This article is available in Vietnamese

Vietnamese energy efficiency startups engage with regional investors to accelerate their growth and scale their solutions within the framework of the Accelerator Program under “Promoting Innovative Startups in the Field of Energy Efficiency” (AIS4EE) Project, funded by the European Union (EU) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).

Singapore, February 27, 2025 — The Accelerating Innovative Startups for Energy Efficiency (AIS4EE) project organized an international fundraising session in Singapore for finalist startups of its Accelerator Program. Taking place from 24 to 27 February, the trip entailed a series of activities to connect and facilitate engagement of the startup cohort with Singapore’s dynamic innovation and investment ecosystem. The delegation was chaired by the Department of Energy Conservation and Sustainable Development, Ministry of Industry and Trade, in collaboration with GGGI Viet Nam Office and Touchstone Partners. 

The main pitching session was held at JTC Launchpad on 25 February, where the 13 startups from the AIS4EE Accelerator Program presented their solutions to Singapore-based venture capital funds and impact investors.  

Mr. Quach Quang Dong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development at MOIT giving an opening speech at the investment pitching session at JTC Launchpad 

In his sharing with Vietnamese start-ups and Singapore-based investors, Mr. Quach Quang Dong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development at MOIT, emphasized the crucial role of energy efficiency in Viet Nam’s green transition and economic resilience. “Aside from shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, it is equally important to develop energy-efficient technologies, equipment, and management models to ensure optimal energy use and conservation,” he noted. 

Mr. Juhern Kim, GGGI’s Country Representative to Viet Nam, underscored the critical role of startups and innovation in tackling climate change and achieving net zero goals, citing that nearly 70% of the carbon reductions needed by 2050 rely on technologies that are still in development or prototyping stages. This is a space that entrepreneurs must take the lead in advancing innovative solutions. He emphasized the importance of utilizing AI to achieve energy efficiency gains and highlighted the need for collaboration among governments, development partners, investors, and startups to drive meaningful change. 

Mr. Juhern Kim, GGGI’s Country Representative to Viet Nam at the pitching session 

Mr. Kim said “We look at both climate impact and investment potential—one reinforces the other. I commend the Vietnamese government for its forward-thinking leadership in embracing this approach and the EU for its funding support. Now, it’s up to startups to turn this vision into reality.” 

Beyond investor engagements, the startup cohort and delegation explored Singapore’s renowned innovation ecosystem, participating in business and investment discussions with leading institutions, including the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Entrepreneurship Academy, National University of Singapore (NUS) Energy Studies Institute, ENGIE Factory, and A*STAR — Singapore’s leading public-sector R&D agency. 

The delegation and the finalist start-ups of the AIS4EE’s Accelerator Program during the investment mobilization trip in Singapore 

The AIS4EE Accelerator Program is Viet Nam’s first government-led initiative dedicated to supporting startups and student groups focused on energy efficiency solutions. The program is part of the EU-Viet Nam Sustainable Energy Transition Program (SETP), funded by the EU and hosted by MOIT. This international fundraising trip marks a significant milestone for AIS4EE, showcasing the potential of Vietnamese startups to attract international investment and scale their impact. 

/ENDS