Climate Impact Innovations Challenge, a competition launched by East Ventures and Temasek Foundation, has awarded Aslan Renewables, Arukah Capital, and SXD AI a total of Rp 10 billion ($603,537) in catalytic funding to pilot their solutions in Indonesia.
East Ventures said in a statement on Tuesday that the Indonesia’s largest competition for climate tech innovations, has selected the three winners following an intense and careful deliberation by a panel of four judges, comprising prominent investors and industry leaders.
Aslan Renewables, 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, the winner of the Sustainable Agriculture track, generates clean energy and bioproducts from agriculture waste, while committing 50 percent of carbon revenue to smallholder farmers.
SXD AI, the winner of the Circular Economy track, co-designs and scales zero material waste garments, delivering 10 times material savings, 80 percent reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and up to 55 percent cost savings.
Additionally, Sinar Mas Agribusiness & Food also awarded Arukah Capital a grant of $50,000.
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.
“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.
Avina Sugiarto, Partner at East Ventures，said 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,” she added.
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.