Scope. Projects should develop and demonstrate innovative technologies or nature-based solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enable carbon removal or improve energy and resource efficiency. Solutions should demonstrate proof of concept and have the potential to achieve measurable carbon reductions, commercial viability and deployment at scale. The challenge particularly welcomes solutions addressing difficult-to-decarbonise industries and infrastructure.
Sectors. Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), direct air capture and permanent carbon removal. Waste-to-resource technologies, biomass conversion and circular carbon management. Renewable energy generation, solar and wind power, batteries and long-duration energy storage. Low-carbon hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuels, marine fuels and other sustainable feedstocks. Industrial energy efficiency, manufacturing, logistics, maritime operations and resource efficiency. Building decarbonisation, energy-efficient HVAC, low-carbon construction materials and smart energy management. Electricity grids, demand response, virtual power plants and distributed energy management.
Eligible applicants.Applicants aged 18 or older from anywhere in the world may apply, subject to the official eligibility conditions. Applicants must not fall within the competition's employee, close-relative or conflict-of-interest restrictions. Solutions should have achieved proof of concept, generally corresponding to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or above, and be applicable to Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Key requirements.Projects should: demonstrate a credible technological solution with measurable carbon-reduction or carbon-removal potential; show that the overall lifecycle is carbon-negative, with zero or minimal negative externalities, as specified by the challenge; demonstrate commercial viability, scalability and a credible route to market; present evidence of proof of concept and readiness for real-world demonstration; establish a pilot pathway in Singapore for technology-based solutions or in Southeast Asia for nature-based solutions, as applicable; explain the anticipated environmental impact, business model and potential for industrial adoption.
Funding & duration. Three Grand Winners across the three challenge themes will each receive S$1 million in grant funding. In addition, Decarbonisation finalists may qualify for up to S$2 million in total development funding through A*STAR, including technical expertise, incubation and test-bed opportunities. The number of projects receiving additional support and the amounts awarded will be determined by A*STAR. There is no standard project duration specified in the challenge's general funding information.