The NoWaste Now 2026 Startup Competition,a major activity within the framework of Vietnam Space Week 2026,has redefined waste not as 'discarded materials', but as the starting point for new value chains. Organized by the Hau Giang Technology Incubation and Innovation Support Center (ISC) from May 7 to May 28, 2026, the competition attracted the participation of over 14 universities from the Mekong Delta region and Ho Chi Minh City.
The program's core mission is to foster entrepreneurship deeply tied to climate change adaptation, circular agriculture, and the carbon market. Following an intensive 4-week journey of rigorous training and business model refinement, the 6 most outstanding projects advanced to the grand finale. In the end, the Greenshield Mekong project (FPT University Can Tho) claimed the Championship title with its innovative bio-packaging solution made from water hyacinth and lotus leaves.
Key Themes and Featured Projects
Projects participating in NoWaste Now 2026 focused heavily on leveraging technology to tackle environmental and agricultural challenges unique to the Mekong Delta.
- Bio-materials and By-product Processing Technology
This track highlights sustainable plastic alternatives and the utilization of abundant agricultural waste.
- Greenshield Mekong (1st Prize) Developed fully biodegradable bio-packaging utilizing water hyacinth and lotus leaves. The project solves plastic pollution while utilizing invasive local plant species to support green agricultural exports. However, their primary hurdle remains improving the material's durability and water resistance.
- PetBed (Consolation Prize): Created eco-friendly pet litter from sugarcane bagasse. This dust-free, lightweight alternative to traditional bentonite clay litter targets urban pet owners and can be composted into organic fertilizer post-use. The main challenges are optimizing its clumping capability and shifting consumer habits.
- Food Ecosystems and Circular Agriculture
Maximizing the value of agricultural products through deep processing and supply chain optimization was a dominant trend.
- AMURIWINE - Amuricata de Zero Waste (2nd Prize): Built an ecosystem of products (including wine, gummies, and beverages) from sub-standard soursop fruits. By employing a "zero-waste" model that also repurposes pulp residue, the project addresses the 20–30% post-harvest fruit loss rate.
- GreenConnect AgriLoop (Consolation Prize): Established a sourcing-processing-distribution network for Grade-II agricultural produce (which usually accounts for 10–20% of total yields but is often discarded). The project connects farmers with restaurants via a digital platform, offering quality produce at prices 10–20% lower than market rates.
- Snack Tempeh (Consolation Prize): Upgraded nutritional offerings using fermented soybeans processed via a zero-waste production cycle. This product targets the "Eat Clean" trend, providing plant-based proteins for vegetarians and athletes.
- Digitalization and Environmental Technology
Applying the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence to smart resource management.
- Waterlytics (3rd Prize): Delivered a smart water monitoring and treatment solution tailored for the aquaculture industry. The system uses IoT sensors to track key parameters (pH, COD, DO, TSS) in real-time, integrating automated ESG reporting. A standout feature is the "Water Reuse Marketplace," which enables the trading of recycled wastewater. Current barriers include high equipment costs and regulatory frameworks.
Training Roadmap and Evaluation Criteria
The competition was structured as a comprehensive, highly rigorous pre-incubation program:
- Intensive Training Curriculum: Students were trained on the Vietnam Carbon Credit Market, the 10R Framework (reduce, reuse, recycle, etc.), Industrial Symbiosis, and English-language Pitch Deck design.
- Hybrid Learning: In-person sessions at ISC Hau Giang were blended with online classes, helping students master user empathy and market-demand validation.
- Distinguished Jury: Composed of 7 leading experts spanning science, technology, venture capital (such as Earth Ventures Capital), and government regulatory bodies.
Post-Competition Incubation Package All 6 finalists received comprehensive post-event support at ISC Hau Giang, including:
- Co-working Space: Free access for 6 to 12 months.
- Dedicated Mentorship: One-on-one expert mentoring (2 hours/month).
- Investment Matchmaking: Direct access to angel and early-stage investors through Demo Day events and ISC's extensive partner network.
Conclusion The NoWaste Now 2026 competition proves that green entrepreneurship in Vietnam is successfully transitioning from theoretical frameworks to real-world applications. By marrying indigenous knowledge (sugarcane bagasse, water hyacinth, and surplus harvest) with modern technology (IoT and biotechnology), a new generation of young change-makers is emerging, ready to shape a sustainable and resilient future for the Mekong Delta.
