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Challenge for Impact · Vietnam 2026

Win a funded PoC in Vietnam

Apply your startup's solution to solve a real business challenge and pitch to experts from France and Vietnam.

HO CHI MINH CITY - VIETNAMOpens Jun 15, 2026Closes Aug 21, 2026
Apply now → 6 days left
Challenges
3
Winners
1 per challenge
Prize
1 Funded PoC
Live Final
Oct 15, 2026
Win a **funded PoC** in Vietnam
01About the challenge

Challenge for Impact is ZEBOX's flagship startup competition — and in 2026, it's coming to Asia-Pacific for the first time. Run with innovation partners CMA CGM Vietnam and FPT, it brings together corporates, startups and the local ecosystem around real business challenges in maritime, logistics and adjacent fields.

This edition focuses on 3 key themes, with 1 winner per theme awarded a funded Proof of Concept. The competition culminates in a live final in Ho Chi Minh City, embedded inside France Vietnam Forward, the closing event of the Year of Innovation between France and Vietnam.

Finalists get a high-visibility stage and direct access to a top-tier innovation ecosystem. Applications are open to solution-ready startups from anywhere in the world.

02Apply to a theme

ICD/Depot equipment allocation: Unlocking inland efficiency and customer value​ (by CMA-CGM Vietnam)

Today, container depots are assigned without always reflecting where customers actually operate — triggering costly change requests, extra trucking, and operational headaches.
We're looking for a solution that intelligently matches depot allocation to real customer needs, cutting costs and complexity on both sides.

Apply to this theme →

Barge navigation predictor: for optimization of barging operations (by CMA-CGM Vietnam)

Inland barges serving river ports are too often delayed, idle, or out of sync with ocean vessels — causing missed connections and unreliable transit times.
We're looking for a solution that brings real-time visibility and predictive planning to the inland-maritime chain, so every barge arrives at the right place, at the right time.

Apply to this theme →

AI-Powered IT Operations Optimization (by FPT)

IT teams are overwhelmed by a constant flow of incidents, managed reactively and manually across fragmented tools — making it hard to prevent issues before they escalate.
We're looking for an AI-powered solution that centralizes knowledge, automates triage, and shifts operations from firefighting to forecasting.

Apply to this theme →
03Key dates
Online
Phase 1 — Online application
Open to all startups. Fully remote.
  1. 5 June 2026
    Applications open
  2. 21 August 2026
    Applications close (extended)
  3. 11 September 2026
    Remote pitches with ZEBOX & CMA CGM teams
  4. 18 September 2026
    Finalists announced (3 per challenge)
On-site
Phase 2 — Live final at France Vietnam Forward
Finalists only. · Marriott Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.
  1. 15 October 2026
    Challenge for Impact Vietnam: live pitches, work sessions, winner selection
  2. 31 December 2026
    Proof of Concept kick-off with challenge sponsor
04Our partners
CMA CGM Vietnam
Official Innovation Partner
FPT
Official Innovation Partner
CCIFV
Host
La French Tech Vietnam
Ecosystem partner
05FAQ
Who can apply?

Solution-ready startups — local and international — with a working product addressing maritime, logistics, media or adjacent challenges. We welcome companies at any stage, as long as you have something real to demonstrate, not just a concept.

Do I need to be in Vietnam to apply?

No. Applications and the first pitches are fully online. If you're selected as a finalist, you'll join us in person for the live final in Ho Chi Minh City on 15 October 2026.

If selected to the finals, does ZEBOX finance the trip to HCMC?

Yes. If selected ZEBOX will contribute to the travel and stay expenses to HCMC Vietnam.

What does the winner get?

The challenge sponsor commits to launching a Proof of Concept with the winning startup, with a clear follow-up plan — an opportunity that can lead to a commercial contract or a long-term partnership. You also gain visibility and credibility alongside CMA CGM and ZEBOX within the regional ecosystem.

Can I apply to more than one challenge?

Apply to the challenge that best matches your solution — one application per challenge. If you're unsure which one fits, get in touch before you submit. If you happen to be relevant to more than one challenge, feel free to apply.

Who owns my intellectual property?

You keep your IP. Any terms tied to a Proof of Concept are agreed with the sponsor before work begins.

06Eligibility & terms

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the deadline. ZEBOX reserves the right to extend or close the call early at its sole discretion.

By submitting your application, you confirm that:

  • All information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge
  • You have authority to represent the startup
  • ZEBOX may contact you about this and future opportunities (you can unsubscribe at any time)
  • Your application data will be shared with the challenge partners listed above, for the sole purpose of evaluating your candidacy

For any question about the process, contact apac@ze-box.io.

— Ready ?

Ready to pitch your solution?

Submit your application before 21 August 2026. It takes about 10 minutes — and could land you a funded Proof of Concept with one of the world's largest shipping and logistics groups.

Apply Now →