The project, in collaboration with PEDAL Consulting and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, has been successfully completed. Aquaholder® products have demonstrated their exceptional potential in dry conditions. Droughts are not currently a problem only of traditionally dry area, but unpredictable drought waves are affecting more and more regions of the world that have not faced such difficulties until now. Aquaholder® products showed its potential for Vietnamese agriculture by increasing of germination rate in dry conditions (by more than 20% in case of soya) and speed of germination (approximately 95 percent more germinated seed in very early stages of growth for corn). Aquaholder® improved qualitative parameters as root system and biomass. Tested products showed their potential in the creation of healthier plants what will potentially lead to the higher yield.

The International Investment Bank (IIB)

Is a multilateral institution for development that promotes social and economic development, prosperity, and economic cooperation between its member states. Main directions for its activities are the support of the small and medium-sized businesses and participation in financing socially significant infrastructure projects.

PEDAL Consulting

Is an innovation and management consulting company, that focuses its activities in the provision of business and innovation support services to farmers, entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs as well as public authorities. The company has participated in more than 35 successful research and innovation projects and studies as well as support actions funded by the EC (FP7, H2020, Erasmus Plus, COSME etc.) since 2010.

Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Institute of Gegraphy

It is a government agency, earlier known as Vietnam Academy of Science, established in 1975. The VAST is committed to / carrying out basic research in natural sciences and technology development; / providing objective grounds for science and technology management, for shaping policies, strategies and plans for socio-economic development; / training high quality human resources for science and technology.

Nine companies received an award for innovative business approach. The results of the competition for the Minister of Economy Award "Innovative Action of the Year" were ceremonially announced during the International Engineering Fair in Nitra. Prizes were awarded in three categories: product innovation, technological innovation and service innovation. It is already the 12th year of the competition, so far 366 different innovative designs have been submitted. The prize was presented by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy, Vojtech Ferencz (see the certificate in the annexe).