Temasek Foundation’s Liveability Challenge unveils new themes in its search for deep tech solutions for urban sustainability in urban settings.
A new, global call for game-changing solutions to grow food, package products, and reduce carbon emissions in cities located in the world’s tropical belt was launched in Singapore today. The best proposals stand a chance of securing the grand prize of up to S$1 million in funding, as well as other resources and opportunities to further develop their solutions.
The launch marks the start of The Liveability Challenge, presented by Temasek Foundation, organised by Eco-Business, and convened by Closed Loop Partners, in partnership with Ecosperity Week 2020.
The third edition of the Challenge is inviting project proposals in the areas of Urban Food Production, Circular Packaging and Decarbonisation, where the critical need for innovation reflects the size of the business opportunity available. Proposals are welcome from 14 January to 17 April 2020 and can be submitted via the official website of The Liveability Challenge (www.theliveabilitychallenge.org).
The chosen themes support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action).
Mr Lim Hock Chuan, Chief Executive, Temasek Foundation Ecosperity said: “Global hunger is on the rise; and the past four years have been the hottest on record, with carbon dioxide concentration levels continuing to rise. We hope The Liveability Challenge 2020 will highlight the valuable opportunities present in these areas of need and catalyse impactful solutions that can accelerate the transition to a more food secure, resource-efficient and decarbonised future.”
Selected finalists will get a chance to pitch their projects to a panel of Asia’s most sought-after venture capitalists and investors during Ecosperity Week on 8 July 2020 at The Liveability Challenge Grand Finale.
Winners of the Challenge could secure over S$1 million in opportunities such as funding, exclusive spots in incubator programmes, and mentorship opportunities. The grand prize winner could secure up to S$1 million in grant funding from Temasek Foundation to further development and launch a pilot project in Singapore.
Since the first edition in 2018, The Liveability Challenge has seen rapid growth in interest among the business, government and civil society and has become an annual highlight in Singapore’s calendar of sustainability events.
“The Liveability Challenge has grown to become a highlight for Asia’s sustainability community, and is now fast expanding to folks in the science and technology space. As businesses and governments continue to work on societal solutions around climate change, we welcome participation from potential partners, especially from the food, packaging and energy sectors to join us in supporting this year’s challenge,” said Ms Junice Yeo, Deputy Managing Director of Eco-Business, who added that the third edition of the Challenge aims to walk the talk of sustainability.
Carbon emissions resulting from this year’s event will be offset and recorded in an impact report to be published after July.
Mr Lim said: “There is growing momentum to adopt sustainable practices and innovations to build a more liveable environment. With the support of our partners, The Liveability Challenge has attracted many applicants with high-quality proposals leveraging science to exploit potential business opportunities. As a champion of sustainability and liveability, Temasek Foundation has provided support to the winner of last year’s Challenge, Sophie’s Kitchen, to develop its plant-based protein that can be produced in a more economically viable, urban setting.”
Through The Liveability Challenge and other channels, Temasek Foundation seeks to bring together an ecosystem of innovators, funders, investors, platform providers and professionals, and excite them to source, catalyse and advance impactful solutions towards eventual successful commercialisation, as a first step to making a positive difference to the everyday lives of city dwellers in Singapore and beyond.
For more information, visit The Liveability Challenge website at www.theliveabilitychallenge.org.
For enquiries or photos, contact:
Koh Shu Mei Ruder Finn (65) 6336 0729
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About Temasek Foundation
Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and beyond. Collectively, our programmes strengthen social resilience, foster international exchange, enhance regional capabilities, and advance science for a sustainable world. Temasek Foundation’s programmes, made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, strive towards achieving positive outcomes for individuals and communities now, and for generations to come. For more information, visit www.temasekfoundation.org.sg
About Eco-Business
Eco-Business is the leading media company serving Asia Pacific’s clean technology, smart cities, responsible business and sustainable development community. Its platforms include the award-winning Eco-Business.com site which attracts more than 120,000 high-level visitors every month and a weekly newsletter that is emailed to over 88,000 subscribers. Eco-Business offers a wide range of content and marketing services, including online advertising, custom publications, market research and whitepapers, multimedia production, consultancy, training and high-impact bespoke events catered to deepen discussions on sustainability.
About Ecosperity Week
Ecosperity Week is a confluence of events gathering global business leaders, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs and academia to drive action on sustainable development. The week-long programme features an experiential solutions showcase, sustainable finance conference, roundtable discussions, pitch sessions, site visits and networking opportunities across events.
Ecosperity Week 2020 takes place from 6 to 8 July 2020 at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, in Marina Bay Sands Singapore. It will be co-located with the biennial World Cities Summit, Singapore International Water Week and the CleanEnviro Summit Singapore.
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