A South Africa-based start-up that develops an algae-based replacement for fossil fuels has won the world's largest green business idea competition, beating 40 countries to claim the €10,000 prize at ClimateLaunchpad's Vienna finale.
ClimateLaunchpad, powered by Climate KIC and supported by Bank of America and Irish Aid, helps early-stage climate innovators turn ideas into viable businesses. This year’s Global Grand Final marked the return of the in-person event since 2019, bringing together start-ups, investors and partners in Vienna under the Climate Innovation Festival for a day of collaboration and bold new ideas.
The winning idea
From more than 2,700 ideas and 500 participating teams, SeaH4 impressed the jury with its algae-based replacement for fossil fuels, designed to power vessels within carbon-neutral fleets. Their product can be adapted for any combustion engine, extending its life in a net-zero CO2 world, offering a game-changing approach to sustainable marine and aviation fuel.
Runner-up: Chaja – a Tanzania-based company transforming mobility with affordable electric motorcycles. By reducing costs and boosting riders' earnings, the company is accelerating the adoption of reliable and sustainable e-mobility solutions.
Third place: OneFly – a Colombian biotechnology company that converts organic waste into insect protein and natural fertiliser using Black Soldier Fly larvae. Their on-site solution is circular, scalable, and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The top three teams received €10,000, €5,000, and 3,000, respectively, plus tailored support, investor access, and visibility within the global cleantech ecosystem.
A global stage for climate entrepreneurs
Since its launch in 2014, ClimateLaunchpad has grown from a small European competition into a global programme supporting thousands of early-stage entrepreneurs. In 2025, ClimateLaunchpad welcomed nine new countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Singapore, Mexico, Peru, Hong Kong, and Vanuatu. With a record number of applications and its 500th Boot Camp delivered this year, the programme reinforced its position as the world’s most accessible green innovation pipeline.
The competition covered eight key themes that address today’s most urgent climate challenges: clean energy, food systems, circular economy, blue economy, sustainable mobility, urban solutions, adaptation and resilience, and emerging innovations captured under The Next Big Thing. From transforming waste into sustainable aviation fuel to powering communities with decentralised renewables, the finalists reflected a new wave of climate innovation that is practical, inclusive and globally connected.
David Watt, Programme Director, ClimateLaunchpad, comments:
“Watching these teams pitch in Vienna reminded me why we do this. These aren’t just business ideas, they’re solutions shaped by people from diverse backgrounds and experiences of climate change, united by the determination to take action. From 2,700 applications to 40 finalists, the quality this year was extraordinary. As we expand to more countries, we’re not just running a competition, but building a truly global community where climate solutions can emerge anywhere.”
Andrea Sullivan, International Head of Social and Environment, Global Community Opportunities at Bank of America, adds:
"We are honoured to once again partner with Climate KIC. To see the innovation demonstrated by all teams throughout this competition has been truly inspiring. These ideas, developed by early-stage entrepreneurs, respond to some of the most pressing and challenging global issues and have real potential to become practical and tangible solutions, creating a more sustainable future for us all."
Brian O'Sullivan, Deputy Director, Climate Unit, Irish Aid, enthuses:
"Through our continued partnership with ClimateLaunchpad, Irish Aid is proud to stand with entrepreneurs from the countries most affected by climate change, helping them build solutions that the world urgently needs."
More than a competition
ClimateLaunchpad is not just about winning; it is about transforming early-stage ideas into viable, impactful ventures. Each year, hundreds of participants take part in boot camps, mentoring and coaching that happen globally, regionally and locally, supported by a vast network of professionals who are part of this global movement.
In 2025 alone, over 300 volunteers from around the world served as mentors, coaches, and jury members, reinforcing the programme’s ethos: together, we pitch in for the planet.
Support from Bank of America, a longstanding partner, strengthens this global ecosystem of entrepreneurs from the earliest stages of innovation. By empowering entrepreneurs at the ideas stage, the bank helps give visibility to solutions that have the potential to deliver real-world impact. This partnership reflects a shared belief that nurturing early-stage innovation is essential to building a resilient, healthy planet and a thriving economy.
Irish Aid focuses its contribution on empowering early-stage start-ups and entrepreneurs in emerging economies and underserved regions. By supporting locally driven innovation, Irish Aid helps ensure that communities most affected by climate change have the tools and opportunity to create their own solutions. Their backing gives a voice and a platform to founders who are solving the very challenges their regions face, building resilience and opportunity in the process.
Looking ahead
ClimateLaunchpad will expand to 50 countries in 2026 and aims to reach 100 by 2030. The programme continues to grow its global network, giving more entrepreneurs the chance to turn their climate ideas into real businesses. In addition, the next Global Grand Final will be held in Singapore in 2026, further strengthening the programme’s presence in Asia and its commitment to supporting innovation wherever it emerges.
For a comprehensive overview of the programme, key milestones, and the impact achieved in 2025, read the full Annual Report: https://bit.ly/4oFy43j
