Giang Hoang represents HKG Energy at a 2024 AIS4EE event.

When we first met Giang Hoang, she wasn’t just leading a startup – she was building one from the ground up.

Giang is the CEO and co-founder of HKG Energy, one of New Energy Nexus Vietnam’s corporate partners, which hosted interns through our NEXGen 2024 and Youth Internship Pilot 2025 programs. But even as she helped give young innovators hands-on experience in the country’s fast-growing clean energy, she was still in the process of learning herself; particularly on how to find success in one of the most challenging corners of climate tech.

Giang launched HKG Energy on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2024, and it proved to be more than a coincidence. Working in tech, an industry where women hold only a quarter of CEO positions globally, she has faced her fair share of challenges.

“Being a founder is hard, especially in deep tech,” she said. “In my first three months, most people told me I’d quit within a year. No one trusts you until you deliver. But while some of those voices have since been laid off in today’s tough job market, we’re still here, growing and gaining traction.”

HKG Energy lab in South Korea

Faster charging, better EVs

HKG Energy’s core innovation, Terra Silicon, is a patent-pending nanomaterial that increases battery energy density by up to 80%, helping electric vehicles drive farther, charge faster, and cost less. Beyond mobility, the technology can improve energy storage systems, consumer electronics, and even robotics, expanding access to cleaner, more efficient power.

Since its founding less than two years ago, HKG Energy has moved fast: entering proof-of-concept phases with global OEMs and battery makers, securing millions in LOIs, and receiving clean energy grants from both Vietnam and the US. Moreover, they’re now a member of Greentown Labs, a leading climate incubator based in Boston.

Sample cells made by HKG Energy

But her journey didn’t start in America. Giang’s career began in Vietnam, working her way up toward a leadership position in the Vietnamese EV company VinFast and managing a US$2-billion supply chain.

Now, through HKG Energy’s partnership with New Energy Nexus Vietnam, Giang is paying it forward by opening doors for young people to enter the clean energy sector.

“We’re truly grateful for [New Energy Nexus Vietnam]’s commitment to building a sustainable startup and talent ecosystem. Your support goes beyond programs; it’s a belief in the potential of founders and future leaders.”

Vietnam on the rise

For Giang, success isn’t just about building a company; it’s about building capacity for a nation ready to lead in deep tech.

“Vietnam has a unique window to leap ahead, not just as Southeast Asia’s gateway, but as a global hub for deep-tech manufacturing. The key is not waiting for the ecosystem to mature, but actively building it: invest early in high-quality startups, fund national labs and pilot lines, and de-risk commercialization. It’s not a burden, it’s an opportunity to lead.”

Her vision for Vietnam’s role in the clean energy transition is bold, drawing from her experience managing a US$2 billion supply chain for Vietnamese EV company VinFast.

“From my time at VinFast… I saw Vietnam’s speed and scale. But to lead globally, we must shift from assembly to deep-tech leadership. HKG Energy brings that shift – building homegrown IP and advanced battery materials that can power Vietnam’s rise in the global battery value chain.”

Giang Hoang presents HKG Energy to Julien Guerrier, European Union Ambassador to Vietnam.

Giang’s story goes beyond her success in her tech. She is one of many women and Southeast Asian leaders breaking glass ceilings across the globe. As they do this, more innovators can bring forth solutions that can make the clean energy transition go faster – ensuring a better, more sustainable future for everyone.

“Clean energy isn’t just necessary for the planet, it’s a sound investment. It’s already cheaper than fossil fuels and will define the future of industry. For the next generation, stepping into this space isn’t just a mission – it’s a smart, strategic move.”

Looking for more clean energy stories in Vietnam and beyond? Or are you a founder searching for opportunities? Find out more from New Energy Nexus Vietnam here.