From October 22-24, 2025, Vietwater 2025 was held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City, with the participation of hundreds of businesses and experts from the water and wastewater industries. Within this vibrant hub, the Water Tech Innovation Lounge, organized by The Water Agency, served as a platform for youth empowerment, enabling Vietnamese students, researchers, and young entrepreneurs to present pioneering ideas in water management and climate resilience.
In three days, six selected teams – Green AIoT, Mega Aqua, Mekong Researchers, Bluewater, ShrimpTech, and STARS WATER – represented their diverse innovations on the international stage, ranging from AI-based water monitoring systems and flood early-warning solutions to aquaculture optimization tools and circular water reuse systems, marking their dedication, commitment toward a sustainable water future.
An International Platform for Young Innovators to showcase and knowledge exchange
In three days, six multidisciplinary teams presented their innovative solutions and engaged directly with visitors and industry experts for discussion. Through these interactions, the teams gained valuable insights and experience, refined their ideas and business model, and built confidence in communicating their vision to international audiences, helping them define clearer pathways for the future development and real-world application of their innovations.
Fostering multi-sectoral Dialogue and Collaboration
Throughout the three exhibition days, the teams took part in dynamic activities designed to promote learning, collaboration, and communication. By engaging in Innovation Quests and Stakeholder Engagement Missions, participants interacted with visitors, explored the exhibition’s Dutch technologies, and gained insights from global water experts.
These hands-on experiences helped bridge academic knowledge with practical, real-world applications, empowering young innovators to better understand the complex relationships between technology, policy, and community engagement.
Youth Empowerment and Youth Impact Celebration
The highlight of the Lounge was the Grand Finale Pitching Session, where teams presented their projects before an expert jury of Dutch and Vietnamese professionals.
The Jury Board included:
- Ms. Gabrielle Knufman, Director at Wateropleidingen and CEO of the World Water Academy
- Mr. Johan Poorthuis, Representative, Royal Eijkelkamp
- Ms. Raïssa Marteaux, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ho Chi Minh City
The jury board’s insights and evaluations reflected both technical rigor and encouragement for creativity and teamwork. Finally, the Winning Awards belong to:
- Best Innovation Team: STARS WATER (Tra Vinh University)
- Runner-up: Green AIoT (FPT Polytechnic, IUH & Melbourne Polytechnic Vietnam)
- People’s Choice: Mekong Researchers (Mekong Institute & Can Tho University)
Celebration of Partnerships and Shared Vision
The Water Tech Innovation Lounge 2025 successfully bridged youth creativity and professional expertise, demonstrating how education, technology, and collaboration can accelerate progress toward a sustainable water future. The event not only celebrated young innovators but also reinforced the value of international partnerships in addressing water and climate challenges. The event was made possible through the collective support of key partners, including the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands (IenW), Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), Partners for Water, The Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam, and the Dutch Business Association Vietnam (DBAV), together with the Vietwater 2025 organizer – Informa.
The collaboration reflects a shared vision to strengthen the 15-year Netherlands-Vietnam Strategic Partnership on Climate Change Adaptation and Water Management, promoting innovation, capacity building, and youth empowerment as central pillars of future cooperation.
Further Reading & Media
- Watch the VTV9 feature here (segment 6:15-9:45): https://lnkd.in/gX6JkWaN
- Read The Saigon Times coverage: https://lnkd.in/gWZHCX3h
