A biotechnology startup revolutionizing coconut farming claimed the grand prize at the National Innovative Startup Talent Search Competition, capping the highlights of TECHFEST Vietnam 2025 with a vibrant finale in the heart of the capital.
Growlab, which uses tissue culture technology to produce high-yield, uniform coconut seedlings, won the championship on Dec. 12, receiving $20,000 and the opportunity to represent Vietnam at the 2026 Startup World Cup in San Francisco. The open-air event at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square near Hoan Kiem Lake drew crowds of delegates, entrepreneurs, residents and tourists, blending artistic performances with demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies under the theme “Green Growth and Digital Transformation: Innovations for a Sustainable Vietnam.”
The top 10 finalists, selected from hundreds of domestic and international entries after months of training, presented solutions focused on sustainability and digital advancement. Volterra, an AI-powered platform for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, took second place with a $7,000 prize. Third place and $3,000 went to IDO E-Commerce Services Co. Ltd., known for its Biglead CRM system that automates sales and customer service.
Special awards included the Investor Choice prize for Dayladau and the Outstanding Impact Award for PLANTNER, recognizing its contributions to agricultural and environmental sustainability. Each special prize was valued at $15,000.
Organized by the National Startup Support Center and the National Agency for Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization under the Ministry of Science and Technology, in partnership with Startup World Cup Vietnam and others, the contest emphasized environmental, social and governance criteria alongside innovation and scalability.
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