GRAFT Challenge Vietnam 2021 launched to scale up AgriTech firms

April 14, 2021 | 11:34

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GRAFT Challenge Vietnam 2021 was officially launched on April 13, promising to pair leading AgriTech entrepreneurs with customers, partners, and scale-up resources in Vietnam’s fast-growing agrifood sector.

graft challenge vietnam 2021 launched to scale up agritech firms

The press briefing on April 13 to introduce the launch of the GRAFT Challenge Vietnam 2021

Proudly sponsored by Aus4Innovation under Australia’s Department for Foreign Affairs & Trade, the programme will support entrepreneurs from across the globe to solve the most pressing challenges facing Vietnam’s agri-food sector, including enhancing access to quality production inputs, reducing post-harvest losses, building consumer trust, and addressing specific challenges in crops and plantations, fisheries and aquaculture, and livestock.

GRAFT articulated these needs in partnership with industry leaders such as Sao Thai Duong JSC, Minh Phu Seafood Corporation, NIC Group, Beacon Fund, Camimex Group, and Hung Nhon Group, among others.

GRAFT Vietnam Challenge seeks agritech solutions from mature international and Vietnamese agritech innovators with validated, ready-to-scale solutions. Applicants must document how their solutions can address the identified industry needs while generating positive community impact and contributing to the sustainable growth of Vietnam’s agrifood sector. The online application period closes on May 14.

Challenge organisers will select as many as nine of the most promising solutions to take part in a 12-15 week programme of scale-up support, including bespoke consultations from a curated network of in-market experts. Selected entrepreneurs will also engage with agrifood sector leaders, investors, and market enablers to develop partnerships and validate technology before participating in intensive in-market roadshows and customised business matching.

“GRAFT Challenge Vietnam 2021 is the first of its kind. It is a fast track for fast-growing tech entrepreneurs to access customers and partners in one of the world’s fastest changing markets,” explained Phan Quang Vinh, director of MBI Innovation.

According to Nguyen Duc Tung, general secretary, Vietnam Digital Agriculture Association (VIDA), Vietnam’s resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic and status as an agriculture export powerhouse gives it considerable growth potential. However, the country requires transformative solutions to capitalise on its opportunity. Through the GRAFT Challenge, VIDA wants to create an enabling ecosystem for agritech.

“GRAFT Challenge Vietnam 2021 is laser-focused on generating meaningful partnerships between Vietnam’s leading agribusinesses and transformative solution providers to generate real value across the agri-food value chain, and to strengthen in country’s agri innovation ecosystem at large,” shared Justin Ahmed, GRAFT Programme Lead.

GRAFT is implemented under the framework of the Aus4Innovation Programme between the Australian government and the Vietnamese government to contribute to promoting the testing of new models in public-private partnerships and strengthening Vietnam's capacity in digital, scenario building, commercialisation, and innovation policy.

In 2021, GRAFT Challenge Vietnam 2021 is organised by Australian innovation agency Beanstalk in partnership with the VIDA, the Vietnam National Supporting Center for Youth’s Start-up (SYS), and MBI Innovation. The programme is proudly sponsored by Aus4Innovation under Australia’s Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), and the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST).