CHALLENGE STATEMENT

Welcome to the Net Zero Challenge 2023, the biggest startup competition in Vietnam that focuses on sustainable solutions for climate-tech. Net Zero Challenge 2023 aims to identify and support early-stage startups and teams that have the potential to revolutionize the way we address environmental challenges at scale.

This year, we are seeking innovative and feasible solutions that can contribute to the removal of carbon emissions and drive positive change in key areas, including:

  • Renewables and Carbon Removal
  • Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture
  • Circular Economy and Waste Management.

Our desired outcome is to discover groundbreaking technologies and scalable projects that can quickly be adopted to address pressing sustainability issues. It is essential that the proposed proiects can be piloted and implemented effectivelv within Vietnam, showcasing their potential to tackle climate change in a local context.

The Net Zero Challenge 2023 is open to early-stage startups and teams of any size that have reached Technology Readiness Level (TLR) 6 and have already achieved proof of concept. While teams may be based anywhere in the world, their proposed projects must be applicable to Vietnam and aligned with the specific sustainability tracks identified for this competition.

ABOUT OUR 3 TRACKS

Renewables & Carbon Removal

In this track, we are seeking innovative solutions that drive the adoption of renewable energy sources and contribute to the removal of carbon emissions.
We are particularly interested in breakthrough technologies and scalable projects that offer revolutionary carbon capture, utilization, and storage methods. Your challenge is to present a feasible solution that demonstrates exceptional performance in a large-scale setting. Show us how your technology can contribute to the decarbonization of energy, urban infrastructure, and transportation systems, and how it can be effectively applied within Vietnam’s unique context.

In this track, we are seeking innovative solutions that drive the adoption of renewable energy sources and contribute to the removal of carbon emissions.
We are particularly interested in breakthrough technologies and scalable projects that offer revolutionary carbon capture, utilization, and storage methods. Your challenge is to present a feasible solution that demonstrates exceptional performance in a large-scale setting. Show us how your technology can contribute to the decarbonization of energy, urban infrastructure, and transportation systems, and how it can be effectively applied within Vietnam’s unique context.

In this track, we are seeking innovative solutions that drive the adoption of renewable energy sources and contribute to the removal of carbon emissions.
We are particularly interested in breakthrough technologies and scalable projects that offer revolutionary carbon capture, utilization, and storage methods. Your challenge is to present a feasible solution that demonstrates exceptional performance in a large-scale setting. Show us how your technology can contribute to the decarbonization of energy, urban infrastructure, and transportation systems, and how it can be effectively applied within Vietnam’s unique context.

What we look out for in vour solution

  • Sianificantlv reduce the carbon emissions produced by industries and buildinas (ea.. cooling svstems).

  • Effectivelv capture and convert carbon emissions into useful products le a.. building materials, reclamation sand. or

  • Chowcoco innovstive oppreschec to corbon conturo ntilizotion and ctorao

Our competition format involves multiple stages to identify the most promising entries.

Initially, we will conduct a rigorous evaluation to shortlist the top 5 to 7 entries per track based on the quality of their applications, proof-of-concept, and applicability to urban cities. Subsequently, a panel of investors, corporates, and domain experts will assess the shortlisted entries and select three finalists per track to advance to the grand finale.

Shortlisted finalists will be invited to pitch their projects, and the winning teams will receive 5 billion VND (non-dilutive cash) to pilot their projects in Vietnam, driving tangible sustainability impact.