Many innovative initiatives can help the seafood industry make a green transition

This year's final round of the competition showcased 8 projects, solutions, and innovative ideas from various participating organizations. The competition covered several key areas, including digital transformation, green transition, information technology, processing and aquaculture feed.

Mr. Tran Duy Tam Thanh, the Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, noted that these exemplary projects were carefully selected from a pool of 38 submissions. Each of these projects and ideas possesses practical value and is ready for immediate application in production and management processes.

The competition was first launched by the Department of Science and Technology in 2020, with the aim of identifying and developing technological solutions and innovation that enhance the value of the seafood industry while addressing various challenges faced by the sector in the province.

“From this initiative, we aspire to cultivate an innovation and startup ecosystem within the seafood sector at the provincial level, as well as across the entire nation. This goal is particularly crucial in the context of the 4.0 era, where enhancing the application of scientific and technological advancements in production processes is essential", Mr. Tam Thanh emphasized.

Since the competition began five years ago, a remarkable total of 160 projects, solutions, and ideas have been submitted. Many of these projects have received from valuable expert feedback, allowing for significant refinement and development. This collaborative effort has led to more efficient practices in the exploitation and cultivation of seafood, resulting in cost savings and improved yields.

According to Mr. Tran Thai Son, Director of Viet Development Cooperation LLC and Deputy Head of the Competition Organizing Committee, the products that reached the final round this year possess very high practical application value.

"Among these, notable projects include the "Fishing vessel management system to support fishermen at sea and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing; technical solutions for shrimp farming developed by Wesolife, and projects that convert plastic waste into ultra-lightweight and durable construction materials. If these projects are further refined, they will unlock many bottlenecks for the seafood industry specifically", Mr. Son assessed.

Ultimately, two projects from Wesolife Company, based in Ca Mau Province, were awarded first prize at the 2024 Innovative Solutions in the seafood industry competition held in Ba Ria-Vung Tau.

In addition, the organizing committee distributed a total of 8 awards across two categories of the competition - projects and ideas. These included 2 first prizes, 2 second prizes, 2 third prizes, and 2 encouragement prizes, with the overall prize pool amounting to approximately 5.000 USD.

Furthermore, KisStartup Corporation contributed by offering 3 awards, each consisting of a three-month training support package for incubation. This initiative is part of the Marine Economy Innovation Startup Incubation Program (IMEP), with each package valued at 3.000 USD.