The 2025 High-Tech Agriculture Startup Competition has officially launched, marking a significant stride in Vietnam’s journey towards digital transformation in agriculture. With the theme ‘Digital transformation in sustainable agricultural development’, the competition is set to identify and nurture promising startup ideas that leverage digital technology in agricultural management and production. This initiative is a testament to the nation’s commitment to fostering green, smart, and sustainable agriculture.
In his opening speech, Pham Dinh Dung, Head of the High-tech Agricultural Zone Management Board and the Competition Organizing Committee, underscored the pivotal role of innovation in agriculture. As the economy rapidly embraces digital transformation, Dung emphasized that agriculture, a vital sector of Vietnam’s economy, must innovate to ensure sustainable development and enhance its value. High-tech agricultural startups are poised to be key drivers in this transformative journey.
This year’s competition has broadened its horizons, inviting participation from talents across Vietnam. The initiative aims to identify, select, honor, and incubate promising startup ideas and projects, aligning with Ho Chi Minh City’s vision to become a vibrant startup hub for young entrepreneurs. The competition is open to startups, young entrepreneurs, students, university and college lecturers, research institutions, organizations, and individuals passionate about innovative ideas and technologies in high-tech agriculture.
Participants can submit projects in various areas, including management, production, processing, and preservation within high-tech agriculture. The competition also welcomes innovations that harness information technology, Internet of Things (IoT), big data, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, robotics, and drones for applications in management, production, processing, post-harvest preservation, and product traceability in the high-tech agriculture sector.
The implications of this competition are far-reaching. By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in high-tech agriculture, the initiative is set to propel Vietnam’s agricultural sector into a new era of sustainability and efficiency. It offers a platform for bright minds to showcase their ideas, gain recognition, and receive support to turn their visions into reality. Moreover, the competition aligns with global trends in agricultural technology, positioning Vietnam as a player in the international agritech landscape.
The competition comprises three stages: Preliminary Round, Semi-final, and Final Round. Projects that advance past the Preliminary Round will enter an intensive training program covering startup fundamentals, business planning, intellectual property, investor pitching, and presentation skills. Following the competition, promising projects will be selected for a 2026 support plan, which includes pre-incubation, incubation, and acceleration phases.
Applications are now open and will be accepted until July 2025. Interested candidates can access the application form at the provided link and submit their documents by post or email. This competition is not just a contest; it’s a springboard for innovation and a beacon for the future of Vietnamese agriculture.