Back for its fifth year, the Challenge is searching for solutions under the themes of decarbonisation, food and agritechnology, and nature-based solutions
Singapore, 14 January 2022 — The Liveability Challenge launched a global call today for innovative solutions to accelerate decarbonisation, meet increasing demand for food, and conserve the planet’s natural ecosystems. The most outstanding solutions will be in the running to secure up to S$1 million in project development funding, as well as other investment opportunities.
In its fifth year, the Challenge is Asia’s largest sustainability solutions platform with a global reach and a reputation for helping founders and companies whose innovations are disrupting industries to create a significant positive impact for both society and planet.
Following the recently-held COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, UK, in December, some 90 per cent of global GDP is now covered by net zero pledges.
While the political will to tackle the climate crisis now exists, the big question is: How will we get there?
The answer lies in revolutionary innovations.
The Liveability Challenge crowdsources the world for the best of these solutions and provides both funding and ecosystem support needed to take these ideas from laboratory to market.
The Challenge is presented by Temasek Foundation, organised by Eco-Business, and supported by over 70 partners from across the world
The launch event held today at Singapore’s Projector X: Riverside marked the start of The Liveability Challenge 2022’s call for submissions.
The three themes unveiled this year are Decarbonisation, Food & Agritechnology, and Nature-Based Solutions.
Over the recent years, these sectors have gained substantial public attention as the world seeks practical solutions and technological advances to meet sustainable development targets.
Proposals are welcome from 14 January to 1 April 2022, and can be submitted via the official website of The Liveability Challenge (https://www.theliveabilitychallenge.org/).
“The Liveability Challenge has been building a broad alliance of partners to help turn innovative ideas into business opportunities. Together, we help innovators succeed in order to drive real-world change and make a long-term meaningful impact,” said Mr Lim Hock Chuan, Chief Executive, Temasek Foundation Liveability.
“The climate emergency has gotten more pressing in the five years since we started, and we will continue to double up with our partners on our efforts to support and scale up more game-changing sustainability solutions,” he added.
At the close of submissions, steering committees comprising experts across industries will assess and interview all applications to shortlist six finalists.
These finalists will go on to pitch their projects to a panel of Asia’s highly sought-after venture capitalists and investors on 9 June 2022 at the Grand Finale. This event will take place alongside Temasek’s annual sustainability forum Ecosperity.
Winners will vie for the grand prize of up to S$1 million from Temasek Foundation, and other opportunities such as a minimum of S$100,000 in funding each from Amasia, Quest Ventures, and Silverstrand Capital.
“Over the past year, we’ve seen countries and companies strengthen their climate pledges. Sustainability innovations will play a key role in helping us achieve these targets and The Liveability Challenge is proud to have built Asia’s largest platform for sustainability innovations,” said Ms Jessica Cheam, Founder and Managing Director of Eco-Business.
Representatives from business, civic society and government at the exclusive launch heard from a high-level panel of speakers including venture capitalists and sustainability experts.
These speakers included Malavika Bambawale, Managing Director, Head Sustainability Solutions Asia Pacific, Engie Impact; Paul Santos, Managing Partner, Wavemaker Partners; Phil Inagaki, Managing Director, Xora; Meaghan See, Director of Partnerships, Head of Events and Engagement, Eco-Business; and Jessica Cheam, Founder and Managing Director of Eco-Business.
They discussed the ways in which sustainable investments are the future of climate security and economic success, as well as the importance of breakthrough innovations.
Year on year, The Liveability Challenge has attracted a growing number of applications and partners from around the world. The most recent edition saw over 450 applications from 60 countries, and was supported by a broad alliance of 77 partners.
For more information, visit The Liveability Challenge website at www.theliveabilitychallenge.org.
For enquiries or photos, contact:
Grace Adam
APCO Worldwide
(65) 9754 0381
gadam@apcoworldwide.com
Shinae Baek
APCO Worldwide
(65) 6922 0571
sbaek@apcoworldwide.com
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About Temasek Foundation
Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and Asia. Collectively, our programmes strengthen social resilience; foster international exchange and catalyse regional capabilities; advance science; and protect the planet. Temasek Foundation’s programmes, made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, strive to deliver positive outcomes for individuals and communities now, and for generations to come. 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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