The market size for climate tech in India and Southeast Asia will hit US$102 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow significantly, reaching US$350 billion by 2030 at about 20 per cent annually, according to a new study.

In 2022, global climate tech investments exceeded US$70 billion, nearly doubling the previous year’s record, with Southeast Asia and India contributing a seven per cent share.

The study titled The Essence of Climate Tech for India and Southeast Asia was conducted by leading VC firms Golden Gate Ventures and Venture East.

The report defines climate tech as various sectors aiming to reduce global carbon emissions, particularly achieving net-zero emissions. It predicts that the market size for climate tech in India and Southeast Asia will hit US$102 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow significantly, reaching US$350 billion by 2030 at about 20 per cent annually.

Delving into past successes in Clean Tech 1.0, the study sheds light on the importance of asset-light models distinguished by technological innovation, capital efficiency, swift iteration cycles, and a heightened probability of securing subsequent capital.

The report emphasizes the immediacy of the present scenario, attributing the increased adoption of climate tech to the evident effects of climate change, proactive government policies, and a rising number of private institutions committing to achieving net zero.

Furthermore, advancements in key technologies, such as an 89 per cent reduction in solar electricity costs and a 70 per cent decrease in onshore wind costs from 2009 to 2019, contribute to the increasing viability of climate tech solutions.

Also Read: Navigating the gender divide in the Southeast Asia’s fintech landscape

In India and SEA, regulators are driving the adoption of electric mobility, disrupting the traditional automotive market, while the escalating demand for battery technology mirrors the growth of the electric vehicle market, offering promising prospects in the region.

The report explores market regulations, consumption trends, and growth prospects in two-wheeler and light commercial vehicle sectors while also spotlighting regional opportunities in battery management software, recycling materials extraction, and second-life applications aligned with government incentives for battery production and recycling.

Inefficiencies in SEA’s agriculture value chain create opportunities in the underserved US$50 billion agritech market, addressing agricultural inputs, environmentally efficient B2B market linkages, and farm advisory services.

With agriculture contributing 10 per cent to SEA’s GDP and employing over 20 per cent of the population, the sector is under increasing pressure for efficiency and sophistication in response to climate change, and policy support and technological advancements position SEA’s agritech for significant growth.

The report’s central theme highlights a growing demand for increased sophistication in sustainability accounting, electric mobility, and agritech — identifying these sectors as the green gold of India and Southeast Asia for the next decade.

Read the full report here.

—

Fundraising or preparing your startup for fundraising? Build your investor network, search from 400+ SEA investors on e27, and get connected or get insights regarding fundraising. Try e27 Pro for free today.

Image credit: Canva

The post India and Southeast Asia’s climate tech sector set to reach US$350B by 2030 appeared first on e27.

Innovation and survival are often seen as separate pursuits. However, amidst macroeconomic uncertainties, it becomes evident that the future of innovation hinges on the ability to survive and thrive through tumultuous times.

Analysing the trajectories of established corporations such as Canva and Salesforce reveals a crucial lesson: resilience is rooted in solid fundamentals, not just innovative prowess.

The essence of resilience in established corporations

Companies like Salesforce and Canva epitomise resilience in the modern corporate world, navigating through economic challenges with robust business models and sound financial management.

Salesforce, a leader in CRM solutions, has shown impressive growth over the years. Their revenue for the fiscal year 2023 was approximately US$31.35 billion, a testament to their strong customer relationships and innovative cloud-based services. Their success lies in adapting to the evolving digital landscape, and consistently expanding their service offerings.

Canva, on the other hand, has revolutionized graphic design with its user-friendly platform. From its inception in 2012, Canva has experienced exponential growth. By 2023, Canva was valued at US$39 billion, reflecting its massive user base and the high demand for accessible design tools.

Also Read: 

These companies demonstrate that resilience in business is not just about innovation but also about building a sustainable, customer-focused business model, financial prudence, and the capacity to adapt to changing market conditions.

The advantaged edtech startups have

Shifting the focus to the education sector, companies in this space are uniquely positioned to maintain strong cash flow positions. The inherent demand for education and upskilling, especially during challenging times, provides these companies with a resilient business model.

