As climate change continues to exert increasing pressure on agriculture, many Vietnamese startups are rising to the challenge by pioneering high-tech, sustainable solutions. A number of standout startups have emerged from the National Innovative Technopreneur Contest – TECHFEST Vietnam, a flagship national platform for innovation, and have since established themselves as leaders in the field of smart and sustainable agriculture. Their journeys reflect not only promising solutions but also tangible impact across various sub-sectors within agriculture.
From Solutions to Real-World Impact
Enfarm, runner-up at TECHFEST Vietnam 2024, exemplifies the digital agriculture trend. Its technology platform supports farmers with digital farming logs, real-time cultivation monitoring, and market linkage. Post-competition, Enfarm partnered with the Western Highlands Agro-Forestry Scientific and Technical Institute (WASI) to pilot its technology in real-world settings and participated in global events such as the 2024 Agri-food Tech World Championship in Singapore, where it was awarded the Market Readiness Award for its commercialization potential and international scalability. Enfarm is currently raising a new funding round to upgrade its platform and integrate AI-driven agricultural data analytics.
BUYO, crowned champion of TECHFEST Vietnam 2023, has introduced a breakthrough solution in the field of bioplastics with its biodegradable packaging made from sugarcane bagasse and organic materials. Following the competition, BUYO expanded its pilot production facility in southern Vietnam and formed strategic partnerships with global corporations. It became the first Southeast Asian representative in the 100+ Accelerator global program, collaborating with multinational giants like AB InBev, Unilever, and Coca-Cola to integrate its products into sustainable supply chains. BUYO has also secured investment from Aldebaran Capital (Singapore), participated in international events like SXSW Pitch 2024, and is now being supported by Antler, a global venture capital firm. These partnerships have significantly enhanced its commercialization prospects on a global scale.
AIRX CARBON, second prize winner at TECHFEST Vietnam 2023, stands out with its model of recycling agricultural by-products (such as rice husks and coconut shells) into eco-friendly packaging pallets. Representing a circular economy approach, the model offers practical applications in traditional farming regions and significant export potential. The startup has received a $350,000 grant from the Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) initiative and is receiving technical support from Action on Poverty to expand its presence in export markets.
PVA PRO, recognized in the Top 10 at TECHFEST Vietnam 2022, offers environmentally friendly water-soluble polymer materials suitable for agricultural applications such as seed and pesticide packaging. The company has localized its raw material supply chain, completed a pilot production facility, and is currently testing product commercialization through agricultural cooperatives in Central Vietnam. PVA PRO is also seeking access to green technology funding programs to scale its production.
NanoNeem, a Top 10 finalist at TECHFEST Vietnam 2021, applies nanotechnology to develop plant-based biopesticides, aiming to promote safer and more sustainable farming practices. Since the competition, NanoNeem has filed for patent protection and begun large-scale product trials in key vegetable-growing regions. The startup is actively connecting with organic agriculture distribution channels to commercialize its products more widely.
These real-world developments highlight that the maturity of Vietnamese agri-startups stems not only from their technological solutions but also from their commitment to sustainability, market adaptability, and scale-up potential. TECHFEST serves not merely as a stage for recognition but as a launchpad for testing innovations, proving capabilities, and preparing for global integration.
Looking ahead, high-tech agricultural solutions will play a critical role in addressing environmental and social challenges while elevating the quality of Vietnamese agricultural products and the nation’s standing in the global marketplace.
| The Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit was established in 2017 based on an initiative by the Government of Denmark, evolving from its predecessor—the Global Green Growth Forum (3GF). To date, the P4G platform comprises 12 core member countries: Denmark, Chile, Mexico, Vietnam, the Republic of Korea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Colombia, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and South Africa. In addition, it enjoys participation from over 90 countries, international organizations, and private sector entities. Vietnam is one of the seven founding members, a formal partner of P4G, and will proudly host the 4th P4G Summit in 2025. Recognized as a leading global platform for advancing public–private partnerships, P4G connects governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to jointly propose breakthrough solutions for green growth. These efforts contribute meaningfully to the realization of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). P4G support to its partner countries primarily takes the form of public–private cooperation, offering both financial and technical assistance to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises implementing climate action initiatives. As part of the P4G Summit 2025, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) will host the Policy Dialogue Forum on Promoting Investment and Business Growth for Startups in Green Transition and Sustainable Development. The event, coordinated by the National Startup Support Center, will bring together leading experts, policymakers, businesses, investment funds and startups from Vietnam and around the world to share experiences, propose solutions for fostering a sustainable startup ecosystem and explore collaboration opportunities. |
