The Program to Promote Innovation and Investment in Agricultural Technology - GRAFT Challenge Vietnam 2021 was officially launched in Hanoi on April 13.

The program will connect leading agricultural technology (AgriTech) enterprises with partners and resources to support scale-up in Vietnam's agricultural sector.

With funding from the Australian Government, through the Aus4Innovation Program, GRAFT supports businesses to address pressing challenges in Vietnam's agricultural sector, including improving the quality and cost of input materials, minimizing post-harvest losses, and building consumer trust...

At the same time, addressing specific challenges in each crop, aquaculture, and livestock industry group.

GRAFT seeks mature AgriTech businesses in Vietnam and around the world with market-proven solutions that are ready to scale.

When submitting applications, businesses need to clarify how their solutions can address industry challenges, while also pointing out the positive impacts they bring to the social community and the sustainable development of Vietnam's agriculture.

The program will close online applications on 14/05/2021.

The program organizers will select at least 6 leading enterprises to participate in 12-15 weeks of scale-up support, including one-on-one consultations with a network of experts. Selected enterprises will also have the opportunity to interact with industry leaders, investors and market development units for technical cooperation and assessment before participating in in-depth field surveys and business cooperation connections.

Mr. Phan Quang Vinh, Director of MBI Innovation Challenge Company Limited (MIB Innovation), said: The Program to Promote Innovation and Investment in Agricultural Technology is the first time in Vietnam.

This is an acceleration program that supports developing technology enterprises to expand their customer base and potential partner network in Vietnam, one of the fastest-growing markets globally.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Tung, General Secretary of the Vietnam Digital Agriculture Association (VIDA), shared: Vietnam's resilience during the Covid-19 pandemic, along with its position as an agricultural export powerhouse, has demonstrated the strong growth potential of Vietnamese agriculture.

However, Vietnam needs breakthrough technology solutions to take full advantage of those opportunities. Through GRAFT, the Vietnam Digital Agriculture Association wants to create a favorable ecosystem for agricultural technology development.

"We encourage all high-tech values to come to the program and meet the common standard of contributing to promoting digital transformation for Vietnamese agriculture quickly and effectively.

With the goal of optimizing technology in agricultural production and meeting the requirements of the 4.0 industrial revolution, the Government and ministries all have clear and specific action programs. The GRAFT program is also built based on that goal," said Mr. Nguyen Duc Tung.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Tung, General Secretary of the Vietnam Digital Agriculture Association, expressed his hope that the GRAFT program will be a bridge to connect technology content from the startup community to solve specific problems of the business community investing in production in the agricultural sector.

This approach will mend the links, creating closed production chains, also known as ecosystems in agricultural production. Thereby, contributing to promoting Vietnamese agriculture to successfully complete its role as a pillar of the economy, especially in 2021...

GRAFT is implemented within the framework of the Aus4Innovation Program in cooperation between the Australian and Vietnamese Governments to contribute to promoting the testing of new models in public-private partnership cooperation, enhancing Vietnam's capacity in digital forecasting, scenario building, commercialization and innovation policies.

In 2021, the program is organized by Beanstalk, an Australian innovation agency, in partnership with the Vietnam Digital Agriculture Association (VIDA), the Center for Supporting Young Entrepreneurs (SYS) and MIB Innovation.

The program is proud to receive support and funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian National Science and Technology Research Organization (CSIRO), and the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology.

Aus4Innovation is an AUD 11 million development assistance program to strengthen Vietnam's innovation system, prepare for and seize opportunities related to Industry 4.0, and help shape Vietnam's innovation agenda in science and technology. Through the Aus4Innovation program, Australia and Vietnam will jointly explore emerging areas of technology and digital transformation, test new models of partnership between public and private sector organisations, and strengthen Vietnam’s capacity in digital forecasting, scenario building, commercialisation and innovation policy.

According to nongsanviet.nongnghiep.vn