This is particularly relevant in today’s landscape, where continuous learning and professional development are valued and necessary.

Also Read: 

In the education sector, companies are well-placed to achieve sustainable cash flow, thanks to several key factors.

Firstly, there is an inherent and ongoing demand for education and upskilling. This need intensifies during challenging economic periods, as individuals seek to enhance their skills to remain competitive. Furthermore, the shift towards remote learning and digital platforms has opened up new revenue streams for these companies.

Additionally, the recurring revenue model, often seen in subscription-based online courses and training programs, offers predictable and steady cash flow. The scalability of digital education platforms also allows these companies to expand their reach without proportionately increasing costs, optimizing for financial sustainability.

Looking at Open Campus’s portfolio, companies like Collective, Rise In, and Atiom exemplify the synergy of innovation and strong fundamentals.

Collective, a market leader in LATAM for business programs, has made significant strides in education, adapting to market needs and focusing on high-demand skills. Their approach emphasizes not just brand building but also establishing a sustainable business model.

Rise In, a leading Web3 boot camp, partners with blockchain protocols to provide cutting-edge education. This strategic alliance positions them at the forefront of technological education, catering to an emerging and rapidly growing field.

Atiom, an AI-powered tech company, serves global hospitality organizations with its behavioural change technology. Their focus on a niche yet essential aspect of hospitality underscores the importance of specialisation and innovation in a specific vertical.

Also Read: 

These companies are not just creating timeless brands; they are refining their core business fundamentals to ensure they can withstand economic challenges.

A new paradigm for startups

The startup environment is undergoing a paradigm shift. Gone are the days when continual capital raising was the mainstay of startup growth strategies. Now, the focus is pivoting towards building solid business fundamentals.

Startups are now tasked with developing sustainable business models, managing cash flows with greater care, and charting a definitive course towards profitability. The goal has shifted from pursuing rapid growth at any cost to embracing smart, sustainable growth strategies.

Taking cues from established business practices, startups can learn valuable lessons. Emulating the financial discipline, customer-centric approaches, and strategic planning of successful corporations could provide a roadmap for long-term success.

These companies prioritize building a loyal customer base, investing in product innovation, and maintaining financial health over quick wins, offering a template for startups to balance growth aspirations with operational stability.

Also Read: 

The future of innovation lies in the ability to survive and adapt. Companies– historical giants or modern startups, must prioritise solid business fundamentals alongside their innovative endeavours.

For startups, especially in the current economic climate, the focus must shift from relentless capital raising to establishing a resilient and sustainable business model. By doing so, they can ensure survival and the ability to thrive in the face of future challenges.

–

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic

Join our e27 Telegram group, FB community, or like the e27 Facebook page

Image credit: FORTYTWO on Unsplash

The post Innovation meets endurance: The crucial balance for modern businesses appeared first on e27.

e27 has been dedicated to nurturing a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs since its inception. Our Contributor Programme offers a platform for sharing unique insights.

As part of our newly introduced ‘Contributor Spotlight’, we shine a weekly spotlight on an outstanding contributor and dive into the vastness of their knowledge and expertise.

This episode features Georg Chmiel, Co-Founder and Chair of Juwai-IQI Holdings, a proptech group in Southeast Asia. He is also Co-Founder and Executive Chair of Chmiel Global Advisory, a boutique advisory business.

A valued contributor, Chmiel joined our community in 2021 and has remained actively engaged,   accumulating over 27,000 content views.

Chmiel shares his personal and professional journey in this episode of Contributor Spotlight.

The driving force

With 30 years of experience in fast-growing online businesses, Chmiel led over 35 acquisitions and experienced seven takeovers. He played a key role in establishing three unicorns, consistently enhancing shareholder value. Based in Malaysia for the past 12 years, he has focused on the ASEAN and ANZ markets.

As a participant in the e27 Contributor Programme, Chmiel expresses his honour in engaging with a diverse audience, providing unique insights, and participating in relevant conversations that potentially impact the industry’s future.

“I’m excited to share my knowledge and expertise with a platform that promotes entrepreneurship. The platform’s dedication to encouraging entrepreneurship, technology, and business closely matches my own professional beliefs,” he said candidly.

