Climate technology start-ups receive a remarkable S$4 million increase for the 2026 Liveability Challenge kickoff

The Liveability Challenge (TLC) 2026 has launched with a record S$4 million (US$3.1 million) in funding, attracting thousands of applications from across the globe. This marks the fifth edition of the TLC, a significant player in deploying funding to green technology start-ups since its inception in 2018.

The TLC, organised by Temasek Foundation, has seen the participation of various prominent entities this year. A*Star, a Singapore government agency, has joined as a partner for the first time, committing up to S$2 million (US$1.6 million) annually over the next three years to help finalists pilot their solutions in real-world industrial conditions. Enterprise Singapore will also extend grant support to boost commercialisation.

This year's TLC focuses on two themes: decarbonisation and cool earth. Finalists working on the decarbonisation theme will have access to AStar's scientific expertise and test-bedding facilities on Singapore's offshore refining and petrochemicals hub Jurong Island. AStar is also exploring the use of captured carbon dioxide with waste materials, like incineration ash, to produce synthetic sand for various construction applications.

Notable winners of this year's TLC include Singapore-based Krosslinker and Canadian start-up Ayrton Energy. Krosslinker is developing a passive cooling aerogel coating, while Ayrton Energy is focusing on cost-effective hydrogen storage and transportation. Their solutions, among others, highlight the innovative and practical approaches being taken to address climate change.

Beyond funding, policies that are too conservative might hinder the scaling of novel technologies, according to Spencer Low from tech giant Google. He emphasised that, in addition to financial constraints, government policies could be hindering the acceleration of green technologies.

Meanwhile, the multi-purpose testbed being developed by A*Star for decarbonisation technologies is currently still in the procurement and construction phase. United States-based Equatic (formerly known as SeaChange) is also currently building the world's largest ocean decarbonisation plant in Singapore. Blended finance will be needed for start-ups delivering large-scale, capital-intensive projects for the first time, according to Zhang.

Panellists at the TLC launch event 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. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, initiatives like the TLC provide a much-needed boost to the development and implementation of green technologies.

Since its inception in 2018, TLC has deployed nearly S$14 million (US$10.8 million) in funding to 54 finalists. The TLC 2026 call for submissions across the two themes has officially opened and will close on 9 February 2026. Interested parties are encouraged to apply and contribute to the ongoing efforts to combat climate change and create a more sustainable future.