Climate Insider Brief:
- NTU, NUS, and Temasek, with support from Breakthrough Energy, launched the Singapore Climate Ventures (SGCV) programme in August 2024 to drive climate tech innovation in Southeast Asia and accelerate commercialization.
- The 10-week programme provides participants from NTU and NUS with access to global climate tech expertise. The first SGCV cohort concluded with a Demo Day, where six teams presented their solutions to climate tech investors.
- Key projects include Hydrotech Solutions, focused on cost-effective green hydrogen production, and Carbonsynk, which uses enhanced rock weathering for carbon capture while improving agricultural productivity.
Singapore Climate Ventures (SGCV) Programme Drives Green Tech Commercialization
In a collaborative push to foster climate technology innovation and expedite the commercialization of green solutions, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the National University of Singapore (NUS), and Temasek have jointly launched the Singapore Climate Ventures (SGCV) programme. With strategic backing from Breakthrough Energy, this initiative is set to catalyze climate tech growth across Southeast Asia. Officially launched in August 2024, SGCV builds on the existing partnership among Breakthrough Energy, Temasek, and Enterprise Singapore, who earlier introduced the Breakthrough Energy Fellows – Southeast Asia (BE Fellows – SEA) programme.
A Platform for Climate Tech Expertise and Market Readiness
Designed as a 10-week venture exploration education programme, SGCV offers NTU and NUS participants access to global climate tech knowledge through Temasek and Breakthrough Energy’s extensive networks. Participants receive foundational guidance on transitioning climate innovations from lab to market, preparing them for potential entry into venture creation programmes like BE Fellows – SEA.
With Southeast Asia’s climate tech ecosystem still in its nascent stages, initiatives like SGCV are pivotal to nurturing regional talent and solutions, ultimately supporting a transition to net-zero carbon emissions. By equipping participants with essential commercialization skills and connecting them to seasoned experts, the programme fosters an environment conducive to impactful climate tech ventures.
A Successful First Cohort and Promising Climate Solutions
This week marked the successful graduation of SGCV’s inaugural cohort. The milestone was celebrated with a Demo Day, during which six teams from NTU and NUS presented their climate solutions and business plans to an audience of climate tech investors and experts. This critical feedback loop helps shape projects poised to make a tangible impact on Southeast Asia’s path toward sustainability.
Among the standout projects are Hydrotech Solutions and Carbonsynk. Hydrotech Solutions has developed a novel approach to green hydrogen production using nanostructured high-entropy alloys, making the process more cost-effective. Meanwhile, Carbonsynk is exploring enhanced rock weathering as a method to capture atmospheric carbon, with added benefits for agricultural productivity and waste reduction from construction and mining. Their solution incorporates advanced tools for accurate measurement, reporting, and verification of carbon capture.
Looking Ahead: Southeast Asia’s Climate Tech Transformation
As climate challenges intensify, programs like SGCV are critical for advancing Southeast Asia’s innovation ecosystem and addressing the unique environmental needs of the region. The collaborations enabled through SGCV not only drive immediate innovation but also lay the groundwork for longer-term sustainability and economic growth, placing Singapore at the forefront of climate tech leadership in Southeast Asia.
Climate Insider Notes:
- SGCV connects NTU and NUS participants with global experts to advance climate tech commercialization.
- Supported by Breakthrough Energy, Temasek, and Enterprise Singapore, this programme complements the BE Fellows – SEA initiative.
- Inaugural Demo Day featured six teams, including Hydrotech Solutions (green hydrogen tech) and Carbonsynk (carbon capture via enhanced rock weathering).
- SGCV’s impact underscores Singapore’s commitment to accelerating Southeast Asia’s net-zero transition.
Source: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Featured Image: Credit: First cohort of the Singapore Climate Ventures programme