Also Read: Scaling up? Here’s the 5-point health check for hyper-growth businesses

Thoughts, goals, and journey

In the early stages of his career, Chmiel, recognising the dynamic nature of the business landscape, immersed himself, gained hands-on experience, and climbed the ranks through hard work and collaboration.

Leading a talented team, Chmiel’s professional goals include driving sustainable growth, expanding market presence, and embracing technological advancements. On a personal level, he is committed to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, continual learning, and serving as a mentor for aspiring professionals in the industry.

Chmiel’s expertise lies in online platforms and ecosystems, specifically focusing on what he terms ‘eco-corns’. “Coined to represent platforms dedicated to empowerment and fostering an inclusive workforce, regardless of geographical constraints, these ecosystems aim to break down traditional barriers and enhance collaboration,” he expressed.

In this realm, Chmiel notes recent trends and developments, such as:

• Remote work revolution: Eco-corns facilitate the global shift towards remote work. These platforms provide tools that enable seamless collaboration among team members, irrespective of their physical location.
• Inclusive workforce practices: There is a growing emphasis on creating platforms prioritising diversity and inclusivity. Eco-corns are integrating features to ensure equal opportunities for individuals from various backgrounds, fostering a more equitable work environment.
• Technological integration: Rapid technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, are harnessed within eco-corns to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. These platforms leverage cutting-edge tools to create efficient and effective work ecosystems.
• Focus on well-being: Eco-corns recognise the importance of employee well-being and incorporate features that promote work-life balance, mental health support, and overall employee satisfaction. This trend aligns with the changing expectations and priorities of the modern workforce.
• Global talent pools: By eliminating geographical constraints, eco-corns are tapping into global talent pools. This brings diverse perspectives to the table and allows organisations to access a broader range of skills and expertise.

“In essence, the evolution of online platforms and ecosystems, particularly within the realm of eco-corns, reflects a broader movement towards a more inclusive, technologically advanced, and people-centric approach to work. This aligns seamlessly with the changing dynamics of the modern workforce and the ongoing digital transformation in various industries,” he adds.

Also Read: Should ChatGPT chat with your customers?

Advice for budding thought leaders

Becoming a thought leader involves cultivating various skills. Chmiel advises aspiring thought leaders to enhance their expertise through:

• Mastering your domain
• Ensuring clear and consistent communication
• Making regular contributions to industry platforms
• Engaging with your audience
• Embracing authenticity
• Adapting communication styles
• Honing the art of storytelling
• Incorporating visuals for impact
• Building a strong professional network
• Embracing feedback for continuous improvement

“Also, always remember there are no ‘short-cuts’, and any ‘short-cut’ taken usually comes at a price, so you just delay the effort,” he appends.

Juggling too many things?

Chmiel, in his approach to maintaining equilibrium, emphasizes prioritization, effective time management, delegation to empower teams, setting boundaries between work and personal life, and placing significant emphasis on physical and mental well-being.

Also Read: ESG empowerment: Fueling Malaysia’s SMEs for a sustainable future

His strategy includes leaving ample time every morning for some activity. He suggests incorporating strategies such as active networking and reflective practices, which involve being honest with oneself. These methods are essential for assessing progress and making necessary personal and professional development adjustments.

Staying in the loop

In his ever-changing field, Chmiel recognises that staying ahead demands implementing a diversified strategy.

“I actively participate in online platforms, attend conferences, network with colleagues in the industry, subscribe to pertinent publications, follow social media for up-to-date information, and attend webinars and online courses to stay up to date on the latest advancements,” he said.

Chmiel recommends exploring books such as Platform Revolution and The Lean Startup for deeper insights into online platforms and ecosystems. He suggests visiting websites like Harvard Business Review, TechCrunch, and e27 for ongoing updates, analyses, and perspectives on industry trends.

“In navigating the dynamic landscape of today’s industries, my parting advice is to embrace continuous learning and adaptability. Success is often built on resilience, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to personal and professional growth. Connect with like-minded individuals, share your insights, and strive to leave a positive mark on the world through your contributions and endeavours,” Chmiel concluded.

—

Are you ready to be a part of a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and industry experts? Do you have insights, experiences, and knowledge to share?

