Vietnamese energy efficiency startups engage with regional investors to accelerate their growth and scale their solutions — within the framework of the Accelerator Programme under the “Accelerating Innovative Startups for Energy Efficiency” (AIS4EE) Project, funded by the European Union (EU) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).
The Accelerating Innovative Startups for Energy Efficiency (AIS4EE) project successfully organised an international fundraising session in Singapore for finalist startups of its Accelerator Programme. 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 headed 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 finalist startups of the AIS4EE Accelerator Programme 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, emphasised the crucial role of energy efficiency in Vietnam’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 emphasised 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 Vietnam 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 Programme during the investment mobilisation trip in Singapore
The AIS4EE Accelerator Programme is Vietnam’s first government-led initiative dedicated to supporting startups and student groups focused on energy efficiency solutions. The programme is part of the EU-Vietnam Sustainable Energy Transition Programme (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.
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