Net Zero Challenge 2026: Opportunity for Climate Tech Solutions to Pilot in Vietnam

July 20, 2026

VAHC Secretariat 

The Net Zero Challenge (N0C), Vietnam's largest climate technology innovation competition, has officially opened applications for its fourth edition. Co-organized by Touchstone Partners and Temasek Foundation, N0C 2026 promises significant opportunities for global climate tech solutions ready to pilot in Vietnam.

Key Highlight: Participation of the Vietnam International Financial Centre in HCMC (VIFC-HCMC)

A key highlight this year is the official participation of the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam International Financial Centre (VIFC-HCMC). This builds on a strategic collaboration agreement previously signed between VIFC-HCMC, Touchstone Partners, and Temasek Foundation, aimed at mobilizing international financial and knowledge resources to advance innovation and technology development, contributing to Vietnam's green transition and sustainable growth.

Over VND 21 Billion in Awards

Teams in N0C 2026 will compete for a total prize pool exceeding VND 21 billion (approximately USD 800,000). Of this, VND 15 billion is non-equity catalytic funding for the top three teams; and over VND 6 billion comprises investment prizes and additional support from partner venture funds and enterprises. Finalist teams will also gain access to structured piloting opportunities through N0C's network of corporate and government partners.

Who Should Apply

N0C 2026 welcomes applications from startups, research groups, corporate ventures, and non-profit organisations that have a minimum viable product (MVP) with a clear commercialisation direction. Applicants should be prepared to pilot solutions in Vietnam. International teams looking to enter the Vietnamese market or establish strategic partnerships are strongly encouraged to apply.

Three Competition Tracks

Teams will compete in one of three tracks addressing Vietnam's most urgent environmental challenges:

• Track 1 — Renewable & Carbon Removal: Solutions in solar, wind, energy storage, grid modernisation, energy efficiency, green hydrogen, and carbon measurement and removal.

• Track 2 — Food Systems & Sustainable Agriculture: Technologies that enhance the sustainability, resilience, and productivity of Vietnam's agriculture and aquaculture sectors.

• Track 3 — Circular Economy & Waste Management: Innovations driving the shift away from linear consumption models, including industrial waste recycling, plastic alternatives, urban recycling infrastructure.

Application Period: July 1 – August 31, 2026. Detailed information available at: https://netzerochallenge.vn.