The Mekong Agriculture Technology Challenge (MATch) was launched in HCM City on Thursday, aiming to support agricultural start-ups for the Mekong region’s agriculture to be turned into a more competitive and sustainable industry.

MATch is the latest in a series of innovation accelerators by the Mekong Business Initiative (MBI) with funding and support from the Australian Government and the Asian Development Bank.

Phan Vinh Quang, deputy director of MBI, said agricultural technology start-ups and global agricultural solution providers, can join MATCh to help transform the Mekong region’s agriculture industry into a leading global supplier of safe and nutritious food.

The programme includes two challenges – the MATch Startup Accelerator and the MATch Market Access Accelerator. The first is aimed at innovative early stage agritech start-ups and traditional agriculture businesses with new, scalable business models in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Viet Nam.

The second challenge will help mature international agritech companies expand into the Mekong region. Participants will receive mentorship and assistance with their expansion plans including product adaptation, and help forge relationships with partners and investors in the region.

The competition offers awards and prizes worth US$200,000 in total, provided via technical support and service provision. Award winners will also be introduced to and receive finance from strategic investors.

The winners will also be invited to present their solutions at the Greater Mekong Subregion Summit in Ha Noi in 2018 and to participate in the Future Food Asia Award Competition held in Singapore.

The programme accepts online applications at www.match.mekongbiz.org until the end of December. — VNS