Net Zero Challenge 2025: A Global Launchpad for Climate Innovation
In a bold stride towards a more sustainable future, the Net Zero Challenge 2025 officially launched its third edition, reinforcing Vietnam’s position as a dynamic hub for climate innovation. Organized by Touchstone Partners and the Temasek Foundation, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies (HIDS), this year’s challenge promises even greater global reach and real-world impact.
Following the remarkable success of its earlier editions, Net Zero Challenge 2025 aims to catalyze groundbreaking climate-tech solutions through financial support, strategic partnerships, and large-scale pilot opportunities in Vietnam. This year’s prize pool exceeds VND 21 billion ($803,000), combining non-dilutive cash grants and in-kind support from a growing network of investors and innovation partners.
Vietnam’s Premier Climate Tech Competition Offers $800K+ in Support for Breakthrough Solutions
At the heart of the challenge is a mission to close the funding gap that often hampers early-stage climate technologies. Winning teams will receive up to VND 15 billion ($573,942) in non-dilutive grants and access to over VND 6 billion ($229,576) in in-kind resources such as cloud infrastructure, expert mentorship, and access to investors.
Tu Ngo, General Partner at Touchstone Partners, highlighted the importance of de-risking innovation:
“Investing in early-stage climate technology solutions often presents considerable opportunities for impact. Given the long development timelines and uncertain commercialisation pathways, we’ve adopted a grant-based approach to allow founders to pilot innovations without the pressure of immediate returns.”
The initiative is backed by prominent partners including GS Engineering & Construction (strategic partner), Investible (Australia-based VC firm), AiViet Ventures (Vietnam-focused impact investor), and Amazon Web Services (knowledge partner).
These cross-sector collaborations are designed to offer a nurturing ecosystem for climate-tech entrepreneurs to thrive—not just in Vietnam, but across Southeast Asia and beyond.
A Launchpad for Global Climate Innovators
The Net Zero Challenge is not limited to Vietnamese startups. It is a truly global platform welcoming startups, university research teams, non-profits, and corporate innovation arms with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and proof of value. Applicants must demonstrate readiness for commercialisation or large-scale pilots.
International teams with market-ready solutions deployed elsewhere are encouraged to apply—especially if they are interested in expanding to Vietnam or the Southeast Asian region. This open, collaborative structure enhances the exchange of ideas and technologies across geographies, supporting the Challenge’s ultimate goal: climate-resilient growth.
“Tackling the climate crisis requires bold action,” said Heng Li Lang, Head of Climate and Liveability at the Temasek Foundation.
“Through the Net Zero Challenge, we hope to deepen partnerships across sectors and regions and empower solutions that can scale to where they are most needed—on the ground.”
Pilot Projects that Drive Real-World Impact
What sets the Net Zero Challenge apart from many similar initiatives is its strong focus on implementation. Winning solutions are offered the chance to pilot their technologies in Vietnam, bridging the crucial gap between innovation and adoption.
The 2024 edition drew over 500 applications from 55 countries and awarded three standout winners:
- CO2L Tech (Canada) – Developed cost-competitive carbon capture and utilization technology to produce chemicals with up to 90% lower carbon footprint.
- Bygen (Australia) – Created biodegradable antimicrobial packaging from upcycled food waste, reducing post-harvest loss by 20%.
- N&E Innovations (Singapore) – Produced sustainable activated carbon from agri-waste at 60% lower production costs.
These winning solutions are now moving towards commercialization in Vietnam—proof that the Challenge is more than a pitch competition. It’s a springboard for regional and global scale-up.
Why Climate Innovation Needs a Challenge Like This
Vietnam is especially vulnerable to climate change, yet brimming with potential for green transformation. The Net Zero Challenge offers a unique model for how emerging economies can leapfrog into the climate innovation space—by opening their markets to high-impact global technologies while cultivating local talent.
The competition also aligns with Vietnam’s climate goals, which include achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and accelerating the transition to renewable energy, circular economy models, and sustainable agriculture.
By encouraging multi-stakeholder collaboration among startups, investors, corporates, and public sector leaders, the Challenge embodies a systems-level approach to climate action. It’s not just about funding—it’s about ecosystem building, policy alignment, and long-term scalability.
Application Details and What’s Next
Teams interested in participating in Net Zero Challenge 2025 must meet the following criteria:
- Have a functional Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- Demonstrate proof of value and intent to commercialize
- Be open to piloting their solutions in Vietnam
- Be a startup, research team, corporate innovation project, or nonprofit
Applications are now open, and finalists will be selected through a multi-stage evaluation process that includes both technical and commercial viability assessments. The judging panel comprises local and regional venture capital firms as well as sustainability-focused corporates.
The winners will be announced later in 2025 and will begin pilot deployment in Vietnam shortly thereafter.
Fueling a Greener Future Through Climate Innovation
As the world races to limit global warming, platforms like the Net Zero Challenge are indispensable in bridging the innovation-to-impact gap. By combining funding, field testing, and cross-border collaboration, Vietnam is positioning itself not only as a recipient of climate solutions but as a catalyst for climate innovation worldwide.
If you’re a climate-tech startup looking for the next big launchpad, Net Zero Challenge 2025 could be your gateway to Southeast Asia—and a better planet.
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