The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) has identified the development of a low-carbon economy and green innovation as a core pillar of its Sustainable Development Strategy 2021–2030.

During the 2023–2024 period, UEH implemented “The Connecting the Community – Spreading Knowledge – Sustainable Action” program, in which supporting innovation-driven startups focused on the green economy, clean energy, and sustainable consumption serves as a strategic priority.

The UEH Institute of Innovation (UII) and The Mekong Delta Innovation and Startup Center (MCIE) play pivotal roles in incubating, funding, mentoring, and expanding the investment network for sustainable innovation startups. This university-based incubator is the only one in Vietnam recognized among the Top 10 Startup Support Organizations in Southeast Asia (AsiaStar 10×10 Launchpad)

Mechanisms Supporting the Low-Carbon Startup Ecosystem

Type of Support Program/

Model

 Description Impact and 2024 Outcomes
Incubation and Advanced Training UII Incubation Program A free international incubation program assisting startups in developing sustainable business models, measuring carbon emissions, and accessing the markets as well as investors. 17 projects supported in 2024; 3 startups successfully raised a total of VND 3.5 billion; over 120 startups incubated over five years.
Financial Support and Investment Linkage UIIxBASIC Demo Day An annual green investment networking event connecting investors – startups . Raised USD 520,000 in investment commitments; provided USD 6,600 in non-refundable grants to six promising green projects
Green Web3 Ecosystem Development UII Sandbox Program A program focusing on startups applying FinTech, Blockchain, and Web3, and carbon credit. 31 projects submitted, 15 selected; 11 workshops and 64 growth sessions organized; 3 teams awarded at UEH Showcase Day.
Local incubation MCIE – Mekong Incubator A localized incubation model transferred to the Mekong Delta region to support startups. 12 startups supported; 800 students and 130 lecturers trained; 3 student projects received provincial awards.
Green Youth Entrepreneurship Future Founders Fest 2024 A national forum celebrating youth initiatives in sustainable energy and clean electricity. Launched a national research report on the youth startup ecosystem; provided policy recommendations for a comprehensive support system for green startups.

Representative Projects Driving Low-Carbon Economic Transition

NO. Name of Project Description Sustainable Impact
1 BioWraps – Regenerating Orange Peels: A Sustainable Biodegradable Packaging Solution (Project from the Incubation Program) BioWraps – Regenerating Orange Peels is an innovative project focusing on recycling orange peels – a biological by-product – to create sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging solutions. The project extracts biological compounds from orange peels, such as cellulose and pectin, combined with advanced technologies to produce biodegradable packaging materials.

The main goal is to replace single-use plastics, reduce plastic waste, and contribute to the circular economy. BioWraps not only ensures sustainability but also utilizes the value of agricultural by-products, helping to raise environmental awareness and promote green lifestyles.

 Regenerating Orange Peels into fully biodegradable bio-packaging; replaces single-use plastics; promotes the circular economy; reduces agricultural waste.
2 A.N Paper (Project from the Incubation Program) A.N Paper is a startup project aimed at developing eco-friendly recycled paper products from natural materials, specifically water hyacinth, an invasive aquatic plant commonly found in the river regions of Vietnam.

The project focuses on producing handcrafted notebooks, postcards, decorative packaging, gifts, and souvenirs that embody high aesthetic, cultural, and artistic value.

By maximizing the value of water hyacinth biomass, A.N Paper not only helps reduce organic waste but also promotes sustainable resource utilization and creates income opportunities for local and low-income workers.

The project’s main goal is to build a sustainable production model where each product carries not only economic and artistic value but also tells the cultural story of Vietnam, while creating positive environmental and community impacts.

All A.N Paper products are custom-designed, creative, affordable, and environmentally friendly, reflecting the project’s strong commitment to sustainable development, and the green economy.

