Unleash your innovative spirit and join the Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge 2026! This global call for applications is your chance to make a real difference in the world. With a focus on renewable energy, offshore wind, greener industries, sustainable agrifood, and sustainable materials, this challenge is all about driving positive change. But here's where it gets controversial... Are you ready to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what's possible?
The seventh edition of the Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge (SOIC) by Enterprise Singapore is now open for applications. This year, we're inviting startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and innovative solution providers from around the globe to partner with leading corporates and make a sustainable impact. With over S$3 million in pilot funding and support, including S$100,000 from Hexagon Group, this challenge offers a unique platform for solution providers to gain access to industry networks, mentorship, and opportunities to validate their ideas in real-world environments.
The challenge explores key themes that reflect pressing industry priorities and presents opportunities for innovators to pilot and scale transformative solutions. Each challenge statement highlights the potential sustainability impact that can be achieved through a successful solution.
But here's the catch: to be eligible, your solution must have a local or regional focus before being scaled globally. So, if you're ready to take on the challenge and make a real difference, apply now!
Evaluation Criteria:
- Technical Feasibility & Novelty: Does your solution exhibit progressive use of expertise, showcasing technical experience and creativity? Is there a transparent rationalization of how the technical aspects of your solution address the sustainability problem, emphasizing uniqueness and novelty?
- Business Feasibility: Is your business model scalable, demonstrating the solution's potential for market acceptance and growth?
- Team Capacity & Expertise: Does your team have diverse expertise, relevant experience, and a history of successful collaborations, demonstrating their ability to deliver innovative sustainability solutions?
- Details of POC / MVP: Does your POC / Pilot proposal cover concerns related to implementation, timeline, and cost?
Benefits:
Over S$3 million in pilot commitment and funding support are available! Prizes for successful innovators include:
- Access to paid pilots and funding support with corporate partners to test and validate your solution in real-world settings
- Opportunities for co-innovation with industry partners, drawing on their extensive experience and resources
- Mentorship and industry networking to sharpen your value proposition and open doors for collaborations
- Additional exposure to SOIC partner programs (please refer to the Discovery Track for more information)
The corporate sponsor, Hexagon Group, will award S$100,000 in prize money to one selected innovator in the Discovery Track.
Ready to make a difference? Apply here: https://sustainability.innovation-challenge.sg/
