The Liveability Challenge

Global challenge offers more than S$1M of funding and resources to tackle the triple threat facing Asian cities of the future
Temasek Foundation’s Liveability Challenge unveils new themes in its search for deep tech solutions for urban sustainability in urban settings

A new, global call for game-changing solutions to grow food, package products, and reduce carbon emissions in cities located in the world’s tropical belt was launched in Singapore. The launch marks the start of The Liveability Challenge, presented by Temasek Foundation, organised by Eco-Business, and convened by Closed Loop Partners, in partnership with Ecosperity Week 2020.
The third edition of the Challenge is inviting project proposals in the areas of Urban Food Production, Circular Packaging and Decarbonisation, where the critical need for innovation reflects the size of the business opportunity available. The chosen themes support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action).
Mr Lim Hock Chuan, Chief Executive, Temasek Foundation Ecosperity said: “Global hunger is on the rise; and the past four years have been the hottest on record, with carbon dioxide concentration levels continuing to rise. We hope The Liveability Challenge 2020 will highlight the valuable opportunities present in these areas of need and catalyse impactful solutions that can accelerate the transition to a more food secure, resource-efficient and decarbonised future.”
Selected finalists will get a chance to pitch their projects to a panel of Asia’s most sought-after venture capitalists and investors during Ecosperity Week at The Liveability Challenge Grand Finale. Winners of the Challenge could secure over S$1 million in opportunities such as funding, exclusive spots in incubator programmes, and mentorship opportunities. The grand prize winner could secure up to S$1 million in grant funding from Temasek Foundation to further development and launch a pilot project in Singapore.

Since the first edition in 2018, The Liveability Challenge has seen rapid growth in interest among the business, government and civil society and has become an annual highlight in Singapore’s calendar of sustainability events.

“As businesses and governments continue to work on societal solutions around climate change, we welcome participation from potential partners, especially from the food, packaging and energy sectors to join us in supporting this year’s challenge,” said Ms Junice Yeo, Deputy Managing Director of Eco-Business, who added that the third edition of the Challenge aims to walk the talk of sustainability.Carbon emissions resulting from this year’s event will be offset and recorded in an impact report tobe published after July.
Mr Lim said: “As a champion of sustainability and liveability, Temasek Foundation has provided support to the winner of last year’s Challenge, Sophie’s Kitchen, to develop its plant-based protein that can be produced in a more economically viable, urban setting.”

Through The Liveability Challenge and other channels, Temasek Foundation seeks to bring together an ecosystem of innovators, funders, investors, platform providers and professionals, and excite them to source, catalyse and advance impactful solutions towards eventual successful commercialisation, as a first step to making a positive difference to the everyday lives of city dwellers in Singapore and
beyond.
Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and beyond. Collectively, our programmes strengthen social resilience, foster international exchange, enhance regional capabilities, and advance science for a sustainable world. Temasek Foundation’s programmes, made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, strive towards achieving positive outcomes for individuals and communities now, and for generations to come.

Eco-Business is the leading media company serving Asia Pacific’s clean technology, smart cities, responsible business and sustainable development community. Its platforms include the award-winning Eco-Business.com site. Eco-Business offers a wide range of content and
marketing services, including online advertising, custom publications, market research and whitepapers, multimedia production, consultancy, training and high impact bespoke events catered to deepen discussions on sustainability.

Ecosperity Week is a confluence of events gathering global business leaders, policymakers, investors,entrepreneurs and academia to drive action on sustainable development. The week-long programme features an experiential solutions showcase, sustainable finance conference, roundtable discussions, pitch sessions, site visits and networking opportunities across events. Ecosperity Week 2020 takes place from 6 to 8 July 2020 at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, in Marina Bay Sands Singapore.