 Transforms water hyacinth into recycled paper; addresses invasive biomass management while creating employment for low-income workers; delivers eco-friendly, culturally meaningful products.
3 Ngo Chạm (Project from the Incubation Program) Ngo Cham is a sustainable fashion brand producing backpacks and handbags made from recycled inner tubes and tires that have been treated. The brand was established with the mission to reduce the environmental impact of discarded rubber waste, while raising public awareness about the harmful effects of traditional leather products on human health, natural resources, and the environment. Produces bags from recycled inner tubes, reducing rubber waste, replacing leather materials, and encouraging sustainable consumption.
4 SENONIKA (Project from the Incubation Program) SENONIKA is a Vietnamese footwear brand applying 3D printing technology to create environmentally friendly products, aiming to simplify the supply chain and enhance production sustainability. SENONIKA’s products are not only fashionable but also serve to promote green awareness among consumers. Applies 3D printing technology in footwear manufacturing to minimize carbon emissions along the supply chain, optimize material usage, and move towards on-demand.
5 Recycling Paper for Vouchers  (Project from UII Sandbox)       Recycling Paper for Vouchers is a project that promotes paper recycling through an online platform designed for UEH students. Via the website, students can record the amount of used paper collected and exchange it for reward points, which can then be redeemed for vouchers at local bookstores, cafés, or retail stores.

Operating under a non-profit model with strong community engagement, the project not only encourages recycling behavior but also raises environmental awareness, helping to reduce deforestation and paper waste pollution.

 Establishes a paper-for-voucher recycling system; encourages student participation in recycling, reduces paper waste, and supports forest conservation.
6 Econet (Project from UII Sandbox) Econet is a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates Blockchain technology, green credits, and Web3 gaming to encourage individuals and businesses to participate in environmental protection activities.

Through engaging in green actions or organizing eco-friendly events, users can earn carbon credits, which are tokenized and traded directly on the platform. The system also features educational games, allowing players to learn about environmental protection and earn cryptocurrency rewards that can be converted into carbon credits – thereby promoting active participation and raising environmental awareness within the community.

Key features of Econet include carbon credit tokenization, AI-based credit value prediction, automated transactions via smart contracts, and real-time environmental reporting and certification.

 Applies Blockchain and AI to tokenize and trade carbon credits, integrates environmental education games, and encourages green actions through technology-driven engagement.
7 Greenchain (Project from UII Sandbox) Greenchain is a comprehensive platform that supports startups pursuing sustainable development in alignment with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards. The platform provides essential services to help startups overcome common challenges in adopting sustainable business models, while ensuring safety and transparency for investors.

Its core services include: 1. Secure and transparent crowdfunding support; 2. CProvision of ESG-related knowledge and resources; 3. Assistance in sustainability planning, measurement, and governance; 4. Verification and communication of startups’ ESG performance.

 An ESG platform that helps startups develop strategies, measure, and communicate sustainability performance; provides data, fundraising support, and transparent ESG verification.

Expanding Domestic and International Collaboration

UEH is an active member of the following networks:

+ Asia University Network – University Innovation and Entrepreneurship

+ Vietnam National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Network (VNEI)

+ Digital Skills to Succeed (DS2S), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

These partnerships enable UEH to connect knowledge, technology, and investment capital, thereby amplifying the impact of low-carbon innovation across the Asia–Pacific region.

Open related links:

1.  “The Connecting the Community – Spreading Knowledge – Sustainable Action” program – https://future.ueh.edu.vn/en/ueh-connecting/

2. The UEH Institute of Innovation (UII) – https://uii.ueh.edu.vn/

3. June 11, 2024 – Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the Southwest region – https://ueh.edu.vn/bao-chi/thuc-day-doi-moi-sang-tao-va-khoi-nghiep-tai-khu-vuc-tay-nam-bo-71925

4. January 25, 2925 – UEH promotes an innovative startup ecosystem towards sustainable community values – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/ueh-thuc-day-he-sinh-thai-khoi-nghiep-doi-moi-sang-tao-huong-den-nhung-gia-tri-cong-dong-ben-vung-73310

5. February 13, 2025 – UII Showcase Day 2024 – Incubating startup and innovation ideas – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/uii-showcase-day-2024-uom-mam-cac-y-tuong-khoi-nghiep-doi-moi-sang-tao-73437

6. December 10, 2024 – Future Founders Fest 2024 Calls for Greater Support for Youth Entrepreneurship in Viet Nam – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/future-founders-fest-2024-calls-for-greater-support-for-youth-entrepreneurship-in-viet-nam-73135