Up to S$1m in project development funding from Temasek Foundation and other investment funding are available to catalyse the most sustainable innovations
The Liveability Challenge launched a global call today for innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions and ensure a circular economy for cities in the tropics. The most game-changing proposals stand a chance to secure up to S$1 million in project development funding, as well as other investment opportunities and a spot in a leading accelerator programme.
The need for revolutionary solutions has never been greater. Global carbon emissions must reach net zero by 2050 to keep temperatures within a 1.5-degree Celsius rise from pre-industrial levels.
To tackle the urban challenges of the 21st century, The Liveability Challenge aims to close the financing gap between the ideas needed for cities of the future, and the investments that will make these solutions a reality.
The Challenge is presented by Temasek Foundation, organised by Eco-Business, and supported by a broad alliance of partners.
A virtual launch event marked the start of The Liveability Challenge 2021’s call for submissions related to the two themes this year of Decarbonisation and Re-imagining Resources. The challenge themes have garnered considerable public attention over the last few years, as the world seeks solutions with measurable impact for the planet and for society. Proposals are welcome from 15 January to 15 April 2021, and can be done via the official website of The Liveability Challenge (https://www.theliveabilitychallenge.org/).
“We urgently need solutions to help us transition to a more sustainable and liveable future, and The Liveability Challenge is the global platform to help catalyse and bring innovative solutions to market and benefit people and the societies they live in. We are thankful for our partners who have come onboard the endeavour of growing this ecosystem of innovators under the Challenge, which is a key reason why it has continued to grow over the past four years,” said Mr Lim Hock Chuan, Chief Executive, Temasek Foundation Ecosperity.
Shortlisted finalists will have a chance to pitch their projects to a panel of Asia’s highly sought-after venture capitalists and investors in June/July 2021 at the Liveability Challenge Grand Finale.
Winners will vie for the grand prize of up to S$1 million from Temasek Foundation, and other opportunities such as a minimum S$50,000 investment from Planet Rise and a S$50,000 investment from Amasia.
“In many ways, Covid-19 is an unprecedented crisis that has reminded us of our vulnerabilities and the need to build resilient societies. Experts have estimated that the damage from the larger climate crisis will be multiple times what Covid-19 has inflicted and we urgently need to address this complex long-term challenge. Innovation will be the key driver that will help us reach net zero emissions and to achieve a more circular economy. The global response to the pandemic has shown us that there are no limits to human creativity and resilience, and I believe that the solutions to the fourth edition of The Liveability Challenge will reflect the same spirit,” said Ms Jessica Cheam, Managing Editor of Eco-Business.
The launch event saw a high-level line-up of speakers including venture capitalists, sustainability experts and the grand winner of the previous year’s Challenge. They discussed pathways to a sustainable recovery, and technological and investment trends in the year ahead.
Fengru Lin, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Turtle Tree Labs, and winner of The Liveability Challenge 2020, said, “The TLC 2020 experience has been nothing short of inspirational. The global platform allowed us to connect with many industry partners and media partners. The global recognition has allowed us to shine the light on the importance of food security and the pressing need to develop sustainable food production systems.”
The Liveability Challenge has garnered increasing support and interest from business, government and civil society since its first edition in 2018, and continues to be the leading platform to source for and accelerate the adoption of innovation solutions.
For more information, visit The Liveability Challenge website at www.theliveabilitychallenge.org.
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Notes to Editors:
All media coverage on the event should include a mention of The Liveability Challenge, presented by Temasek Foundation and organised by Eco-Business.
For additional materials, please refer to this link.
For enquiries or photos, contact:
Sonia Sambhi, Eco-Business
(65) 9006 8644
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About Temasek Foundation
Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and beyond. Temasek Foundation’s programmes are made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, as well as gifts and other contributions from other donors. These programmes strive towards achieving positive outcomes for individuals and communities now, and for generations to come. Collectively, Temasek Foundation’s programmes strengthen social resilience, foster international exchange and regional capabilities, advance science, and protect the planet.
For more information, visit www.temasekfoundation.org.sg.
About Eco-Business
Established in 2009, Eco-Business is Asia Pacific’s leading media organisation on sustainable development. Its independent journalism unit publishes high quality, trusted news and views that advance dialogue and enables measurable impact on a wide range of sustainable development and responsible business issues. Eco-Business is headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Manila, Beijing, and correspondents across major cities in Asia Pacific. Visit www.eco-business.com
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