The Alternō team
Alternō is a Vietnamese startup providing a thermal energy storage solution utilising sand battery technology. It recently secured over US$1.5 million in an oversubscribed seed investment round co-led by The Radical Fund (Singapore) and Touchstone Partners (Vietnam).
In this article, Alternō co-founder and CEO Kent Nguyen discusses his roller-coaster journey:
“Our journey began with a profound realisation between co-founders Hai Ho and myself, whose paths converged over a shared dedication to sustainability. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we collaborated on a sustainable travel project, laying the groundwork for a deeper connection.
Post-COVID-19, as Ho built an off-grid house and faced the limitations of lithium batteries while Nguyen delved into energy storage solutions, a casual conversation ignited the spark for Alternō. This moment of uncertainty marked the beginning of our quest to address energy storage challenges.
Also Read: Vietnam’s sand-based thermal energy storage startup Alternō secures US$1.5M
The urgency to accelerate our project was propelled by a gasoline crisis in Saigon in November 2022. During this critical period, we met Nam Nguyen, who would later become our CTO. Recognising the severity of the energy dilemma, we were determined to contribute to a sustainable future, not just for the world but for their children’s generation.
Embracing the entrepreneurial spirit
Our entrepreneurial journey involved significant personal sacrifices, with the three co-founders dipping into our savings to fuel our vision. This commitment underscored our beliefs in Alternō’s mission beyond a business venture; it was a pledge for our offspring’s brighter future.
Despite being a lean team, Alternō rapidly transitioned from concept to commercial product, achieving its first customer deployment within a year. This milestone was made possible with the support of organisations, such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency, JETRO, Ho Chi Minh BSSC, UNDP, Impact Square, and Leave A Nest. Their assistance was instrumental in overcoming our early challenges and laying a solid foundation for Alternō.
What sets Alternō’s team apart is the personal connection to the agricultural sector, which many team members’ families are part of. This intrinsic understanding of the challenges within agriculture deepened our commitment to creating solutions that would directly impact our own families in the foreseeable future.
Envisioning a sustainable future
Alternō is poised to redefine the landscape of sustainable energy. The ambition is clear: drastically cutting global carbon emissions with their pioneering thermal battery technology. Alternō envisions a world where sustainable energy is accessible and affordable for all, heralding a new era of eco-conscious living.
The narrative of the three co-founders embodies the essence of innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability.
Also Read: Alterno, Forte Biotech, AirX Carbon win Net Zero Challenge 2023 in Vietnam
Our journey with Alternō is a beacon of hope, inspiring a movement towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient world.”
(As told to Editor Sainul Abudheen K)
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