Climate tech start-ups receive a boost of S$4 million for the 2026 Liveability Challenge inauguration

Singapore's Liveability Challenge 2026 Kicks Off with Record Funding and New Partnerships

Singapore's Liveability Challenge (TLC) has launched its 2026 edition with a record S$4 million (US$3.1 million) in catalytic funding, attracting a number of notable partners and startups.

AStar, a Singapore government agency, has joined as a partner for the TLC for the first time. They have also unveiled a new sustainable aviation fuel test rig that can convert 100 kg of carbon dioxide into 5 kg of hydrocarbons per day. The multi-purpose testbed being developed by AStar is currently still in the procurement and construction phase and is expected to be fully up and running in 2027.

In addition, A*Star is planning to build a carbon capture and utilisation translational test bed and is exploring using captured carbon dioxide with waste materials, like incineration ash, to produce synthetic sand for various construction applications.

The 2026 call for submissions across two themes - decarbonisation and cool earth - has officially opened and will close on 9 February 2026. Finalists working on the decarbonisation theme will have access to A*Star's scientific expertise and test-bedding facilities on Jurong Island.

Enterprise Singapore will extend grant support to boost commercialisation, and finalists may also benefit from venture funding. However, recent global trends show a decline in venture funding since 2021.

Milena Nikolova, a partner at Antares Ventures, believes that Singapore's efforts in providing catalytic capital are beneficial for innovators. She emphasizes the importance of funding for startups to build proof of concept. Nikolova was joined by other panellists at the TLC launch event who highlighted the critical role that catalytic funding will play at a time when climate tech investments are facing headwinds from economic uncertainty and higher borrowing costs.

Jane Zhang, head of Southeast Asia for Breakthrough Energy Fellows, suggests that blended finance will be necessary for startups delivering large-scale, capital-intensive projects. Blended finance, a combination of private investment and public or philanthropic capital, is deemed necessary for climate and energy technologies.

Spencer Low, head of sustainability at Google, expressed concerns about government policies potentially hindering the adoption of green technologies. Government policies may pose a challenge to the acceleration of green technologies due to potential conservatism.

This year's TLC winners include Singapore-based Krosslinker and Canadian start-up Ayrton Energy. The first organization to partner for the Global Crowdsourcing Challenge of the Liveability Challenge 2026 is the Temasek Foundation.

The cool earth track will continue to focus on solutions that enhance adaptation to extreme weather, especially heat. Notably, the United States-based Equatic, a past TLC winner, is currently building the world's largest ocean decarbonisation plant in Singapore. Since its inception in 2018, the TLC has attracted thousands of applications and deployed nearly S$14 million in funding to 54 finalists.

Climate tech start-ups receive a boost of S$4 million for the 2026 Liveability Challenge inauguration