Promoting SCP in ASEAN countries
ECOTHON in Malaysia 2022: Impact Startup and Idea Competition for Sustainable Consumption and Production

International mentors, coaches, judges and Malaysian competing teams in ECOTHON Malaysia 2022

HSF

ECOTHON (short for Eco-Entrepreneurs’ Marathon) co-organised by the ASEM SMEs Eco-Innovation Center (ASEIC) and Hanns Seidel Foundation Vietnam (HSF) since 2019 is a competition for promising sustainable business ideas in ASEAN countries. Following the success of ECOTHON in Indonesia, the second competition of ECOTHON 2022 was held in Malaysia with the support of the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (MECD) of Malaysia, and the Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research (CEDAR). The competition comprises of a 36-hour Bootcamp featuring intensive training and mentoring sessions and a final pitch.

Among many applicants, 12 project teams and early start-ups were selected to participate in the Boot Camp and the final pitch of the ECOTHON 2022 in Malaysia. The competing teams brought to the competition many interesting ideas for running profitable businesses that incorporate all aspects of the sustainable development in several sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, packaging, electric vehicle charging, education, handicraft, and waste management.

Team Sandy Ridge Farm during the Q&A session after pitching their business idea

HSF

First prize of the ECOTHON Malaysia 2022 went to team EnergreenTech whose idea is to create Second-life Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries by reconditioning and pairing Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries from EV manufacturers. Meanwhile, with the idea of producing UltrAgro - a device to control pest without relying on pesticide with minimal human intervention, the early start-up InterVenture Tech won second prize. Third prize was awarded to team Aisuka.Life whose idea is to engage low-income women in the production of handmade products from discarded food wrappers. In addition, a special prize was given to team Beebag with the ideas of producing a smart reusable bag in which an integrated NFC chip connects to the Beebag app.

The third competition of the ECOTHON 2022 series is scheduled from 9^th to 12^th August in the Philippines.