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, Sustainable Agriculture, 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 is presented by East Ventures and Singapore’s Temasek Foundation.
East Ventures is a pioneering and leading sector-agnostic and Indonesia-focused venture capital firm. Founded in 2009, East Ventures is now a holistic platform that provides multi-stage investment, including Seed and Growth investments for over 300 companies in Southeast Asia. East Ventures is committed to achieving sustainable development and bringing positive impacts to society through its initiatives and ESG-embedded practices.
Temasek Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Singapore’s Temasek, championing liveability and sustainability, and supporting innovation that can deliver a significant impact to improving the way we live, work and play. The Foundation funds translational research to help researchers produce operational prototypes which can then be developed further into commercial products.
East Ventures is a pioneering and leading sector-agnostic and Indonesia-focused venture capital firm. Founded in 2009, East Ventures is now a holistic platform that provides multi-stage investment, including Seed and Growth investments for over 300 companies in Southeast Asia. East Ventures is committed to achieving sustainable development and bringing positive impacts to society through its initiatives and ESG-embedded practices.
Temasek Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Singapore’s Temasek, championing liveability and sustainability, and supporting innovation that can deliver a significant impact to improving the way we live, work and play. The Foundation funds translational research to help researchers produce operational prototypes which can then be developed further into commercial products.
What are the tracks for the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2025?
The three tracks for Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2025 are Energy Transition, Sustainable Agriculture, and Circular Economy.
Is my company eligible to participate in the competition?
Companies are eligible to participate if they meet the following criteria:
- At minimum pre-seed/pre-commercialization stage with an innovation at Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6) or higher
- 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, Sustainable Agriculture, 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 two years)?
Yes, companies who have submitted applications for CIIC 2023 and 2024 are eligible to apply again this year.
How can I participate in this competition?
The Climate Impact Innovations Challenge is accepting submissions between 5 March to 25 June 2025, 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, Sustainable Agriculture, 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, Sustainable Agriculture, 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, 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, Sustainable Agriculture, 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.
How many companies will be shortlisted?
9 companies will be shortlisted, and pitch at the Grand Finale.
When is the announcement of the shortlisted companies?
Shortlisted companies will be announced on 20 August 2025.
When is the grand finale? Where is it going to be held?
The grand finale will be held on 10-11 October 2025 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 welcomed to participate in the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge. Please review the application criteria to ensure your project is eligible and then submit your application through the standard process.
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.