Clean-tech startups to graduate from Vietnam’s Bootcamp – Health & Education

The Clean Tech Bootcamp aims to help small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) develop and bring to market innovative clean-energy and energy-efficiency solutions and adaptation technologies in the areas of transportation, agribusiness, and water management.

The initiative was developed by infoDev/World Bank’s Climate Technology Program (CTP), in partnership with the Asian Devolvement Bank (ADB), to accelerate the growth of new green businesses in the region and helps reduce the significant threats posed by climate change.

Vietnam is one of the five most vulnerable countries to climate change in the Asia-Pacific region. In the last 50 years sea level has risen by 50 cm, while extreme climate events (typhoon, flood, landslide, drought, saline intrusion, etc.) have cost the country 9,500 human lives and approximately 1.5% of GDP each year.

The 4-day program of lectures and hands-on workshops gives these innovative entrepreneurs an opportunity to refine their product strategies, business models and marketing pitches; sharpen their negotiating skills; and network with clean-tech entrepreneurs, investors and peers.

With the successful conclusion of the bootcamp, the program will continue to nurture and mentor these and other climate technology SMEs and startups through the Climate Innovation Center (Vietnam CIC). This upcoming business hub is designed to provide a targeted suite of services, including early-stage financing, technology commercialization, business development, and capacity building support. Supported by UKaid and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Vietnam CIC will deliver business advisory services and technology commercialization funding to up to 65 climate technology entrepreneurs, including equity investments to 25 companies in the first five years.