The Plastics Circularity Innovation Challenge 2026 (PCIC 2026) is open for applications to find initiatives capable of removing bottlenecks in the plastics circular value chain in Vietnam. The program targets solutions that are not only innovative but also practical, commercializable, and scalable. The application deadline is October 26, 2026.
From plastic waste to resources in the circular economy
The Plastics Circularity Innovation Challenge was established in 2024 with the goal of identifying and developing initiatives capable of addressing bottlenecks in the plastics circular value chain in Vietnam.
Through training, mentoring, and networking activities with experts, businesses, regulatory agencies, and investors, the program aims to support teams in refining solutions, conducting practical trials, expanding markets, and generating more sustainable impacts on the circular plastics economy.
PCIC 2026 is launched by the Environment Department and Unilever Vietnam within the framework of their strategic partnership for the 2026–2030 period. According to the Environment Department, the program is designed with innovation as the driving force and practical implementation capability as the measure of effectiveness, rather than merely seeking new ideas.
What solutions is PCIC 2026 looking for?
In 2026, the program focuses on identifying solutions applicable in Vietnam, with potential for commercialization and scaling.
There are 7 priority solution groups:
1. Flexible plastic packaging
Solutions related to the design, improvement, reduction, or enhancement of the circularity of flexible plastic packaging.
2. Alternative materials
Materials or solutions capable of replacing plastics in appropriate contexts, contributing to reducing pressure from plastic waste.
3. Collection and sorting
Solutions to improve the efficiency of collection, sorting, and management of plastic waste within the value chain.
4. Reuse and recycling
Technologies, models, or solutions that help extend product lifecycles, promote reuse, or enhance recycling efficiency.
5. Circular business models
Business models that enable materials to continue being used across multiple lifecycles, reducing dependence on the linear take-make-use-dispose model.
6. Digital technology and data traceability
Platforms and technologies that help track material flows, manage data, trace origins, or enhance operational efficiency in the plastic circular system.
7. Solutions supporting EPR implementation
Initiatives capable of supporting the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and aligned with the legal context in Vietnam.
Who can participate in PCIC 2026?
PCIC 2026 is open to various groups within the innovation ecosystem, including:
- Tech startups and innovative enterprises;
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);
- Corporate R&D teams and spin-offs;
- Research groups at universities and research institutes;
- Industry associations and social organizations;
- Enterprises and international organizations with solutions suitable for the Vietnamese market.
This demonstrates that the program is not only aimed at startups with fully developed products, but also opens opportunities for various entities researching, testing, or developing solutions within the plastics value chain.
More than just a "good idea"
A notable point of PCIC 2026 is that selection criteria are not solely based on the novelty of the idea. According to official information, the program focuses on solutions capable of connecting with practical market demands, while having the opportunity to access a network of experts, regulatory bodies, businesses, investors, and development support organizations.
Selected teams can participate in:
- Capacity-building training;
- Mentoring and receiving professional feedback;
- Networking with businesses, experts, and investors;
- Accessing Pilot/Proof of Concept (PoC) testing opportunities;
- Receiving support for solution development, commercialization, and scaling.
This approach aims to shorten the gap from a potential solution to one capable of practical testing and application.
8 evaluation criteria for solutions
PCIC 2026 applies 8 scoring criteria on a 100% scale, with weights publicly disclosed in the program rules.
The criteria focus on key aspects such as:
- Team capability;
- Creativity and innovation of the solution;
- Relevance and readiness for the Vietnamese market;
- Cost efficiency;
- Commercialization and scaling capability;
- Impact on the plastic circular economy;
- Sustainability and long-term environmental and social impacts;
- Ability to support EPR implementation and alignment with the Vietnamese legal framework.
Among these, sustainability and long-term impact account for 15%, and the ability to support EPR implementation and alignment with the Vietnamese legal framework also accounts for 15%. The program simultaneously encourages solutions capable of quantifying results and being compatible with circular economy impact monitoring and evaluation systems.
PCIC 2026 Roadmap
PCIC 2026 is implemented in 4 main phases.
Phase 1:
Call for applications August 26 – October 26, 2026
Preliminary selection of Top 30 October 27 – November 9, 2026
Phase 2: Training, mentoring, and selecting Top 15
Timeline: November 12 – December 18, 2026
Phase 3: Finals and Awards
Expected: January 2027
Participating teams undergo pitching training, exhibitions, and present their solutions before the Jury Panel. From the Top 15, the program selects the Top 5 solutions.
Phase 4: Commercial and investment networking
Expected: February 2027
Teams with potential continue to be connected with stakeholders to test solutions and expand markets.
Total prize value up to 600 million VND
PCIC 2026 features 5 awards, with a total value of up to 600 million VND.
The expected structure includes:
- 01 First Prize: 250 million VND;
- 01 Second Prize: 150 million VND;
- 01 Third Prize: 100 million VND;
- 02 Promising Innovation Awards: 50 million VND per award.
The total prize value includes cash and solution development support components, meaning the entire 600 million VND is not exclusively in cash.
Depending on each award category and the practical needs of the solution, the support package may include consulting, business development support, technology platform usage, pilot partner connections, investment networking, trade promotion, or communications.
What to keep in mind for registration applications?
Applications can be submitted in Vietnamese or English.
In case the form requires a pitch deck, participating teams must prepare and upload it following the instructions of the Organizing Committee. Specific requirements regarding format, page count, or file size will be specified in the official registration form.
Participating teams can contact the Organizing Committee to request additions or adjustments to their application before October 26, 2026. After the application window closes, update requests may not be considered.
Solution ownership remains with the participating teams
According to the PCIC 2026 rules, teams retain legal ownership of their solutions and documents developed by themselves, while being responsible for ensuring that their solutions do not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of third parties.
Documents marked as confidential by teams will only be shared to the extent necessary for evaluation, mentoring, and networking purposes, unless otherwise agreed.
Promoting innovation for the plastic circular economy
Plastic waste is an issue involving multiple links, from product and packaging design, consumption, sorting, and collection to reuse, recycling, and returning materials to production. Therefore, developing a circular plastics economy cannot rely solely on recycling technology at the end of the chain.
PCIC 2026 approaches the issue across the entire value chain, connecting innovation with policies, businesses, capital sources, and practical implementation needs. According to the Environment Department, the program's orientation also aims to help remove bottlenecks in sorting, collection, recycling, and bringing recycled materials back into production.
For startups, enterprises, research groups, or teams developing plastic-related solutions, PCIC 2026 is not only a playground to showcase ideas but also an opportunity to validate application capabilities, refine models, and connect solutions with the actual market.
PCIC 2026 Registration Information
Program Name: Plastics Circularity Innovation Challenge 2026 (PCIC 2026)
Application Opening Date: August 26, 2026
Application Submission Deadline: 26/10/2026
Target audience: Startups, SMEs, R&D groups, research teams, social organizations, industry associations, enterprises, and international organizations with solutions suitable for the Vietnamese market.
Total prize value: Up to 600 million VND, including cash and solution development support packages.
Official website and submission:
Visit the PCIC 2026 website and register to participate
View criteria and rules:
PCIC 2026 Criteria and Rules