Six ideas to make Asia’s bustling cities cleaner, greener places to live and work have made the shortlist for this year’s The Liveability Challenge, a global search for solutions that change the way we produce and consume energy and resources.
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This initiative, organised by Eco-Business and presented by Temasek Foundation, in partnership with Ecosperity Week 2019, is in its second year and provides a platform for connecting investors and entrepreneurs in the sustainable development space.
From a total of 300 entries from 51 countries, the shortlisted ideas include a device to enhance diesel engines with hydrogen for more efficient fuel consumption, an alternative protein made from fermented algae, and a 3D printing device that uses organic materials rather than plastic.
Most of the finalists for the competition are from Singapore, with others from Germany, the United States and Hong Kong.
The finalists are…
1. Companies: Biomass Energy Systems Inc, Dewcon Instruments Inc, Flexi Systems Singapore (United States)
Idea: Low-energy air conditioning and water harvesting
2. Company: Chitinous (Singapore)
Idea: 3D printing using organic materials
3. Company: Cloud&Heat Technologies (Germany)
Idea: An energy-efficient way to cool for data centres using waste heat
4. Company: Neuto HEEV (Singapore)
Idea: A traditional engine turned into a highly fuel-efficient engine powered by hydrogen
5. Company: Revolv (Hong Kong)
Idea: Container rental to replace single-use plastic in food deliveries
6. Company: Sophie’s Kitchen (Singapore)
Idea: Protein-rich flour made from algae
Counting down to 7 June
The winner of The Liveability Challenge, which is supported by Temasek Foundation, the philanthropic arm of government investment company Temasek, will receive up to S$1 million (US$734,000) in funding for their project.
Other finalists stand to win a fundraising campaign worth up to S$500,000, a place on an incubator programme, and a mentorship opportunity with Circular Economy Club, a network of professionals who work in the circular economy space.
The Liveability Challenge Grand Finale, where finalists will present to a panel of judges, will take place on 7 June during Ecosperity Week in Singapore.
The first edition of The Liveability Challenge was won by a company that makes a material from plant-based oils with the potential to replace single-use plastic, starting with drinking straws.
