A South Africa-based start-up, SeaH4, has won the world’s largest green business idea competition, ClimateLaunchpad. The company, which is developing an algae-based replacement for fossil fuels, beat finalists from 40 countries to claim the €10,000 grand prize at the global finale in Vienna late last month.
SeaH4’s innovation directly targets the decarbonisation of the marine and aviation industries, two of the world’s most difficult-to-abate sectors. The company’s winning pitch, selected from a pool of over 2,700 initial applications, detailed a sustainable fuel that can be adapted for any combustion engine. This “drop-in” solution would allow existing ships and aircraft to operate in a net-zero CO2 world, a concept the international jury praised as a game-changing approach.
The runner-up position and a €5,000 prize went to Chaja, a Tanzania-based company accelerating the adoption of e-mobility. Chaja is focused on making electric motorcycles affordable and accessible for riders, aiming to boost their earnings while creating sustainable transport solutions.
Third place and a €3,000 prize were awarded to OneFly from Colombia. The biotechnology company uses Black Soldier Fly larvae to convert organic waste into high-value insect protein for animal feed and natural fertiliser, creating a scalable, circular economy solution.
The Global Grand Final, held in person for the first time since 2019, was the main event of the Climate Innovation Festival. The competition, powered by Climate KIC and supported by Bank of America and Irish Aid, is designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn ambitious climate ideas into viable, impactful businesses.
“Watching these teams pitch in Vienna reminded me why we do this,” said David Watt, Programme Director for ClimateLaunchpad. “These aren’t just business ideas, they’re solutions shaped by people from diverse backgrounds… From 2,700 applications to 40 finalists, the quality this year was extraordinary. We’re not just running a competition, but building a truly global community.”
Since its 2014 launch, the program has grown into a critical pipeline for green innovation, delivering its 500th boot camp in 2025. Organizers announced that ClimateLaunchpad will expand to 50 countries in 2026, with the next Global Grand Final set to be held in Singapore.
