- Climate tech startups need more support beyond the pilot stage.
- Evidence, capital and implementation remain major barriers.
- ClimateLaunchpad’s Asia debut could help build new commercial pathways.
Climate tech’s biggest hurdle is no longer proving that the technology works.
It is now about consistently deliver value in real-world settings, particularly as funding becomes more selective.
“Startups need opportunities to demonstrate not just that their technology works, but that it can deliver value repeatedly and consistently in a real operational setting across seasons,” said Rebecca Sharpe, founder and director of Better Earth Ventures.
Better Earth Ventures is a Singapore-based venture builder helping climate startups scale across Asia-Pacific.
As governments across the region tighten emissions targets and companies face mounting pressure to decarbonise supply chains, many are beginning to look for solutions they can deploy at scale.
“We’re definitely seeing more interest from both corporates and policymakers, alongside a much better understanding of what it takes to adopt innovation,” said Sharpe.
While grants, accelerator programmes and venture builders have helped founders develop and test new technologies, startups often struggle when seeking to scale solutions commercially, Sharpe told AgNavigator.
“The bigger challenge is getting from proof of concept to proof of value, particularly in a more selective funding environment.
“We’ve built a strong ecosystem around helping founders get started, getting to the proof-of-concept phase. What’s less developed is the support that comes afterwards, when startups need to navigate procurement protocols, regulation shifts across markets, building strong partnerships and commercialisation. That’s often where the hardest work begins,” Sharpe said.
Sharpe identified evidence generation, capital and implementation as the three biggest barriers preventing wider adoption of climate technologies.
“Founders need robust data to demonstrate consistent performance in real-world conditions, patient capital that matches the timelines of climate innovation, and opportunities to work alongside industry and policymakers to refine solutions and build confidence for wider adoption,” said Sharpe.
First time in Asia
Sharpe’s comments come ahead of the inaugural Climate Innovation Summit Singapore, which Better Earth Ventures will host from October 13-15.
The event aims to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, corporates and policymakers to discuss challenges around market access, fundraising, customer discovery and commercial partnerships.
A key feature of the summit will be the ClimateLaunchpad Global Grand Final, which will be held outside Europe for the first time in the competition’s 13-year history.
ClimateLaunchpad is run by Climate-KIC, Europe’s leading climate innovation agency, with backing from Bank of America and Irish Aid.
“For 13 years, ClimateLaunchpad has given climate entrepreneurs a place to test their ideas, sharpen their pitch and find the people who believe in what they’re building. Now in its 13th year, the competition has grown alongside a whole generation of green businesses, and this year’s record cohort, with over 4,150 applications from 50 countries, shows that potential is only accelerating,” said Alexandros Nikopoulos, ClimateLaunchpad programme lead.
Sharpe said bringing the event to Singapore would create opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors and corporates to build new partnerships.
“We’re delighted to welcome ClimateLaunchpad to Asia for the first time. Bringing founders from more than 50 countries to Singapore creates a rare opportunity for entrepreneurs, investors, corporates and policymakers to connect in person and explore new collaborations.
“Singapore’s strengths as a leading international business hub and its growing climate innovation ecosystem make it a practical and innovative place for those conversations to happen, and we hope many of those relationships will continue well beyond the Climate Innovation Summit.”
The summit will also feature the PepsiCo Greenhouse Program APAC 2026: IMPACT Edition, which focuses on connecting startups with PepsiCo teams to explore solutions in agriculture, climate and circularity.
The 2026 IMPACT Edition includes a stronger focus on operational considerations and implementation feasibility as part of the programme engagement process.
Sharpe concluded: “The encouraging shift is that we’re seeing many more organisations willing to engage with startups. The next step is creating more pathways to help successful pilots translate into wider adoption.”
