Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Have any questions regarding the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge?
Read the following section to find your answer, or leave us a message.
What is the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge?
The Climate Impact Innovations Challenge calls for viable and innovative solutions in Energy Transition, Food & Nature Solutions, and Circular Economy in Indonesia and beyond. Finalists will be chosen across the three tracks and stand a chance to secure funding for their groundbreaking solutions.
Who are the organizers of the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge?
The Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2026 is presented by East Ventures, Temasek Foundation, and Tencent.
East Ventures is a pioneering and leading sector-agnostic venture capital firm. Founded in 2009, East Ventures has transformed into a holistic platform that provides multi-stage investment, from Seed to Growth stage investments, for over 300 companies across Southeast Asia. East Ventures is committed to achieving sustainable development and positively impacting society through its initiatives and ESG-embedded practices.
Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and Asia. 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 to deliver positive outcomes for individuals and communities now, and for generations to come. Collectively, Temasek Foundation’s programmes strengthen social resilience; foster international exchange and catalyse regional capabilities; advance science; and protect the planet.
Tencent is a world-leading internet and technology company that develops innovative products and services to improve the quality of life of people around the world. With the principle of tech for good as our guide, we help users stay connected with friends and family, access transportation, pay for day-to-day expenses, and have fun.
East Ventures is a pioneering and leading sector-agnostic venture capital firm. Founded in 2009, East Ventures has transformed into a holistic platform that provides multi-stage investment, from Seed to Growth stage investments, for over 300 companies across Southeast Asia. East Ventures is committed to achieving sustainable development and positively impacting society through its initiatives and ESG-embedded practices.
Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and Asia. 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 to deliver positive outcomes for individuals and communities now, and for generations to come. Collectively, Temasek Foundation’s programmes strengthen social resilience; foster international exchange and catalyse regional capabilities; advance science; and protect the planet.
Tencent is a world-leading internet and technology company that develops innovative products and services to improve the quality of life of people around the world. With the principle of tech for good as our guide, we help users stay connected with friends and family, access transportation, pay for day-to-day expenses, and have fun.
What are the tracks for the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2026?
The three tracks for Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2026 are Energy Transition, Food & Nature Solutions, and Circular Economy.
Is my company eligible to participate in the competition?
Companies are eligible to participate if they meet the following criteria:
- At pre-seed / pre-commercialization stage with an innovation at Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6) and beyond
- Possesses an original and innovative proposal
- Pilot in Indonesia to create minimum viable product with the intention for commercialization
- Proposes an impactful solution that addresses key challenges in at least one of the three tracks: Energy Transition, Food & Nature Solutions, and Circular Economy.
- Presents a feasible solution that can be adopted quickly and perform well in a large scale setting.
- Potential for commercially viable solution, with a large market size
What is Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6)? How do I know my company’s level?
At Technology Readiness Level (TRL 6), companies have a prototype or a minimum viable product that can be implemented and/or have a proof of concept. Participants can refer to the document here to determine the TRL of their innovation.
Am I eligible to apply for CIIC this year if my company has already submitted an application last year (or the last three years)?
Yes, companies who have submitted applications for CIIC 2023, 2024 and 2025 are eligible to apply again this year.
How can I participate in this competition?
The Climate Impact Innovations Challenge is accepting submissions between 8 April to 20 June 2026, 23:59 (GMT+7) here.
Can I participate in multiple sectors? What if my company addresses challenges in multiple sectors?
Companies must have an innovative solution focusing on at least one of the three tracks: Energy Transition, Food & Nature Solutions, and Circular Economy. If the solution addresses challenges in multiple sectors, participants can choose a main theme the solution addresses, and add the secondary themes in the description.
Is this a mentorship program?
The Climate Impact Innovations Challenge calls for viable and innovative solutions in Energy Transition, Food & Nature Solutions, and Circular Economy in Indonesia and beyond. Finalists will be chosen across the three themes and will stand a chance to secure funding for their groundbreaking solutions. Shortlisted teams going to the grand finale will be provided mentorship from industry leaders and venture capital firms to refine their pitches and proposals.
Who will be the judges? How is my company going to be judged?
Companies will be reviewed and shortlisted by East Ventures, Temasek Foundation, Tencent, and a panel of industry experts.
Projects will be judged according to the following criteria:
Projects will be judged according to the following criteria:
- Innovation: How original and innovative is the proposal?
- How does the solution address challenges in at least one of the three themes: Energy Transition, Food & Nature Solutions, and Circular Economy? What is the likely scale of impact?
- Feasibility: How will the solution perform in a full-scale setting? What are the technologies underpinning the proposal? How quickly can the solution be adopted?
- Commercial Viability: What is the size of the target market? Who are the potential collaborators as well as competitors? How close is the solution to commercialization, and how much funding is required till then?
What are the benefits and perks of joining the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge?
Shortlisted teams will receive coaching sessions from experts to refine their pitches and proposals. They will get to pitch their solutions at the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge Grand Finale for a chance to secure funding for their innovative solutions. Finalists will also receive other exclusive opportunities.
When is the grand finale? Where is it going to be held?
The Grand Finale will be held in September/October 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The date and venue will be announced at a later date.
Can companies outside Indonesia participate?
The Climate Impact Innovations Challenge is open for participants globally.
Is the challenge open for students? Can my school/university project participate?
Students and school/university projects are welcome to participate in the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge. Please review the applicant criteria to ensure your project is eligible and then submit your application through the standard process.
This year, we are also hosting the Climate Article Competition, which is especially suited for school and university students who have developed compelling articles or research papers to submit the idea. Please review the Article Competition guidelines for more detailed information.
This year, we are also hosting the Climate Article Competition, which is especially suited for school and university students who have developed compelling articles or research papers to submit the idea. Please review the Article Competition guidelines for more detailed information.
Is the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge open to partnering with universities?
Universities are open to partnering with the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge, particularly as Outreach Partners. If you would like to discuss more details about potential partnerships, please email us at partnerships@climateimpactinnovations.com.
How are the previous winners doing today? What are the prospects for the winners?
Our previous winners have benefited from the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge by gaining access to valuable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. This support has helped them refine their solutions, develop their business strategies, and connect with key stakeholders in the climate innovation ecosystem. East Ventures and Temasek Foundation are excited to see the long-term impact of their innovations and the positive change they will bring.
Does my project need to generate carbon credits to be eligible?
While not mandatory for all applicants, we strongly encourage projects with the potential to generate internationally-recognized carbon credits to apply. These projects will be evaluated on their ability to provide high-integrity, measurable carbon sequestration or avoidance alongside their core track solution. There will be a “Special Prize” for outstanding carbon projects.
What is the "Special Prize" for carbon projects?
In 2026, we are introducing a dedicated special prize for outstanding carbon projects. This award is specifically designed to recognize and support innovations that demonstrate exceptional potential in the carbon market, ensuring these high-impact solutions receive the catalytic funding needed to scale.