Funding

Grant

Program dates

Jul 1, 2026 – Nov 12, 2026

Entrepreneurship•Vietnam · Hybrid

Net Zero Challenge 2026

Touchstone Partners and Temasek Foundation

Application Deadline

Closed · August 31, 2026

Reopens ~Aug 2027

Official Page

Net Zero Challenge (N0C) is run by Touchstone Partners and Temasek Foundation, in partnership with the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies, and reaches its fourth edition in 2026. It searches worldwide for climate technologies that can be piloted in Vietnam and backs the strongest teams with catalytic grants that take no equity. Teams may be based anywhere; what counts is a working product and a credible plan to prove its value on the ground in Vietnam.

The 2026 edition adds the Viet Nam International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City as a strategic partner. Applications opened on 1 July 2026 and close on 31 August 2026, with the Grand Finale on 12 November 2026. The 2025 edition drew more than 700 applications from 60 countries.

Benefits & funding

  • VND 15 billion in equity-free catalytic grants, shared by the three winning teams; no ownership stake is taken.
  • The program site lists a further VND 5.2 billion in additional prizes. The organisers put total awards above VND 21 billion (about USD 800,000), including investment prizes and support from partner venture funds and enterprises.
  • Coaching for finalists through October and November, ahead of the Grand Finale.
  • Access to piloting opportunities through the N0C partner network across industrial zones, urban infrastructure, agricultural value chains and financial institutions.
  • In-kind support and mentorship, exposure to a regional audience, and introductions to investors.

Eligibility

  • Open worldwide, with no nationality or residency restriction. Teams based outside Vietnam are encouraged to apply and use the competition to enter the Vietnamese market.
  • Start-ups, research groups, corporate ventures and non-profit organisations are all eligible.
  • The team must already have a minimally viable product; an idea on its own does not qualify.
  • Entries need a pilot plan that demonstrates proof of value in Vietnam, together with an intention to commercialise.
  • Solutions are technology-based: software, AI, hardware, deep tech, food tech, agri tech, new materials or new energy technology.
  • Each entry goes into one of three tracks: Renewables & Carbon Removal; Food Systems & Sustainable Agriculture; Circular Economy & Waste Management.

Can you apply?

Open to all applicants

No nationality, residency, education, or experience limits are listed.

Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.

We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.

Application process

  1. 1
    Pick the track that fits the solution and read the challenge statement for that track.
  2. 2
    Register for an online information session through the link on the program site if guidance is useful before applying.
  3. 3
    Complete the official application form, which covers general registration, project overview, pilot plan and supporting information.
  4. 4
    Submit before 11:59 PM on 31 August 2026 (GMT+7).
  5. 5
    Applications are reviewed across September and October, and finalists are announced in early October.
  6. 6
    Finalists take part in coaching from October to November and pitch at the Grand Finale on 12 November 2026.

Program timeline

  1. Program launch, applications open

    1 July 2026

  2. Applications close (11:59 PM, GMT+7)

    31 August 2026

  3. Application review

    September–October 2026

  4. Finalists announced

    Early October 2026

  5. Coaching for finalists

    October–November 2026

  6. Grand Finale

    12 November 2026

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