Join the e27 Contributor Programme and become a valuable voice in our ecosystem. 

The post Spotlighting Georg Chmiel: Championing inclusive work ecosystems in Southeast Asia appeared first on e27.

Startup Genome and the Global Entrepreneurship Network today announced the special climate tech edition of The Global Startup Ecosystem Report during the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The report aims to explore the potential of Cleantech and the Blue Economy, examining the current state of startup activity and associated investments in those sectors and rankings reflecting which global ecosystems are currently driving innovation.

“This report is a combined edition examining both Cleantech and the Blue Economy, two tech startup sub-sectors that are closely interlinked but have unique characteristics. Cleantech refers to sustainable solutions in the fields of energy, water, transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing that include advanced materials, smart grids, water treatment, efficient energy storage, and distributed energy systems. The Blue Economy is defined as the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and job creation while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem,” it elaborates.

Also Read: India and Southeast Asia’s climate tech sector set to reach US$350B by 2030

According to the report, in the Cleantech ecosystem categories, Singapore moved up an impressive 18 places, from number 26 to eight, and is the only Asian ecosystem in the top 10.

Meanwhile, Silicon Valley and London remained the world’s leading cleantech ecosystems, at number one and two, respectively.

The report also mentioned that Singapore remains the “world-leading” startup ecosystem for the Blue Economy thanks to
its high number of relevant startups and its strong university support for Blue Economy innovation.

Find more details about the global data in the following infographic.

—

Image Credit: RunwayML

The post Startup Genome: Singapore remains top startup ecosystem for clean tech, blue economy appeared first on e27.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, exploring learning opportunities is paramount for achieving digital growth, especially in the age of generative AI. As artificial intelligence continues to advance, businesses are presented with unprecedented opportunities to leverage data-driven insights and automate complex processes. As such, understanding and harnessing the power of generative AI is crucial for staying competitive. Learning how to effectively integrate generative AI into the whole data ecosystem is a key component of this journey, as this directly impacts scalability.

As one of the critical aspects of digital growth is generative AI, database scalability plays a pivotal role in optimising this growth. Traditional approaches to database management often face challenges in handling the massive volumes of data generated in today’s interconnected world.

Generative AI offers innovative solutions by enabling automated data processing, adaptive algorithms, and intelligent decision-making. By exploring learning opportunities in this domain, individuals and organisations can unlock the potential for seamless database scalability, ensuring that systems can efficiently handle growing datasets while maintaining performance and responsiveness. This proactive approach fosters a deeper understanding of generative AI and empowers professionals to architect robust and scalable digital infrastructures that are essential for sustainable growth in the modern era.

Challenges in harnessing generative AI

Exploring learning opportunities for generative AI presents significant challenges, particularly in terms of the lack of access to actionable insights. One primary obstacle is the scarcity of comprehensive and accessible educational resources that cater to organisations that want to learn the ropes around applying generative AI principles within the business framework.

The intricate nature of AI technologies demands resources that provide practical insights, hands-on experiences, and probe real-world applications, which are often scarce or confined to specialised environments. This limitation impedes the ability of organisations to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation, hindering their capacity to fully grasp the intricacies of generative AI.

Additionally, the rapidly evolving landscape of generative AI introduces another challenge — the struggle to keep learning materials current and relevant. Given the swift pace of advancements in AI technologies, learning resources have to constantly evolve and adapt according to the available technologies of the time.

Also read: Taiwan tech companies eye regional expansion in Southeast Asia

Organisations aiming to explore learning opportunities in generative AI may find it challenging to stay abreast of the latest developments, as traditional educational structures often lag behind the industry’s rapid progress. This lack of access to timely insights not only hampers the effectiveness of learning experiences but also underscores the need for flexible and dynamic educational models that can adapt to the ever-changing landscape of generative AI. Moreover, cutting-edge technologies that facilitate the seamless integration of generative AI into database management is a key step towards achieving effective results. By exploring tools that are tailored to the specific needs of the organisation, professionals can streamline workflows, enhance data processing capabilities, and ultimately drive efficiency.

