ClimAccelerator Expands to Asia-Pacific with Focus on Agritech Innovation

The Agritech ClimAccelerator Singapore has rolled out its first climate-centered startup programme in the Asia-Pacific, aiming to boost innovation in sustainable farming. Led by Better Earth Ventures and based in Singapore, the initiative is open to startups across the region.

The programme offers selected startups access to funding opportunities, expert networks, tools to measure climate impact, and connections with leading investors and industry leaders. It is designed to help agritech ventures develop, scale, and implement solutions that address pressing environmental challenges.

The Agritech ClimAccelerator Singapore is currently accepting applications from startups focused on areas such as advanced farming methods, biotech innovations, digital agriculture, supply chain optimization, and efficient water and energy use. To qualify, companies must be based in Vietnam, New Zealand, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, or Singapore and should have validated prototypes at Technology Readiness Level 4 or higher, ready for testing in real-world conditions.

Startups should be at the pre-seed stage or later, with evidence of traction, early market validation, or a defined strategy for growth. Those selected will receive access to key resources, potential funding, and expert guidance to strengthen their climate outcomes. They will also connect with top investors, industry leaders, and agrifood innovation networks.

Climate KIC, Europe’s top climate innovation agency, supports the program. Its global ClimAccelerator initiative has supported over 2,100 startups and facilitated more than €2 billion in funding over the last 15 years. In Asia-Pacific, the programme is powered by Better Earth Ventures, which has supported over 370 startups that have raised more than US$500 million.

With Asia-Pacific home to more than 60% of the global population and facing growing climate threats such as extreme weather, shrinking arable land, and water shortages, agricultural productivity could fall by up to 20% by 2050. Some crops may face declines of up to 50%. At the same time, investment in agritech across the region surpassed US$8 billion in 2023, reflecting rising demand for climate-smart farming solutions.

Applications will remain open until midnight Singapore time on Friday, May 30. Ten founders will be chosen to participate in the programme, which will wrap up with a demo day on Thursday, November 6 in Singapore. The Agritech ClimAccelerator Singapore is supported by partners such as Rebbeck Consulting, Tomorrow Studio Ventures, MarTech Collective, Enterprise Singapore, and AgFunder.

Rebecca Sharpe, Director of Better Earth Ventures, highlighted the urgency of addressing climate and food security challenges through innovation and regional collaboration. She said the programme aims to build an ecosystem that helps agritech startups grow, enhancing the region’s climate resilience and sustainable food systems.