5th edition Hanoi Climate Talks
Pioneering Change: Start-Ups as Catalysts for Circular Innovation in Vietnam – An insightful multi-stakeholder Climate Talk in Hanoi
Participants of the Climate Talk 2025
HSF
The German Embassy in Hanoi hosted the fifth session of its ongoing Hanoi Climate Talk series, titled “Pioneering Change: Start-Ups as Catalysts for Circular Innovation in Vietnam.” Co-organised with the Hanns Seidel Foundation Vietnam (HSF), the event brought together 67 participants, including Vietnamese and German entrepreneurs, international organisations, academics, and sustainability advocates.
Held at the Embassy premises, the gathering focused on the strategic role of start-ups in facilitating Vietnam’s transition to a circular economy (CE)—a development model that emphasises waste reduction, resource efficiency, and environmental regeneration.
The discussions underscored the importance of innovation, policy support, and multi-sectoral collaboration in achieving Vietnam’s net-zero emission target by 2050.
Vietnam’s economy has grown rapidly over the past decades, improving living standards and driving urbanisation and industrial development. This progress, however, has led to steadily rising carbon intensity and severe environmental challenges, including resource depletion, pollution, and escalating waste generation.
In response, Vietnam has committed to transitioning from the linear “take-make-dispose” model towards a circular economy that minimises waste, optimises resources, and promotes sustainability.
Mr. Simon Kreye, Deputy Ambassador of the German Embassy Hanoi opening the event.
HSF
The event was opened by Mr. Simon Kreye, Deputy Ambassador of the German Embassy Hanoi, and Mr. Michael Siegner, Resident Representative of Hanns Seidel Foundation Vietnam.
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hong Quan, Director of the Institute for Circular Economy Development (ICED) at Vietnam National University, delivered the first keynote on Circular Economy Development in Vietnam. He highlighted efforts to embed CE principles in legislation, including the twin digital and green transitions and the adoption of national CE action plans. Additionally, he stressed that systemic change requires interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and strong government leadership.
The second keynote was presented by Mr. Nguyen Hong Long, Director of the Center for Creativity and Sustainability (CCS). He provided an overview of Vietnam’s circular start-up ecosystem, highlighting ventures repurposing agricultural and industrial waste into biomass energy, eco-friendly pallets, and recycled plastics. Furthermore, he emphasised the critical role of young enterprises in advancing the circular transition and called for improved access to finance, clearer policy frameworks, and broader support networks.
Panel discussion on “Start-Ups as Catalysts for Circular Innovation in Vietnam”
HSF
The event continued with a panel discussion dedicated to the topic “Start-Ups as Catalysts for Circular Innovation in Vietnam,” showcasing four Vietnamese start-ups pioneering CE technologies, including sand battery systems, carbon-negative construction materials, juice evaporation technology, and enzyme-based cleaning solutions.
The founders shared their research and development timelines, commercialisation challenges, and the benefits of participating in incubation programs such as ClimateLaunchpad. They also made recommendations for targeted reforms to support circular innovation, including streamlined regulations, financial incentives, and improved infrastructure.
To sum up, the recent Hanoi Climate Talk reaffirmed the transformative role of start-up innovation in shaping a resilient and circular economy in Vietnam’s path toward a sustainable future.