East Ventures and Temasek Foundation have concluded the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge (CIIC) 2025, awarding a total of Rp10 billion in catalytic funding to three winning startups. The Grand Finale was held on 11 October 2025 as part of the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (ISF) at the Jakarta International Convention Center. The program began on 5 March 2025.

CIIC 2025 Attracts Global Climate Innovators

CIIC 2025 was launched to identify and support breakthrough climate innovations ready for pilot implementation and scaling in Indonesia. The competition focused on three tracks: Energy Transition, Sustainable Agriculture, and Circular Economy.

This year’s challenge attracted approximately 500 applicants from over 50 countries. From this pool, nine finalists were selected and received intensive mentorship from industry leaders over several months.

“The return of the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2025 marks an important milestone in empowering the next wave of climate innovators,” said Avina Sugiarto, Partner at East Ventures. “We are excited to witness more groundbreaking solutions—many of which harness AI to drive productivity and accelerate climate action.”

Three Startups Win Across Key Climate Innovation Tracks

Following deliberation by a panel of four judges consisting of investors and industry leaders, three winners were awarded a total prize pool of Rp10 billion and received exclusive strategic support.

Aslan Renewables: Energy Transition Track Winner

Aslan Renewables won the Energy Transition track with its modular hydropower technology that operates without dams or large reservoirs. The system can generate low-cost electricity with up to 86% efficiency.

“It’s been an incredible honor to be part of this journey,” said Andrew Murray, Founder and CEO of Aslan Renewables. “We are 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.”

Arukah Capital: Sustainable Agriculture Track Winner

Arukah Capital won the Sustainable Agriculture track with its model that turns agricultural waste into biochar, producing clean energy and bioproducts. The startup shares 50% of carbon revenue with smallholder farmers.

“We are honored to win the Sustainable Agriculture track at CIIC,” said Joanna Yeo, Founder and CEO of Arukah Capital. “Arukah’s model enables farmers to earn 50% of carbon credit revenue through agribusiness partnerships—creating sustainable incomes while delivering scalable, high-quality decarbonization.”

Arukah Capital also received US$50,000 in grant funding from Sinar Mas Agribusiness & Food.

SXD AI: Circular Economy Track Winner

SXD AI won the Circular Economy track for its zero-waste garment solution. The platform enables the co-design and scaling of clothing with 10x material savings, 80% CO₂ reduction, and up to 55% cost savings.

“SXD is honored to win the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2025,” said Shelly Xu, Founder and CEO of SXD AI. “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.”

CIIC Builds Climate Resilience and Innovation Pathways

“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,” said Heng Li Lang, Head, Climate and Liveability at Temasek Foundation.

CIIC 2025 was supported by PLN, Triputra Agro Persada, Sinar Mas Agribusiness & Food, and other partners.

PHOTO: EAST VENTURES

This article was created with AI assistance.