“NoWaste Now” 2026: A Waste-to-Startup Competition for Students
See Waste. See Startups.
Can Tho, May 12, 2026 – The Innovation Services Center (ISC) has officially announced the "NoWaste Now" startup competition. Targeted at university students in Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, and the Mekong Delta region, the contest aims to foster innovative solutions aligned with sustainable development. Strategic Collaboration The competition is organized in partnership with: Institute of Innovation (UII) – College of Technology and Design, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH); STEAMZone Education Center; Saigon Times Foundation; VNFOCUS Communications Corporation (VNFOCUS) and SkyVox.
Program Schedule & Focus The program runs from May 7th to May 28th, 2026, with the Grand Finale held at ISC Hau Giang in Can Tho City. "NoWaste Now" focuses on scouting and incubating early-stage startups in key sectors:
•Bioprocessing technology and new materials. •Bioenergy and digital agriculture. •Circular economy, green finance, and carbon markets.
Timeline: Online application, hybrid intensive coaching, and final presentation submission by May 22nd.
Selection: The top 6 teams will advance to the Grand Finale on May 28th to pitch before a jury of business leaders, investors, and innovation experts. Eligibility: Each university may nominate up to 02 teams, with a maximum of 05 members per team.
Awards and Incubation Support Beyond cash prizes, finalists will receive comprehensive support: Co-working Space: 6 to 12 months of free office space at ISC Hau Giang. Mentorship: Participation in advanced training programs and expert consulting. Networking: Opportunities to connect with investors and the startup ecosystem to commercialize products.
Bridging Innovation Ecosystems According to an ISC representative, the competition serves as a vital platform connecting the innovation ecosystems of Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, driving green technology and circular economy solutions in the region.
For detailed information and registration, please visit: https://nowaste.vietnamisc.com/ or email nowaste@vietnamisc.com
