leading corporates and venture capital firms with a focus on climate and deep-tech innovation. Strategic partner GS Engineering & Construction joins the Challenge for the first time. Key investor partners include AiViet Ventures (a Vietnam-focused VC firm backing high-impact tech-based startups), 38M Ventures (Singapore-based family office investing in with triple bottom line companies) and Sembcorp Industries (leading energy and urban solutions provider).

The award winners are as follow:

Grand Prize Winners:

Track 1 - Renewables & Carbon Removal: Alcarbo Technologies from Hong Kong, China (Automated algae system converting CO2 into valuable products using only 1% of traditional energy)

Track 2 - Food Systems & Sustainable Agriculture: Shoes Agtech from Vietnam (Ultralight farming robot that automates seeding, spraying, and fertilizing to reduce agricultural CO2e by 70%)

Track 3 – Circular Economy & Waste Management: Vietnam Food from Vietnam (RetriV pioneers nutrient recovery innovation, capturing 80% from food wastewater for cost-competitive circular regeneration)

Investment Prize Recipients:

●       Vietnam Food: USD 50,000 investment from 38M Ventures

●       Vietnam Food: USD 50,000 investment from AiViet Venture

●       Vietnam Food: USD 50,000 investment from Touchstone Partners

●       Shoes Agtech: USD 50,000 cash prize from Sembcorp Industries

“Vietnam stands at a crucial point in its sustainability journey. At Touchstone Partners, we believe early-stage climate technology investment not only drives innovation but also strengthens the foundation for long-term economic resilience,” shared Ms Tu Ngo, General Partner at Touchstone Partners. “Through the Net Zero Challenge and our upcoming investments, we aim to nurture visionary founders tackling complex environmental challenges with scalable, impactful solutions.”

“Net Zero Challenge 2025 continues to be a powerful climate-tech platform to spotlight the next wave of bold and practical environmental innovations. Temasek Foundation is proud to be part of this inspiring movement as Asia accelerates its net zero transition for a more sustainable and resilient future. Congratulations to these trailblazers – you pave the way for real and scalable impact. This reaffirms our commitment to building lasting partnerships with governments, businesses, investors and innovators to advance solutions that create impact for the People and Planet,” shared Ms Heng Li Lang, Head, Climate & Liveability at Temasek Foundation.

The Net Zero Challenge aims to address the gap in catalytic funding for climate solutions and foster collaboration in Vietnam. In partnership with Temasek Foundation, Touchstone Partners also provides mentorship, market access, and local partnerships to help innovators scale their technologies for real-world impact in Vietnam.