At Techfest Connect 2021, the 3SR smart waste recycling social network project successfully raised 10,000 USD from the SRI Fund and secured two output buyers: Tân Hưng and ASA Vietnam.
3SR, a waste recycling social network, is one of the most community-focused projects that attracted significant attention from investors at Techfest Connect 2021 – Live Pitching, an event co-organized by the Market Development Department of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Vietnam Economic Times (VnEconomy), and partners.
The goal of a “Zero-Waste Life”
The 3SR smart waste recycling social network aims to achieve a zero-waste lifestyle. Its five-year vision is to become Vietnam’s No.1 smart waste recycling organization, and within 10 years, to rank among the top 10 waste recycling education and circular economy organizations in Asia. The plan is to roll out 3SR in 30 schools in Hanoi, 20 schools in Da Nang, and 30 schools in Ho Chi Minh City before expanding to other countries in the region and worldwide.
The project has raised 10,000 USD from the SRI Fund and secured two output buyers: Tân Hưng Joint Stock Company and ASA Vietnam Group Joint Stock Company.
3SR’s first product targets the education sector. It includes the SR1 app, available on Apple Store and Google Play, which enables waste collection for a user base of 20 to 50 million people. According to Dr. Bùi Thị Thanh Hương, Vietnam has 23 million K–12 students, parents, and stakeholders — a massive potential data source.
“Our partner app VECE specializes in scrap and recyclable collection, allowing users to schedule home pickups. While this app offers point-based rewards, options are often limited to items like milk or soft drinks. In contrast, 3SR’s SR1 app not only collects recyclables and offers reward points but also allows users to convert points into cash or redeem them through e-commerce platforms like Lazada, Tiki, or Grab for greater convenience,” said Dr. Bùi Thị Thanh Hương, representing the 3SR project.
In addition, the app serves as an educational tool integrated into school curricula. Built on a recycling-focused platform, the 3SR social network enables students and teachers to easily access educational materials, lessons, and tools on waste management from kindergarten to high school. 3SR also features a website integrated with AI and data science tools, managing large datasets (Big Data) to oversee waste collection activities at various points.
The second product is a smart recycling solution. In this program, students can exchange used paper for white paper or toilet tissue, and plastic waste can be traded for flower pots, recycled plastic items, or raw materials.
The third initiative involves purchasing medicinal plants grown in recycled plastic containers or other repurposed materials, targeting students from preschool to secondary school. “With a market of 23 million students, we aim to pilot with about 900,000 students over five years. If each student grows just one medicinal plant, this represents a major opportunity for us to purchase these plants, enhance educational outcomes, and expand Vietnam’s pharmaceutical market, even reaching global markets,” said Dr. Bùi Thị Thanh Hương.
Investor Interest in 3SR Exceeds Expectations
At Techfest 2021, 3SR aimed to raise 800 million VND in exchange for a 15% equity stake to fund initiatives such as book publishing, converting organic waste into usable products, book exchange programs, and plastic recycling projects in schools.
“After just 10 minutes of pitching, 3SR secured three investors. This result far exceeded our expectations for Techfest Connect 2021,” shared Dr. Bùi Thị Thanh Hương, 3SR project representative.
According to the project team, this model is unique in Vietnam — easy to implement and scale — but it requires passionate teachers and a standard school curriculum supported by experts from Vietnam National University, Hanoi. The project’s payback period is estimated at 13 months.
Feedback during the pitching session showed that many scientists, investors, and businesses were particularly interested in the “smart” aspect of the project. According to Dr. Hương, “smart” here refers to IoT-based connectivity, AI-powered optimization of waste collection processes, and Big Data utilization. Data inputs will come from the app, where students participate in waste collection activities and earn points for rewards.
The project is also developing an automated weighing solution and plans to expand capabilities related to logistics and data collection from the mobile app. It will manage point-based systems that allow users to redeem cash or equivalent values on platforms like Lazada or Shopee. 3SR is also exploring blockchain tools to support its networked value chain system.
The 3SR project has raised 10,000 USD from the SRI Fund and secured two output buyers: Tân Hưng Joint Stock Company and ASA Vietnam Group. “After just 10 minutes of pitching, 3SR secured three investors. This result far exceeded our expectations for Techfest Connect 2021,” said Dr. Hương.
Mr. Đon Ngô, representative of the SRI Fund, shared that the organization focuses on three key areas: preventive healthcare, online education programs, and agriculture. “In agriculture, we are particularly interested in medicinal plant cultivation, preventive healthcare, and improving public health. That’s why we decided to invest in this social network project to help it reach completion within the next 12 months,” Mr. Ngô explained.
Source: vneconomy.vn