The Forbes Asia 100 to Watch 2026 list, announced on 24/8, features two Vietnamese companies for the first time. This annual list, now in its sixth edition, recognizes rapidly developing small businesses and startups across Asia-Pacific. A total of 100 companies from 16 countries and territories are included this year.

These 100 companies collectively attracted over 2,4 ty USD in investment. India leads the list with 19 companies, followed by Singapore with 15, Trung Quoc with 10, and Japan and South Korea each with 9 companies. Indonesia and Australia each have 8 companies, while Vietnam has two representatives.

Nearly 25% of the companies on this year's list provide artificial intelligence (AI) related services. The robotics sector accounts for 10 companies, and other significant sectors include biotechnology and green technology.

One of Vietnam's featured companies is Buyo Solution, established in 2022. This startup collects plant-based organic waste from agriculture and the food industry. It then processes this waste using proprietary technology, combining the treated waste with biopolymers to create high-performance biodegradable bioplastic.

Products made from bioplastic. Photo: Buyo Solution

Buyo Solution's bioplastic is compatible with standard plastic manufacturing machinery. It can be used to produce various items such as cutlery, bags, packaging, and food containers. These products are designed to biodegrade in landfills after use. The company has raised a total of 2,4 trieu USD from investors including Antler, Aldebaran Capital, and Boston-based Morningside.

The second Vietnamese company, Stride, was founded in 2021 and operates in the green energy sector. This startup aims to address the cost challenge for households and small businesses interested in solar energy. Stride offers flexible, deferred payment plans, which include free solar panel installation. For example, instead of paying the full system cost upfront, a household can install a system with a 20% down payment, with the remaining 80% spread across various payment terms and installments.

Stride boasts a network of over 75 installation contractors. In May, the company secured 15 trieu USD in its Series B funding round.

Forbes selects the 100 promising small businesses and startups through a nomination process. Companies can self-nominate, or be nominated by startup programs, universities, incubators, and investment funds. Forbes evaluates each application based on factors such as industry and regional impact, market fit, business model potential, innovation, revenue growth history, and ability to attract investment capital.

Eligible companies must be Asia-based, privately owned, for-profit enterprises with annual revenues not exceeding 50 trieu USD and total funding not exceeding 100 trieu USD (as of 15/8).

Hoai Phuong