The Accelerator Programme of the EU-funded project Accelerating Innovative Startups for Energy Efficiency (AIS4EE) reached a defining milestone with its Demo Day, spotlighting bold new solutions by startups and youth teams aiming to transform Viet Nam’s energy efficiency landscape and green investment pipeline.

Representatives from government agencies and the EU, investment funds, the start-up community, universities and energy efficiency organisations at the Demo Day.

Co-hosted by the Department of Innovation, Green Transformation and Industrial Promotion (IGIP) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Viet Nam, and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the event marked the successful conclusion of Viet Nam’s first government-led acceleration programme focusing exclusively on energy efficiency innovation.

Launched in August 2024 in partnership with Touchstone Partners, AIS4EE attracted more than 140 applications from over 20 countries. After a competitive selection process, 13 startups and 11 youth teams advanced through a nine-week acceleration journey that included tailored technical support, mentoring, and engagement with both domestic and international investors. A highlight of the programme was an international investment roadshow in Singapore in February 2025, where the cohort pitched to regional venture capital firms and innovation hubs.

The Demo Day provided a high-profile platform for finalists to pitch their innovations to a distinguished panel of judges and investors, competing for a total of USD 45,000 in prizes — with USD 35,000 awarded to the top three startups, and USD 10,000 to the three leading youth teams.

Ms. Do Thi Minh Tram, Deputy Director General of IGIP, MOIT delivering opening remarks at the event.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Do Thi Minh Tram, Deputy Director General of IGIP, MOIT, emphasised the central role of energy efficiency in Viet Nam’s industrial, construction, and transport sectors—key pillars of the National Programme on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy 2019–2030 (VNEEP3).

Ms. Kristina Bünde, Head of Development Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Viet Nam, reaffirmed the EU’s strong backing for the country’s just energy transition. “Energy efficiency is the foundation of any successful green energy transition,” she stated, highlighting the EU’s commitment to supporting Viet Nam through policy, capacity building, and investment instruments.

Ms. Kristina Bünde, Head of Development Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Viet Nam speaking at the event opening.

Mr. Juhern Kim, GGGI Country Representative to Viet Nam and Chair of the Demo Day judging panel, underscored the need for “two types of entrepreneurship to achieve net-zero: private entrepreneurship from innovators and businesses, and public entrepreneurship from forward-looking institutions.” He emphasised AIS4EE’s role as a practical model of mobilising both. Citing the International Energy Agency’s Net Zero by 2050 Roadmap, he added that nearly half of the required emissions reductions will rely on technologies still in early-stage development—reinforcing the essential role of innovation and startups in climate action.

Mr. Juhern Kim, GGGI Country Representative to Viet Nam and Chair of the Demo Day judging panel addressing the audience at the event.

The AIS4EE Demo Day not only showcased promising solutions but also revealed the vibrancy of Viet Nam’s emerging climate-tech ecosystem. Several participating startups are expected to announce investment deals in the coming months, signaling growing momentum toward scaling solutions that support the country’s climate and energy efficiency goals.

Representatives of the AIS4EE’s acceleration programme presented certificates to the start-up finalists completing the programme.

Demo Day Winners

Top 3 Startups

• First Prize: VIoT Energy Efficiency Platform (VEEP) – A cloud-based AIoT solution enabling real-time energy management and reduction in building energy consumption.
• Second Prize: EESCO – A data-driven chiller plant optimisation solution to improve commercial and industrial water-cooled chiller system efficiency.
• Third Prize: VOX Cool – An AI- and IoT-integrated cold battery technology designed to enhance energy efficiency in cooling applications.

Top 3 Youth Teams

• First Prize: EnergiShift – A Battery-as-a-Service and AI analysis solution that optimizes cost and peak-hour load management.
• Second Prize: RH2O – A low-cost, passive cooling system that utilizes shallow geothermal energy and solar power to deliver cold or warm water for residential use.
• Third Prize: EFFICOOL ENHANCER – A system that captures and reuses condensate water from air conditioners to cool the outdoor unit’s condenser coil, enhancing cooling efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

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