Promoting SCP and Circular Transition in ASEAN countries
ECOTHON in LAO PDR 2025

Since its inception in 2019 as part of the Republic of Korea (ROK)-ASEAN Startup Partnership, Ecothon has grown into a premier platform for sustainable business model development. Co-organised by HSF and its long-standing partner ASEIC in collaboration with local partners in selected ASEAN countries, Ecothon continues to bring together innovative startups, aspiring eco-entrepreneurs, and industry experts in a dynamic competition to develop sustainable business models. Designed to promote sustainable consumption and production (SCP) in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 12), Ecothon empowers startups to create solutions that minimise environmental impact while fostering entrepreneurship in ASEAN. In Lao PDR, Ecothon is co-hosted by the Department of Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion under Lao PDR's Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) and implemented by the Lao IT and Digital Association (LIDA) (also referred to as the Lao ICT Commerce Association – LICA).

In Lao PDR, Ecothon 2025 began with a two-day online training programme on 26–27 July in which 15 selected teams from Lao PDR were invited to join start-ups from other ASEAN countries in an intensive training session delivered by international experts. The training programme focused on the fundamentals of impact-oriented entrepreneurship, including sustainable and circular business models, ESG and SDG integration, impact investment, and strategic branding.

This online phase was followed by individual mentoring sessions with local experts, enabling teams to refine business concepts, strengthen investment pitches, and adapt their strategies to local market conditions. Based on their performance and engagement, 14 teams progressed to the offline offline event which took place in Vientiane on September 22 – 23, 2025. The programme combined workshops, mentoring, and presentations on sustainable consumption and production, MSME development, and the evolving start-up landscape in Lao PDR. A dedicated panel discussion explored the challenges and opportunities for sustainable start-ups in the Lao context, providing practical guidance to participating teams and highlighting the importance of supportive policy and institutional frameworks.

The programme concluded with a Demo Day, where the finalists presented their business ideas to a panel of judges and received targeted feedback. Three teams were recognised for their innovative and sustainability-driven solutions:

• First Prize: Appzap Greenchain

• Second Prize: LaoTypo

• Third Prize: Eco Rover

As a follow-up, the first prize winner will join HSF’s TH!NK GLOBAL Sustainability Network delegation to the ASEAN Circular Economy Forum 2025 and related side events in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025, further connecting Lao start-ups to regional exchange and cooperation opportunities.

HSF’s support for Ecothon is part of the TH!NK GLOBAL Sustainability Network under HSF’s Global Project on Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change (GMACC).