VOX Cool – ASSIST
About
The VOX Cool – ASSIST Vietnam partnership is scaling “Cold Battery” technology, an affordable, low-emission cooling solution using locally sourced materials integrated with smart energy systems, to cut electricity costs, reduce fossil fuel reliance and prevent food loss. By delivering efficient, reliable cooling across cold chains, the partnership advances climate action and food security in Vietnam.
Solutions:
P4G has awarded the partnership with about US $350,000 in grant funding.
Food cooling is one of the fastest-growing drivers of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, yet current technologies remain expensive, energy-intensive and often inaccessible. In Vietnam, inefficient cold chains account for up to 25% food loss and waste, while outdated cooling systems drive high costs and emissions. Additionally, farmers and fisherfolk lack affordable and efficient cooling options, further contributing to post-harvest losses.
The VOX Cool – ASSIST partnership is addressing these challenges with VOX Cool’s “Cold Battery” technology, an affordable and scalable cooling solution made from locally sourced Phase Change Materials (PCMs), a substance which releases and absorbs large amounts of energy to provide useful heat or cooling, combined with smart thermal energy systems. Adaptable across cold chains powered by renewable energy, the technology reduces electricity costs by up to 50% and significantly lowers CO₂ emissions. By replacing traditional cooling with sustainable alternatives, the partnership helps businesses cut energy costs, reduce fossil fuel reliance and prevent food spoilage.
With initial R&D funding and accelerator support from Innovate UK’s Energy Catalyst programme in 2024, VOX Cool has developed in-house PCMs integrated with smart thermal prototypes for multiple applications, validated superior performance against traditional systems, and forged collaborations with Vietnam institutions including Qualcomm Vietnam and Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). Its innovations have earned recognition in competitions such as the Net Zero Challenge, Qualcomm Vietnam Innovation Challenge and Accelerating Innovative Start-ups for Energy Efficiency (AIS4EE).
During the partnership period, VOX Cool will accelerate the uptake of Cold Battery technology, expand pilot deployments and strengthen its investment readiness. The partnership will focus on policy engagement, market readiness and inclusive business models. Working with government stakeholders such as Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Industry and Trade, the partnership will advocate for sustainable cooling standards while piloting new models like Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS) for small businesses, low-income farmers and fisherfolk.
The partnership comprises the following partners: VOX Cool (lead business partner); ASSIST (lead administrative partner).
Partners
