Net Zero Challenge 2026
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Quick Answer
Vietnam climate-tech competition: three winners share VND 15 billion of equity-free funding to pilot in Vietnam. Global teams welcome; the 2026 call closed 31 August 2026.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Temasek Foundation
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 31 August 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Temasek Foundation. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
Net Zero Challenge (N0C) 2026 is a climate-tech competition run by Touchstone Partners and Temasek Foundation, in partnership with the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies, for teams that want to pilot a solution in Vietnam. Three winning teams share VND 15 billion of equity-free funding. Applications ran from 1 July to 31 August 2026 and are now closed; the Grand Finale is on 12 November 2026.
What the program offers
The total prize pool for 2026 is more than VND 21 billion (about US$800,000 according to the organisers, roughly ₹7.6 crore). Of this, VND 15 billion (shown on the site as about US$590,000, roughly ₹5.6 crore in last year's figures) is non-equity catalytic funding awarded to the three top teams, meaning the winners give up no ownership. The remaining VND 6 billion or more comes from investment prizes and extra support from partner venture funds and companies. Finalists also get mentorship, exposure to investors, and access to structured pilot opportunities with corporate and government partners in industrial zones, urban infrastructure, agricultural value chains and financial institutions.
The grant is tied to a pilot: the project must run its pilot in Vietnam to receive the money. The FAQ says there are no programme fees, equity terms or hidden terms.
Who can apply
Startups, research groups, corporate ventures and non-profits are welcome, as long as they have a minimum viable product and a clear commercial direction. Teams from outside Vietnam can join from anywhere in the world, and no Vietnamese team member is needed. Revenue is not required.
For an Indian founder or NGO this is a real option: an Indian climate-tech, agri-tech or circular-economy team with a working MVP can apply, provided it is serious about piloting in Vietnam. It does not suit idea-stage teams, because the organisers say ideas alone are not enough, and it does not suit teams with no interest in the Vietnamese market.
How to apply
Applications were made through the official site. You choose one of three tracks: Renewables and Carbon Removal, Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture, or Circular Economy and Waste Management. You describe the solution, show proof of value, and set out an implementation plan for Vietnam with milestones, a budget and evaluation metrics. A practical tip: if a solution fits more than one track, read each track's challenge statement and pick the closest fit. The 2026 window closed on 31 August 2026, and the organisers describe the competition as annual since 2023, but the source does not give 2027 dates.
How applications are judged and what happens next
After the window closes, applications are screened and shortlisted against the challenge statements by a panel of organisers, investors, corporates and domain experts. Selection rests on the quality of the application, proof of value and ability to scale in Vietnam. Finalists must accept the invitation to pitch within 3 working days or their spot goes to the next team. Timeline: finalists announced in early October, coaching October to November, and the Grand Finale on 12 November 2026. The FAQ says teams can pitch virtually, although the organisers encourage flying in. Once milestones are agreed with Temasek Foundation, the first payment usually comes 4 to 6 weeks after the grant agreement is signed, and later payments follow agreed milestones on a reimbursement basis.
About Touchstone Partners and Temasek Foundation
Touchstone Partners is the Vietnam-based co-organiser that announced the 2026 edition from Ho Chi Minh City. Temasek Foundation is the philanthropic partner that agrees the grant milestones with winners. The competition began in 2023 and has drawn over 1,500 applications across three earlier editions, including more than 700 from 60 countries in 2025. The 2026 edition also involves the Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City.
Things to check before you apply
- This round is closed, and the source gives no 2027 dates, so treat it as a guide to the next edition.
- The pilot must take place in Vietnam, so budget for local partners and travel.
- Pitching is allowed virtually, but in-person attendance is encouraged and the source does not say who pays for travel.
- Payments are made in tranches on a reimbursement basis against agreed milestones, so you need working capital.
- The prize amounts are given in Vietnamese dong; rupee values here are approximate.
- Partner funds also offer separate investment prizes; read any terms carefully before accepting.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
Temasek Foundation is a philanthropic organisation based in Singapore. Its programmes are funded by philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, and they aim to strengthen social resilience at home, foster mutual exchange in the region and protect the planet. Its office is at…
Learn morePrizes & Awards
What You Get
Three top teams share VND 15 billion (about US$590,000, roughly ₹5.6 crore) in non-equity catalytic funding, from a total pool of more than VND 21 billion. Finalists get mentorship, investor connections and structured pilot opportunities in Vietnam. The grant is paid in milestone-based instalments after a grant agreement with Temasek Foundation.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications are screened and shortlisted by a panel of the organisers, investors, corporates and domain experts, based on quality, proof of value and ability to scale in Vietnam. Finalists are coached and pitch at the Grand Finale on 12 November 2026, where the top three win the equity-free funding.
Application Process
- 1
Apply
Submit the application with a pilot plan for Vietnam.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indian startups apply for Net Zero Challenge?
Yes. The FAQ says teams can join from anywhere in the world and do not need a Vietnamese team member. You do need an MVP and a plan to pilot in Vietnam.
How much can winners get?
VND 15 billion of non-equity funding is shared by the top three teams, out of a total pool of more than VND 21 billion. The source does not state how the VND 15 billion is split between the three.
Is it a grant or equity?
The organisers call the VND 15 billion catalytic funding non-equity, so winners give up no ownership. Partner funds also offer separate investment prizes. The FAQ says there are no equity-related terms attached to the grant.
What is the deadline and has it passed?
Applications ran from 1 July to 31 August 2026 and are closed. The source gives no dates for a 2027 edition.
Do I have to travel to Vietnam?
The pilot must be conducted in Vietnam. For the Grand Finale on 12 November 2026, the FAQ says finalists can pitch virtually but are encouraged to fly in. The source does not say who pays for travel.
Do I need a prototype or revenue?
You need a minimum viable product. Revenue is not part of the application criteria.
Can a non-profit or research team apply?
Yes. Startups, research teams, corporate projects and non-profits that are ready for a large-scale pilot can apply.
How is the money paid?
Once milestones are agreed with Temasek Foundation, the first payment usually follows within 4 to 6 weeks of signing the grant agreement. Later payments follow milestones on a reimbursement basis.
Is it free to enter?
The FAQ says there are no programme fees or hidden terms.
When are the results announced?
Finalists were to be announced in early October 2026, with the Grand Finale on 12 November 2026.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
