Six teams from across the world will compete for the chance to win up to S$1 million in funding to address some of the biggest sustainability challenges of our times.
Singapore, 18 May 2021 – The Liveability Challenge announced six shortlisted finalists today for their solutions to help cities accelerate decarbonisation and address their resources challenges. The finalists stand a chance of securing the grand prize of up to S$1 million in project development funding, as well as other investment opportunities.
Presented by Temasek Foundation and organised by Eco-Business, The Liveability Challenge is a global platform that connects investors and entrepreneurs with innovative solutions to some of the sustainability threats facing cities in the tropics in the 21st century.
Since the first edition in 2018, the Challenge has reached out to businesses, innovators, agencies and non-governmental organisations as well as key players in the sustainability community to develop a collaborative ecosystem and support solutions through commercialisation and enterprise. In 2021, more than 70 partners came onboard to crowdsource for imaginative minds and proposals at the forefront of catalysing sustainable change.
The fourth edition of the Challenge invited project proposals in the areas of Decarbonisation and Re-imagining Resources, where the critical need for innovation reflects the size of the business opportunity available.
The Challenge attracted more than 400 applications from over 50 countries. The six finalists shortlisted for this year’s edition include technologies that recycle lithium batteries, large-scale removal of carbon dioxide through seawater, and a high barrier coating film that makes packaging recyclable. More details on the finalists are in the Annex.
“Together with our network of more than 70 partners from all around the world, Temasek Foundation seeks to spur more action from game changers that can improve liveability and sustainability. Even as we are gripped by Covid-19, there can be no let-up in tackling the equally critical issues on climate change and sustainability. The calibre and ingenuity of the field give us hope and confidence that together we can build a better and more sustainable future!” said Mr Lim Hock Chuan, Chief Executive, Temasek Foundation Ecosperity.
The shortlisting panels who evaluated their innovations were represented by Closed Loop Partners, Ecolabs Centre of Innovation for Energy (Nanyang Technological University), Engie Factory, Frost & Sullivan, FundedHere, Global Green Technology Center, IPI Singapore, LGT Impact Asia, Mana Impact, National Environment Agency, SealedAir, she1K, SMART Innovation Centre (operating under the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology), Solar Impulse Foundation, Techstars, Vertex Holdings, and World Wide Fund for Nature.
“Every year, we receive a growing number of quality applications that make the shortlisting process difficult. But after thorough deliberations, we are happy to announce the six finalists for the fourth edition of The Liveability Challenge. These ideas have a common thread—the ability to disrupt their industries and create change at scale,” said Ms Jessica Cheam, Founder and managing editor of Eco-Business.
“I look forward to the grand finale, where we will be showcasing the finalists and their innovations, which will tackle some of the greatest challenges facing cities in the tropics,” Ms Cheam added.
Finalists will compete in the Grand Finale for a chance to win up to S$1 million (US $734,000) in funding for project development provided by Temasek Foundation. Other prizes include a minimum of S$50,000 investment by Planet Rise, a S$50,000 investment by Amasia, and a S$50,000 investment by Silverstrand Capital.
The Liveability Challenge 2021 Grand Finale will take place on 28 July 2021, where the six contenders will pitch virtually to a panel of Asia’s most sought-after venture capitalists and investors.
For more information, visit The Liveability Challenge website at www.theliveabilitychallenge.org.
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Notes to Editors:
All media coverage should include a mention of The Liveability Challenge, presented by Temasek Foundation and organised by Eco-Business.
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
Annex
Finalists for the theme of Decarbonisation:
1. DiviGas(Singapore)
Solution: Carbon capture and hydrogen recycling at hydrogen plants
2. Econic Technologies Limited (United Kingdom)
Solution: Use of carbon dioxide to produce sustainable polyurethanes, textiles, and surfactants
3. Seawater Mineralization (United States of America)
Solution: Large-scale removal of carbon dioxide through seawater
Finalists for the theme of Re-imagining Resources:
4. Aegis Packaging Pte Ltd (Singapore)
Solution: Recyclable oxygen barrier packaging
5. NEU Battery Materials (Singapore)
Solution: Recycling lithium batteries through electrochemical separation
6. SEPPURE Pte Ltd (Singapore)
Solution: Solvent recovery and reuse using nanofiltration technology
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