The right tools not only enable the harnessing of generative AI but also ensure that resources are utilised to their full potential, minimising bottlenecks and maximising the impact of digital growth initiatives. In this dynamic landscape, the careful selection and adept utilisation of tools and resources become a linchpin for organisations seeking to navigate the complexities of generative AI and database scalability, ultimately leading to sustained success in the digital realm.

Unleash Growth Potential with AWS, IMDA, and TiDB

With the goal of bridging this knowledge gap and catalysing growth among companies by providing access to the latest tools, resources, and insights on Generative AI, PingCAP, in partnership with AWS, IMDA, and TiDB, is launching an event entitled Tech Meetup Singapore: Unleash Growth Potential with AWS, IMDA, and TiDB to be held at the AWS Singapore office on Wednesday, December 6th.

At the event, participants will learn straight from industry experts including Zac Lin, Head of Business Development and Partnership for APAC at PingCAP, Andrew Ren, Senior Solutions Architect at AWS, Vivian Lau, Account Manager at AWS, and Tan Qi Sheng, Manager at Enterprise and Ecosystem Development (EED).

Zac Lin of PingCAP will be discussing “Database Scalability in the World of Gen-AI” where participants can explore the transformative role of open-source technology, focusing on AI integration and data ecosystems. Learn how these innovations drive growth and innovation in Singapore’s tech sector.

Also read: Bridging Japan and Southeast Asia’s tech landscapes through the ME Innovation Fund

Vivian Lau and Andrew Ren of AWS will be providing insights on “Technology and Tools for Growth” where ecosystem stakeholders can discover how AWS’s GenAI Services and Credit Programs can elevate your business.

Meanwhile, Tan Qi Sheng of IMDA will be talking about “Empowering Innovation: IMDA’s Role in Elevating Singapore’s Tech Ecosystem” where participants can better understand the impact of IMDA’s Accreditation and Spark Program on local businesses and the support provided through the Tech Acceleration Lab.

Apart from the rich discussions, the event provides a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in an exclusive networking session with industry leaders and experts. This special segment allows participants to connect with key figures who have made significant strides in the industry.

Attendees can take advantage of this unique opportunity to build potential partnerships, exchange insights, and gain valuable perspectives from those at the forefront of technological innovation.

About the partners

The event is spearheaded by PingCAP, the company behind TiDB, the most advanced open-source, distributed SQL database for building scalable modern apps. TiDB supports Hybrid Transactional and Analytical Processing (HTAP) workloads that are MySQL-compatible and features horizontal scalability, strong consistency, and high availability.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud, offering over 200 fully featured services from data centres globally. Millions of customers — including the fastest-growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies — are using AWS to lower costs, become more agile, and innovate faster.

On 27th, November, PingCAP was recognised with two prestigious awards at AWS re:Invent 2023:

• Marketplace Partner of the Year – GCR
• ISV Partner of the Year – GCR

PingCAP is also a proud participant in AWS re:Invent 2023 from November 27 to December 1 in Las Vegas, NV. Meet the team at Booth 1032 to explore next-gen scalability solutions and application development in the era of AI.

Also read: Expanding the possibilities of metaverse with RAPUTA

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA ) develops and regulates the infocomm and media sectors to create a dynamic, holistic, and exciting ecosystem filled with growth opportunities through talent, research, innovation and enterprise. Singapore has laid the foundation for a thriving ecosystem. As Architects of Singapore’s Digital Future, we strive to ensure businesses, the workforce and the public are ready for a future enabled by infocomm and digital media.

As a statutory board in the Singapore government, we seek to deepen regulatory capabilities for a converged infocomm media sector to safeguard the interests of consumers and foster pro-enterprise regulations. Amid the growing use of data, we will also continue to support data protection and innovation in Singapore through our Personal Data Protection Commission to boost public confidence in how personal data is used in the private sector.

To become part of Tech Meetup Singapore: Unleash Growth Potential with AWS, IMDA, and TiDB, you can reserve your slot today.

– –

This article is produced by the e27 team, sponsored by PingCAP

We can share your story at e27, too. Engage the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem by bringing your story to the world. Visit us at e27.co/advertise to get started.

The post Unlock growth potential with the latest insights on Gen-AI appeared first on e27.