3 Startups Win $1M to Tackle Climate in Indonesia

Three climate technology companies are about to test game-changing solutions in Indonesia after winning $1 million in funding to prove their innovations can work at scale.

CRecTech, Blueyou, and MacroCycle Technologies each secured approximately $333,000 through the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2026. The competition, presented by East Ventures, Temasek Foundation, and Tencent, drew more than 850 applications from around 60 countries.

CRecTech won the Energy Transition track with technology that transforms waste from palm oil production into clean fuel. The company converts biogas from palm oil mill effluent into bio-methanol, claiming it can cut production costs in half while slashing emissions by up to 93%. Co-founder Lim Kang Hui says the funding will accelerate pilots with Indonesian partners, including state energy company Pertamina.

Blueyou took the Food & Nature Solutions track with an approach that combines mangrove restoration with sustainable seafood farming. Their model grows blue-food products on degraded coastal land without using feed or chemicals, potentially tripling incomes for smallholder farmers while restoring vital coastal ecosystems.

MacroCycle Technologies claimed the Circular Economy track with textile recycling technology that breaks the industry's waste cycle. Their process recycles polyester textiles back into new polyester using 80% less energy, producing 80% fewer carbon emissions and consuming 99% less water than traditional methods. Co-founder Stwart Pena Feliz says the prize enables them to launch their first Asian project in Indonesia, where over 80% of textile manufacturing happens.

Nine finalists received mentorship from industry leaders before competing at the Grand Finale on October 6 during the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum 2026.

The Ripple Effect

The competition attracted the most applications in Circular Economy solutions at 38.2%, followed by Food & Nature Solutions at 34.3% and Energy Transition at 27.5%. Avina Sugiarto, Partner at East Ventures, notes this distribution shows where climate innovators see the biggest opportunities, from waste management to ecosystem restoration to cleaner energy.

The challenge specifically sought companies with working prototypes ready for commercial deployment, not just concepts on paper. All three winners will now test whether their technologies can deliver environmental benefits while operating profitably under local Indonesian conditions.

These pilots represent more than just three companies testing products. They're connecting global innovation with local needs in a country where climate solutions can scale rapidly.