The Climate Impact Innovations Challenge (CIIC) has awarded IDR10 billion (US$635,000) in catalytic funding to three early-stage startups to pilot their breakthrough technologies in Indonesia.
The three winners are Aslan Renewables (Energy Transition) which offers dam-free modular hydropower systems delivering up to 86 per cent efficiency at low cost; Arukah Capital (Sustainable Agriculture) which aims to transform agricultural waste into biochar, sharing 50 per cent of carbon revenues with smallholder farmers; and SXD AI (Circular Economy) which leverages AI to co-design zero-waste garments, achieving 10x material savings and 80 per cent lower CO₂ emissions.
Organised by East Ventures and Temasek Foundation, the third edition of CIIC culminated in a high-profile finale on October 11 at the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (ISF) in Jakarta.
The competition, which drew nearly 500 applicants from over 50 countries, spotlighted emerging innovations across energy transition, sustainable agriculture, and the circular economy.
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CIIC provides seed capital and a structured launchpad to de-risk innovation and connect startups with local partners and policymakers.
“As a robust sustainability launchpad, CIIC can help these innovators move from pitch to pilot, and scale their solutions for impact across Indonesia and beyond,” said Heng Li Lang, Head of Climate and Liveability at Temasek Foundation.
Andrew Murray, Founder and CEO of Aslan Renewables, shared plans to deploy the company’s first Indonesian pilot site by 2026, adding: “Through CIIC’s process, we’ve been able to collaborate closely with local partners … we can’t wait to start breaking ground.”
Arukah Capital, which also received an additional US$50,000 grant from Sinar Mas Agribusiness & Food, plans to expand its carbon revenue-sharing model with local farmers. CEO Joanna Yeo emphasised the importance of strong local partnerships and supportive regulation in scaling their biochar-based decarbonisation approach.
Indonesia’s dual identity as a major climate risk zone and emerging manufacturing hub gives it a unique role in the climate tech landscape.
“Indonesia is special to us: while among the most climate-exposed geographies, it is also a manufacturing powerhouse,” said Shelly Xu, Founder of SXD AI. “We are excited to partner with supplier leaders-from apparel to automotive—to make zero-waste design the new standard.”
CIIC, backed by ecosystem partners such as PLN, Triputra Agro Persada, and Sinar Mas Agribusiness, is building a pipeline of solutions ready to scale in a region that sorely needs them.
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Image Credit: East Ventures
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