Competition for Sustainable Start-ups in Vietnam
“Rongbient” wins the Climate Launchpad final Vietnam 2025
Participants, Jury and audience of the ClimateLaunchpad National Final Vietnam 2025
HSF
On July 23, 2025, the National Final of ClimateLaunchpad Vietnam 2025 took place at the Vietnamese-German University (VGU) in Ho Chi Minh City. Co-organised by the Hanns Seidel Foundation Vietnam (HSF), the Center for Creativity and Sustainability (CCS), and VGU, the event brought together ten of the most innovative early-stage start-ups tackling climate and sustainability challenges in Vietnam.
Mr. Michael Siegner, Resident Representative of Hanns Seidel Foundation Vietnam and CK Founder of Rongbient, first price ClimateLaunchpad Vietnam 2025
HSF
After a competitive pitching session, “Rongbient” was named first prize winner for its seaweed-based fermented feed supplements and bioprocessed materials designed to boost profitability in shrimp farming and beyond. SOKFARM received second prize for its sustainable cultivation and processing of coconut flower-based products, while EBOOST was awarded third prize for operating Vietnam’s largest open charging network for electric vehicles.
The top three winners will now move on to the Regional and Global Finals of ClimateLaunchpad and will receive additional coaching to refine their business models and prepare for international competition.
In the morning, the ten finalist teams presented their business ideas in five-minute pitches, followed by three-minute Q&A sessions with the jury. Projects ranged from botanical inks and yeast-based proteins to sustainable textiles, smart EV infrastructure, and circular solutions in aquaculture and agriculture, reflecting the diversity and potential of Vietnam’s emerging sustainable innovation landscape.
Panel discussion on opportunities and challenges for start-ups in Vietnam
HSF
In the afternoon, a panel discussion was held on the opportunities and challenges for sustainable start-ups in Vietnam. Speakers from the Institute for Circular Economy Development (ICED), CSIP, Vio Technology, Netzero Pallet, and VGU addressed critical topics such as regulatory frameworks, access to funding, the importance of measurable impact, and the growing role of universities and investors in supporting early-stage ventures. Audience engagement added valuable real-world insights to the discussion.
Nguyen Hong Long, Director of CCS, praised the quality and creativity of the finalist teams and stressed that ClimateLaunchpad is an important starting point in the longer journey of building sustainable businesses. Prof. Dr.-Ing. René Thiele, German President of the VGU administration, welcomed participants and reaffirmed VGU’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and innovation as part of its academic mission.
ClimateLaunchpad is a global green business ideas competition initiated by Climate-KIC. In Vietnam, it has been co-organised annually since 2020 by HSF and CCS, with the aim of empowering climate-focused entrepreneurs and building national capacity for sustainable innovation. The programme supports Vietnam’s broader strategies for circular economy, sustainable consumption, and low-carbon development.