On 27 September 2026, Associate Professor Dr. Tuyen Chan Kha, the project lead, and researchers from the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Food Technology at Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City, joined representatives of Lien Ket Viet Nam Herbal Joint Stock Company for a ceremony to sign an agreement and mark the transfer of 11 seaweed processing technologies. The technologies were developed under the project “Improving the sustainability of marine economics through professional and educational collaboration”, funded by the Embassy of Ireland in Viet Nam.

Seaweed is a valuable biological resource with potential applications in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other sectors. Viet Nam’s long coastline and diverse marine ecosystems provide favourable conditions for developing a seaweed value chain that spans cultivation, harvesting, processing and product development. Making better use of this resource could help diversify products, increase their value and create economic opportunities for coastal communities.

As part of the project, the research team developed 11 technologies for processing products from seaweeds found in Viet Nam, including sea grapes, green seaweed, Sargassum, and Kappaphycus. The technologies have been transferred to Lien Ket Viet Nam Herbal Joint Stock Company for further assessment, technical refinement, and product development under practical manufacturing conditions.

The transfer marks an important step towards applying university research in industry. In collaboration with the research team, the company will be able to trial the technologies, refine processing parameters, and assess their feasibility before scaling up production. The partnership also creates opportunities for continued collaboration in research, product development, and market access.

For the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Food Technology, the initiative reflects its commitment to research and education that respond to practical needs, alongside the transfer of knowledge and technology for the benefit of the wider community. Support from the Embassy of Ireland in Viet Nam, the company, and other partners provides a foundation for refining the research outcomes, developing higher-value products, and strengthening research and training capacity in seaweed processing.

By connecting research with practical application, the university-industry partnership is expected to help realize the value of Vietnamese seaweed, create new opportunities for coastal communities, and contribute to a more sustainable marine economy.