Three cross-border teams emerged as winners at the Singapore International Foundation’s (SIF) Climate Hack 2024, showcasing innovative tech-driven solutions for climate challenges. The competition highlighted the power of collaboration among youth across Asia in addressing environmental issues through digital innovation.
SINGAPORE, 28 February 2025 – Three cross-border teams took top honors at the Singapore International Foundation’s (SIF) Climate Hack 2024 Pitch Day on February 22, marking the conclusion of a five-month program that nurtured digital solutions for climate change. Launched in 2021, Climate Hack equips young innovators across Asia with technical skills and entrepreneurial expertise to drive impactful environmental solutions.
The winning teams – E-Connect, SustainIQ, and Sustainloop – comprised 13 youth participants from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Their ideas focused on strategic cross-sector partnerships, personalized user experiences, and cost-effective alternatives to existing climate solutions.
This year’s competition saw over 300 young participants from 27 countries undergo expert training in digital proficiencies, problem-solving, and startup pitching. Notably, nine of the ten shortlisted teams featured members from multiple countries, reflecting the importance of global collaboration in tackling climate challenges.
“Forming a cross-border team helped us tap into the ASEAN market and adapt solutions for different regions,” said Wan Muhamad Asyrad Wan Zaki, a member of Sustainloop from Malaysia. “Working with diverse cultures taught us valuable lessons in communication, innovation, and business expansion.”
During Pitch Day, finalists presented solutions addressing issues such as natural resource management, sustainable land use, transport, waste reduction, and ecological economics. A panel of judges evaluated them based on creativity, feasibility, impact, teamwork, and presentation.
In addition to the three winners, Ecovolve (Cambodia, Indonesia, and Singapore) won the People’s Choice Award through online and live audience voting.
“Climate Hack pushed us to refine our assumptions and ensure scalability,” said Ahmad Yasri Zaenuri of Ecovolve. “With mentorship from industry experts, we enhanced our carbon tracking app to be more actionable and business-ready.”
As part of their reward, the four winning teams will travel to Singapore in March to learn about the Singapore Green Plan 2030, a nationwide initiative for sustainable development.
Ms. Carla Gomez Briones, Climate and Sustainability Specialist at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), praised the young innovators: “Their solutions tackle pressing climate challenges with ingenuity and collaboration, reinforcing the power of technology and global partnerships.”
The program was supported by key partners Action for Change in Southeast Asia (ActSEA), Kidzstarter, and Temporary Local, with mentorship from experts at Cognizant, DataKind Singapore, TheOneHourProject, and independent volunteers.
Since its launch, Climate Hack has trained nearly 1,000 youths across 24 countries, fostering 130 digital solutions aimed at mitigating climate change.
