Dr. Le Xuan Khoa, a former student in the United Kingdom, has developed a low-cost "cold battery" technology to support the preservation of agricultural and aquatic products and reduce emissions in Vietnam.
This project helped him win first place in the Business and Innovation category at the Study UK Alumni Awards 2026, an award for former UK students. The program recognized his efforts in deploying "cold battery" technology, contributing to reducing environmental impact and supporting livelihoods for farmers, fishermen, and small and medium-sized enterprises in Vietnam.
Dr. Le Xuan Khoa (center) receives the first prize in the British Council's Study UK Alumni Awards 2026. Photo: British Council in Vietnam
Born and raised in the coastal city of Da Nang, Le Xuan Khoa witnessed firsthand the hardships faced by fishing families. Freshly caught fish, just hours after being brought ashore, would quickly spoil in the hot sun if not properly preserved.
"There were days when just one power outage ruined the ingredients, and all the family's hard work was lost," he recounted. From then on, the young Vietnamese man realized that for many farmers, fishermen, and small businesses, refrigeration wasn't just a convenience, but a crucial factor in determining profitability. The question of how to preserve food effectively at the lowest cost became the guiding principle for his entire subsequent research journey.
In 2015, Xuan Khoa went to the United Kingdom to pursue a PhD in energy at Ulster University and continued his research at Oxford University. There, he learned a research approach focused on practical impact.
"We're not just asking whether the technology is scientifically sound, but also considering how it can be implemented in real life, what the costs are, and who it will serve," Dr. Khoa shared.
Năm 2024, anh sáng lập VOX Cool, doanh nghiệp triển khai công nghệ Cold Battery (pin lạnh). Thay vì phụ thuộc hoàn toàn vào máy nén chạy liên tục, hệ thống có thể tích trữ “lạnh” và giải phóng khi cần. Điều này giúp giảm chi phí vận hành, giảm tải cho hệ thống điện và có thể kết hợp với năng lượng tái tạo. Song song, VOX Cool áp dụng mô hình Cooling-as-a-Service (dịch vụ làm lạnh). Theo mô hình này, nông ngư dân hoặc doanh nghiệp vừa và nhỏ không cần đầu tư hệ thống đắt đỏ mà chỉ trả tiền theo lượng làm lạnh sử dụng.
Dr. Khoa noted that in Vietnam, the biggest barrier is not only technology, but also the initial investment cost and operational risks. With a service model, users can access efficient cooling systems without requiring large capital investments.
Dr. Le Xuan Khoa and his colleagues at VOX Cool. Photo: Character provided
A turning point came for VOX Cool when the project received a £500,000 grant from the UK government to implement a pilot project in Ninh Thuan. This marked the first time an Oxford refrigeration technology was tested in a real-world setting in Vietnam. During the pilot phase, the unit created 13 local jobs, collaborated directly with 90 farmers and fishermen, and organized numerous training programs for the community.
The project also noted that the off-grid cooling system helps reduce approximately 15 tons of CO₂e per year compared to an equivalent on-grid cold storage solution. Simultaneously, maintaining stable storage temperatures helps minimize product spoilage and improve business efficiency for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Sharing about his new achievement, Dr. Le Xuan Khoa said that the Study UK Alumni Awards 2026 is a springboard for VOX Cool to reach further. He aims to expand the "cooling battery" technology to many localities in Vietnam and ASEAN countries. Besides business growth, the scientist from Da Nang is also dedicated to fostering an innovative community in the energy industry. He hopes to support and empower the next generation to transform initial ideas into practical solutions, for a better life for everyone.
