East Ventures and Temasek Foundation are pleased to announce the conclusion of the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge (CIIC) 2025, Indonesia’s largest competition for climate tech innovations. This program officially began its inspiring journey on 5 March 2025 and culminated in the Grand Finale on 11 October 2025. This event was featured as a thematic session of the prestigious Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2025 at the Jakarta International Convention Center.

The CIIC was launched with the mission to identify and support groundbreaking climate innovations ready to be piloted and scaled up in Indonesia. The challenge focused on three tracks: Energy Transition, Sustainable Agriculture, and Circular Economy. Each of these tracks plays a critical role, essential for the global shift towards sustainability and climate resilience.

This year's edition of the CIIC 2025 garnered overwhelming global interest, attracting about 500 global applicants from more than 50 countries. From this highly competitive pool, nine finalists were selected. Over the past several months, these innovators have benefited from intensive mentorship by industry leaders, working to refine their projects and maximize their potential to create lasting, positive environmental impact.

“The return of the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2025 marks an important milestone in empowering the next wave of climate innovators. Sustainability and positive impact have always been embedded in East Ventures’ DNA, and this year, we are excited to witness even more groundbreaking solutions—many of which harness AI to drive productivity and accelerate climate action. We are grateful to continue this mission with Temasek Foundation and our supporting partners, and deeply inspired by all participants who have gone above and beyond to present their best ideas in building a more resilient and sustainable Southeast Asia—for today, tomorrow, and generations to come,” said Avina Sugiarto, Partner at East Ventures.

Following an intense and careful deliberation, a panel of four judges, comprising prominent investors and industry leaders, selected three winners who were awarded a total prize pool of Rp10 billion and exclusive strategic support.

The three winners of the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2025 are:

• Aslan Renewables, as the winner of the Energy Transition track, develops a modular hydropower without dams or large reservoirs, generating low-cost electricity with up to 86% efficiency.
• Arukah Capital, as the winner of the Sustainable Agriculture track, generates clean energy and bioproducts from agriculture waste, while committing 50% of carbon revenue to smallholder farmers.
• SXD AI, as the winner of the Circular Economy track, co-designs and scales zero material waste garments, delivering 10x material savings, 80% reduction in CO2 emissions, and up to 55% cost savings.

Additionally, Sinar Mas Agribusiness & Food also awarded Arukah Capital a grant funding of US$50,000.

“As a robust sustainability launchpad, CIIC can help Aslan Renewables, Arukah Capital, and SXD AI and other stakeholders de-risk, move from pitch to pilot, and scale their solutions for impact across Indonesia and beyond. We look forward to working with East Ventures and other like-minded partners to build CIIC up with even stronger applicant quality, broader partner commitment, and clearer adoption pathways for a more climate-resilient net-zero future,” said Heng Li Lang, Head, Climate and Liveability at Temasek Foundation.

“It’s been an incredible honor to be part of this journey and to have met everyone involved - from Temasek Foundation, to East Ventures, to the great builders that made up this year’s finalists. CIIC has been a tremendous partner from the very beginning as we prepare to launch in Asia. We are excited to share that Aslan Renewables is planning the deployment of our first Indonesian pilot site and anticipating a launch in 2026. Through CIIC’s process, we’ve been able to collaborate closely with local partners, and we can’t wait to start breaking ground and delivering new, scalable sources of clean hydropower right here in the country,” said Andrew Murray, Founder and CEO of Aslan Renewables.

“We are honored to win the Sustainable Agriculture track at CIIC, which highlights Indonesia’s resources and talent for global climate innovation. Arukah’s model turns agri-waste into biochar, enabling farmers to earn 50% of carbon credit revenue through agribusiness partnerships—creating sustainable incomes while delivering scalable, high-quality decarbonization. We look forward to expanding this opportunity in Indonesia with strong local partners and supportive regulations. Grateful for the catalytic support of East Ventures, Temasek Foundation, Sinar Mas Agribusiness’s generous grant, and all CIIC partners,” said Joanna Yeo, Founder and CEO of Arukah Capital.

“SXD is honored to win the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2025. Our thanks to East Ventures and Temasek Foundation for championing zero waste. Indonesia is special to us: while among the most climate-exposed geographies, it is also a manufacturing powerhouse capable of leading us into a better future. With CIIC’s support, we are excited to partner with supplier leaders across the region—from apparel to automotive—to make zero waste design the new standard,” said Shelly Xu, Founder and CEO of SXD AI.

The winners of the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2025: SXD AI, Arukah, Aslan Renewables

Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2025 is supported by several partners, including Strategic Partners: PLN, Triputra Agro Persada; Investor Partner: Sinar Mas Agribusiness & Food; and many others.