Representatives from the Management Board of the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Agricultural Zone, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, and VNUHCM–University of Science performing the launching ritual for the 2026 Innovation and Start-up Competition in High-Tech Agriculture.

On 29 May, at VNUHCM–University of Science, the Management Board of the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Agricultural Zone, in collaboration with HCMUS, organised the launch ceremony for the 2026 Innovation and Start-up Competition in High-Tech Agriculture. Under the theme “Circular Agriculture – Shaping a Green Future”, the competition aims to promote ideas and projects that apply science, technology, and innovation to agricultural development, focusing on green, circular, and sustainable models.

The event was attended by Mr Nguyễn Duy Sơn, Vice Head of the Management Board of the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Agricultural Zone; Ms Bùi Thị Lưu Ly, representing the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade and member of the competition’s Organising Committee; and Ms Vương Thị Hồng Loan, Director of the High-Tech Agricultural Business Incubator. Representing HCMUS were Assoc. Prof. Trần Lê Quan, President of the University, along with representatives from various offices, lecturers, researchers, postgraduate students, and undergraduates interested in innovative start-up activities.

In the opening address, Mr Nguyễn Duy Sơn emphasised the significance of connecting resources from state management agencies, educational institutions, businesses, and experts to foster the innovation ecosystem within high-tech agriculture. According to Mr Nguyễn Duy Sơn, as green transition and sustainable development become inevitable global trends, circular agricultural models offer numerous opportunities for start-up initiatives rich in scientific and technological content, contributing to resolving challenges related to the environment, natural resources, and climate change.

In the welcoming speech, Assoc. Prof. Trần Lê Quan affirmed that HCMUS consistently regards scientific research, technology transfer, and innovative entrepreneurship as key pillars in the strategic development of the institution. The President highly commended the collaboration with the Management Board of the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Agricultural Zone, which provides students, researchers, and faculty members with further avenues to access start-up support programmes tailored to the practical needs of society and industry.

Within the framework of the programme, the Management Board of the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Agricultural Zone presented a letter of appreciation to HCMUS to acknowledge the invaluable partnership of the University in organising and advancing activities that support the innovative start-up ecosystem.

Alongside the official launch, the event featured keynote presentations addressing trends in circular agriculture and the commercialisation of scientific research outcomes.

Dr Nguyễn Hữu Hoàng, Director of the High-Tech Agricultural Applied Research Centre at HCMUS, delivered a presentation entitled “Commercialising Research Products in Agricultural Science – Key Case Studies”. The presentation shared practical insights into transforming research findings into viable, marketable products, thereby enhancing the value of scientific research activities.

Mr Tôn Thất Hạc Minh, a consultant specialising in sustainable development and the circular economy, and founder of EarthWise Consulting, presented on “Circular Agriculture Towards Net Zero”. The report provided updated insights into green transition trends in agriculture whilst highlighting the role of innovation in reducing emissions, optimising resource efficiency, and adapting to climate change.

From a corporate perspective, Dr Nguyễn Thị Vân Linh, Director of VinaCrop Co., Ltd. and Head of the Department of Food Technology at Nguyen Tat Thanh University, shared experiences in establishing and developing circular agricultural models, whilst exploring collaborative opportunities between enterprises and academic institutions in research, product development, and innovation.

The highlight of the event was the official launching ceremony, performed by representatives from the Organising Committee and collaborating institutions. The 2026 Innovation and Start-up Competition in High-Tech Agriculture is anticipated to serve as a vital bridge connecting scientific knowledge, industry demands, and resources that foster innovation. Through this initiative, promising ideas and projects will receive incubation, refinement, and eventual commercialisation, driving high-tech agriculture, the circular economy, and green growth forward into a new era.