AB InBev collaborates with 5Desire to launch the 100+ Labs in Vietnam. The programme is meant to drive the local startup ecosystem and enable global exposure to Vietnamese ones.

The programme will enable mentorship and training opportunities, as well as a golden ticket to the global AB InBev 100+ Accelerator programme which offers to fund startups of up to $100,000.

The 100+ Accelerator has supported 70 companies in over 20 countries to solve supply chain challenges with the most pressing sustainability challenges globally.

The 100+ Labs in Vietnam will enable partnerships with scientists, innovators, entrepreneurs, and AB InBev to identify and scale out-of-the-box solutions as it works towards creating a sustainable and inclusive future.

The challenge statements will be in line with the company’s 2025 Sustainability Goals, around water, circular economy, climate, agriculture, inclusive growth, and biodiversity. The challenge is open to all startups from all stages.

Ashwin Kak, director of Procurement & Sustainability for India & Southeast Asia at AB InBev said, “Our sustainability ambitions are pivoted on our vision of building a company that will last for 100+ years. However, we do realise that we cannot solve today’s sustainability challenges alone. The 100+ Labs aims to deliver systemic change through collaborations with new-age scientists, innovators, entrepreneurs, and companies."

Kak further explained, "For the 2022 edition, we are calling on startups with new technologies and innovations to address the most pressing issues across six areas closely aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We will leverage our resources, systems, and knowledge to accelerate the world’s shift towards sustainable solutions and do business the right way, not the easy way.”

Hoang Phuong, general manager of AB InBev Vietnam said, "From 2020, the world situation continues to be complicated, non-traditional security issues are climate change, the pandemic becoming more and more severe, increasing challenges in the implementation of sustainable development goals not only in Vietnam but also in other countries around the world. Therefore, I do believe that the 100+ Lab programme will remain at the heart of our purpose, culture, and business together to accelerate our contribution to an inclusive and sustainable world.”

Multiple startups including Kisan Hub, Erthos, and Craste have successfully implemented pilots in India since the inaugural edition of the accelerator programme, and the company aims to replicate the success in Vietnam.

Applications to the 100+ Labs will open from September 13 to October 7. Once the applications are filed, following an initial screening process, the selection team will carefully review each application and announce the shortlisted companies.

Please scan the QR code to apply to the programme or send your application to Inesh Singh Inesh via singh@in.ab-inbev.com or Tu Nguyen Vi at mytu.nguyen@vn.ab-inbev.com.