The Netherlands encourages innovative water solutions in Vietnam
Vietnam has pressing water issues, making innovative ideas valuable to the country's water sector. Gregor van Essen and Alice Mai Nguyen from Dutch social enterprise the Water Agency set up the Vietnam AquaVenture challenge to bring together ideas and entrepreneurs. An intensive business competition challenged students to present ground-breaking water technology solutions. 8 teams presented their solutions at Vietwater, Vietnam's yearly water exhibition. Gregor and Alice share the results of this challenge.
What kind of water issues is Vietnam dealing with?
Alice, "Large parts of Vietnam suffer from a clean and fresh water shortage due to unpredictable rain patterns. Other causes are excessive groundwater use and inefficient management of scarce water resources. This especially affects agriculture, as crops need fresh and clean water to grow. Water pollution is another problem; it affects people's health and livelihoods and damages the environment. Last but not least, global warming is causing more unpredictable and extreme droughts and flooding."
And the winner is?
The AquaVenture challenge helps find new, innovative ways to address these issues. Alice, "Congratulations to the MegaBreak team for inventing a lab-tested method to desalinate salty freshwater using bacteria. The team have addressed one of the country's pressing water challenges in the agricultural and industrial sectors. Well done!
The winning team got seed money provided by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency on behalf of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This will help them take the next step in their ventures."
What is your advice for entrepreneurs looking for innovative solutions?
Gregor, "Work together with local universities. That is where you will find development, technology and people who have innovative ideas that can shape a country's future. Integrating those ideas and partners into your business case will create a more sustainable approach. That way, you also improve a country's private sector."
How has the Netherlands Enterprise Agency supported you?
Gregor, "We have known the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) for over 10 years. RVO offers subsidies and other forms of support to boost international cooperation in water management. For this challenge, RVO provided seed funding, investing in talented young people and supporting the relationship between the Netherlands and Vietnam."
More information
The Water Agency focuses on stakeholder engagement in Asian, people-centred water projects. An essential part of their work is bringing education into their projects. The Water Agency supports its Asian teams in carrying out projects and liaising with international clients and partners. It also works closely with local stakeholders.
Via the PSD toolkit programme, PSD coaches helped introduce strategic partners to the Water Agency and relevant Dutch and Vietnamese companies. They provided guidance and advice on how to do business in Vietnam, make a financial contribution, and attend events and activities.
The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs financially supported the Vietnam AquaVenture challenge. The PSD programme took the lead in bringing partners together and coaching the Water Agency. The Dutch embassy in Vietnam then helped organise the Vietnam AquaVenture challenge event.
Would you also like to contribute to local private sector development in a developing country? Contact your local Netherlands embassy to discuss your plans. Or have a look at our international network.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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