Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2025 announces 9 finalists

• Chosen from nearly 500 applicants across more than 50 countries, focus on energy transition, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy solutions
• Competing for a $650,000 prize pool and structured support to scale their innovations

Nine startups and organizations have progressed to the final stage of the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge (CIIC) 2025—a major competition designed to identify and support sustainability-focused technology innovations in Indonesia and beyond. The challenge is jointly organized by East Ventures, a venture capital firm active in Southeast Asia, and Temasek Foundation, a Singapore-based philanthropic organization.

A total of about 500 applicants from more than 50 countries responded to this year’s challenge, the largest in its history. Submissions closed on 25 June 2025, with each proposal evaluated by East Ventures, Temasek Foundation, and a panel of field experts, including representatives from government, industry, and investment sectors. The selected projects address three key tracks: Energy Transition, Sustainable Agriculture, and Circular Economy.

Notably, the finalists and their projects include:

• Aslan Renewables: Modular hydropower technology generating electricity without dams or large reservoirs.
• Incy Tech: Modular floating renewable energy devices with reportedly higher energy yield than traditional solar panels.
• Rekosistem: Technology transforming mixed waste into renewable energy and reducing residential waste.
• Arukah Capital: Solutions generating clean energy and bioproducts from agricultural waste.
• Gokomodo: Climate-smart agronomy and digital monitoring systems for smallholder farmers.
• Moosa Genetics: Advanced reproductive technology for cattle aiming to increase milk production and reduce methane emissions.
• Maritime Nusantara Lestari Foundation: Conversion of aquaculture waste into protein, chitin, and minerals.
• Midwest Composites: Natural fiber and farm waste-based composites, reported to have lower costs and emissions.
• SXD AI: Co-designs and scales zero-waste garments, aiming for significant material, cost, and emissions savings.

“We are delighted by the enthusiasm from innovators worldwide and excited by the surge of pioneering solutions leveraging advanced technologies like AI emerging this year,” said Avina Sugiarto, Partner at East Ventures. “Sustainability has always been part of East Ventures’ DNA, and our commitment to it remains unwavering. This challenge reflects our dedication to creating a meaningful, lasting impact on society and the environment, particularly in finding key solutions to address Indonesia’s climate challenges.”

Finalists will receive mentorship from ecosystem leaders and have the chance to pitch their solutions at the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2025 Grand Finale, part of the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (IISF) 2025 on 10–11 October in Jakarta. The total prize pool for this year’s event is Rp10 billion (approximately $650,000), with additional support to help winners scale their businesses.

CIIC 2025 is supported by several organizations, including PLN, Triputra Agro Persada, and Sinarmas Agribusiness & Food, among others. Registration for the IISF 2025 forum is open at indonesiasustainabilityforum.co.id.