The ShrimpTechVietnam Impact Cluster: One year of progress
In March 2024, the collaboration between Vietnam and the Netherlands took a significant step forward with the launch of the ShrimpTechVietnam program: part of the aquaculture combi-track initiave. Announced during the Netherlands’ economic mission to Vietnam, the ShrimpTechVietnam brings together a consortium of eight companies with complementary expertise across the shrimp farming value chain. Their shared goal is to drive the transition towards net-zero shrimp farming.
The program activities include trainings, demonstrations, studies, seminars, webinars and hackathons to support this transition. The ShrimpTechVietnam program brings together complementary expertise from: Skretting Vietnam (sustainable feed formulations), RYNAN Aquaculture (farm technology and IoT solutions), ShrimpVet (disease diagnostics and management), TipTopp Aquaculture (probiotic solutions), Delta Farms (SPF polychaetes), Openasia Group (market development), Viqon Water Solutions (water treatment) and Larive International (program coordination).
Engaging the next generation: The aqua hackathon
After one year of execution, ShrimpTechVietnam has achieved important key milestones in its journey towards profitable net-zero shrimp farming in Vietnam's Mekong Delta region. One of the key highlights was the “ShrimpTechVietnam Aqua Hackathon 2025: Innovating for a net-zero future." The event brought together 18 talented students from three Vietnamese universities: Nong Lam University, Can Tho University and Tra Vinh University. Over two days, the students participated in workshops on sustainable shrimp farming, feed formulations, disease management, technology implementation and energy usage. These workshops provided the students with a strong foundation to develop innovative solutions for the sector's sustainability challenges.
The event lead to the final pitching session held during VietShrimp 2025, where six students in three teams presented their ideas. The winners received fully-paid internships at Skretting Vietnam, providing them valuable industry experience and the opportunity to further develop their innovative concepts.
- First prize: Aqua shield genomics & AI-powered automated feeder – An integrated solution combining genomics and artificial intelligence for optimal feeding.
- Second prize: Sustainable feed innovation – A novel approach incorporating insect protein with specialized enzymes to reduce the carbon footprint of shrimp feed.
- Third prize: FarmConnect app – A digital platform enabling technology sharing and collaboration between shrimp farmers.
Field trials and demonstrations: Testing Dutch solutions in Vietnamese conditions
The consortium has initiated trials to test the effectiveness of Dutch aquaculture innovations under Vietnamese conditions. The results of these trials are all shared amongst farmers at two demonstration farms established in Tra Vinh and Bac Lieu provinces in the Mekong Delta, serving as educational hubs for farmers interested in transitioning to profitable net-zero farming practices.
- Cryogenic frozen polychaetes: Dutch company Delta Farms is testing cryogenically frozen polychaetes as an alternative to shipping live specimens, reducing transport emissions and improving biosecurity.
- Probiotic solutions: TipTopp's probiotic products are being demonstrated throughout the value chain, from hatchery to nursery to grow-out phases, showing their effectiveness in reducing disease and promoting growth while eliminating the need for antibiotics.
- Low-protein feed formulations: Specialized shrimp feed of Skretting with reduced protein content is being tested to lower carbon emissions associated with feed production.
Knowledge sharing: Seminars and webinars
The consortium has been sharing their expertise through educational events. A comprehensive seminar was organized in March 2024, where all consortium companies shared knowledge and insights on sustainable aquaculture with over 150 Vietnamese shrimp farmers. A specialised webinar on "Profitable net-zero shrimp farming through biotechnology" was conducted for Vietnamese farmers, featuring presentations from industry experts from the ShrimpTechVietnam consortium in February 2025. This webinar was attended by over 90 farmers in the Mekong Delta.
Towards year two
As the ShrimpTechVietnam program enters its second year, it will continue to expand its efforts in knowledge sharing, practical demonstrations and engagement with the next generation of aquaculture professionals. Starting in April 2025, ShrimpTechVietnam will execute the trainings and the ongoing demonstrations and knowledge transfer activities offer the farmers insights into net-zero shrimp farming.
Through this collaborative approach, the Netherlands is making a lasting impact on the aquaculture sector in the Mekong Delta, reinforcing the important role of the Netherlands in the global transition to net-zero shrimp farming and sustainable food production.
Do you have any questions for the Agriculture Department? If so, please send an email to HAN-LVVN@minbuza.nl. For the latest updates, news, funding opportunities and more, follow us on Twitter @AgroVietnam and LinkedIn Netherlands Agricultural Network in Vietnam.