Organized by Touchstone Partners and Temasek Foundation, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies (HIDS), the Net Zero Challenge 2025 (N0C) invites climate innovators from around the world to submit solutions that can drive meaningful environmental change in Vietnam. Launched in 2023, N0C has become one of Vietnam’s largest climate-tech competitions, fostering breakthrough technologies and impactful collaborations between innovators and local partners.
Now in its third edition, the Net Zero Challenge 2025 offers equity-free grants totaling VND 15 billion (approximately USD 590,000), alongside tailored mentorship, global exposure, investor connections, and in-kind support. The competition aims to pilot transformative climate solutions in Vietnam through three dedicated tracks
Seeking solutions that promote renewable energy adoption and carbon removal through technology.
Focused on innovations that address the impact of climate change on food security and agriculture.
Encouraging scalable solutions for sustainable production, recycling, and waste management.
The challenge is open to global teams who meet the following criteria:
Must have developed a minimally viable product (MVP)
Should present a clear pilot plan tailored to the Vietnamese context
Must demonstrate potential for commercialization and long-term impact
Should fall within technology domains, including software, AI, hardware, deeptech, agri-tech, food-tech, biotech, material science, and clean energy
VND 15 Billion in equity-free grants
Tailored mentorship and coaching
Global exposure and access to impact investors
Deep engagement with Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem
Support with pilot implementation, local partnerships, and investor readiness
July 15: Launch & Open Applications
September 1: Application Deadline
October: Finalist Announcement & Coaching
November: Grand Finale & Grant Awards
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged.
In 2024, over 500 applications from 55 countries were submitted. The winners included:
A CO₂ capture solution with 90% less carbon footprint
An upcycled food waste packaging innovation reducing post-harvest loss by 20%
A sustainable activated carbon product made from agricultural waste
All winners received pilot funding and support to implement their solutions in Vietnam.
Applications are now open, for more details visit the website and for applying fill the form.
The form includes four sections: General Registration, Project Overview, Pilot Plan, and Supporting Information.
For questions or technical support: n0c@touchstone.vc
By submitting, applicants agree to allow the review panel to evaluate their materials. Finalist pitches will be public and livestreamed.
The Net Zero Challenge is co-developed by Touchstone Partners and the Temasek Foundation, with support from HIDS. It is part of the Africa-Europe Digital Innovation Bridge (AEDIB 2.0) under the EU’s Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment package. N0C aims to accelerate climate-positive innovation through meaningful partnerships across borders.
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