World Student Pitch (WSP) Singapore 2025
Climate Tech Innovation Challenge: Empowering Youth Innovation for a Sustainable Future
On 19 April 2025, ASEF hosted the Grand Finale of the World Student Pitch (WSP) Singapore Climate Tech Innovation Challenge 2025, a pioneering event dedicated to empowering youth-driven solutions for climate challenges. Organised by YUME PRO Japan, with key Sponsor: Credo Holdings (Japan), and support by ASEF and the National Youth Council Singapore, the Challenge brought together young entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates to foster cross-border collaboration and drive impactful change.
A Platform for Youth-Led Climate Innovation
The Climate Tech Innovation Challenge was conceived to inspire students to develop innovative, market-ready solutions addressing pressing climate issues. By connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with experienced mentors and industry experts, the initiative provided participants with invaluable guidance, global exposure, and opportunities to secure funding for their projects. The event also highlighted the strong partnership between Japan and Singapore, reflecting ASEF’s ongoing commitment to sustainable development and youth engagement across Asia and Europe. It is notable that this event was also initiated by 2 alumni from ASEF’s Young Leaders Summit Programme: Mr Itsuki TSUCHIDA and Ms Kesha YOGASUNDARAM who met at the ASEFYLS Capacity Buildings 2024 In-Person Training held in China, and decided to further collaborate together.
Event Highlights and Key Milestones
The Challenge attracted applications from student teams in Singapore and neighbouring countries, each submitting a pitch deck outlining their climate tech solution. Following a rigorous selection process, the top five teams were chosen to advance to the Grand Finale, held at ASEF’s office.
During the Grand Finale, ASEF’s Deputy Executive Director, Mr. ZHANG Lei gave warm welcome remarks to all competitors and attendees.
Each team then had time to pitch their solution to an esteemed panel of judges.
- Carbonsynk (First Place: SGD 2,500, and roundtrip flights to Japan to pitch their solution at IVS 2025, Japan’s largest start-up conference)
- Incy Tech (Second Place: SGD 1,500)
- Crop cycle (Third Place: SGD 1,000)
- Kloss
- GreenChain
- Hyphen
- Riffai
A distinguished panel of judges presided over the competition, including Mr. ZHANG Lei (Deputy Executive Director, ASEF), Mr. David Chua (CEO, National Youth Council Singapore), Ms. Man Jing Kong (Co-founder, Just Keep Thinking), Ms. Akanksha Batura Pai (Executive Director, Sinoda Shipping Agency Pte Ltd and IMO Goodwill Maritime Ambassador), and Mr. Gerry Loke (CEO, ECOS).
At the end of the programme, ASEF’s Youth Project Lead, Ms. Freya CHOW-PAUL, gave a congratulatory note to all teams, and shared about further Youth Opportunities that ASEF offers, such as the upcoming 6th ASEF Young Leaders Summit (ASEFYLS6)
Opportunities and Impact
The Challenge offered participants a unique opportunity to pitch their climate tech solutions to an esteemed panel of experts in entrepreneurship, sustainability, and industry. The winning team earned the chance to represent Singapore at IVS Japan—Asia’s leading startup conference—gaining international visibility and access to a vibrant network of investors, innovators, and thought leaders.
Through this event, participants engaged in meaningful dialogue with leaders in climate technology and sustainability, fostering new collaborations and knowledge-sharing. The Challenge also reinforced the importance of cross-border partnerships in addressing global climate issues, aligning closely with ASEF’s mission to promote sustainable development and youth empowerment.
Looking Ahead
The World Student Pitch (WSP) Singapore Climate Tech Innovation Challenge 2025 stands as a testament to the power of youth-led innovation and international cooperation in tackling climate change. ASEF remains committed to supporting similar initiatives that inspire, connect, and empower the next generation of changemakers across Asia and Europe.
