Startup Discovery Asia (SDA) has announced the seven finalists for its Climate Champion Competition.
The finalists–RVM Nepal, Climetrace, Sakal, Indra Barah Pipe Udhyog, VayuDrishti, Grevolution, and Agri Direct Global– were selected through rigorous screening and interviews, according to SDA. They will present their innovative climate solutions to a panel of judges in presence of an engaged audience amid an event at Sanepa, Lalitpur on Wednesday, November 13.
SDA had earlier called innovators, startups, and individuals to pitch their groundbreaking solutions that address the pressing climate challenges of the world. The deadline for the application was Tuesday, October 15.
The competition, with a prize pool of up to Rs 200,000, aims to empower individuals and organisations working in the key focus areas–including food systems, electric mobility, water and sanitation, disaster preparedness and response, digitisation for climate change, clean and circular energy, and manufacturing–critical to combating climate change, it had earlier said in a statement.
Among the finalists, RVM Nepal’s new method integrates thermal energy storage with AI-driven monitoring to optimise energy use in cold storage facilities. “This approach stabilises temperatures, reduces energy consumption, and enhances system efficiency, offering a sustainable solution that lowers operational costs and supports Nepal's agricultural value chain,” according to SDA.
Similarly, Climetrace has developed a SaaS platform that enables companies to assess, manage, and lower their carbon emissions, particularly focusing on Scope 3 emissions. The platform automates carbon accounting, provides real-time insights, and features a marketplace for purchasing verified carbon offsets, facilitating certification and compliance management.
Likewise, Sakal presents an eco-friendly cleaner made from fermented organic waste, promoting sustainability while effectively breaking down stains. This initiative involves collecting organic waste from local vendors and empowering women's groups to produce bio enzymes, positively impacting both the environment and local economies.
Another finalist Indra Barah Pipe Udhyog focuses on recycling plastic waste into durable pipes for agriculture and irrigation. By creating essential, eco-friendly pipes, this initiative aims to reduce plastic pollution, lower production costs, and support local industries while creating jobs.
VayuDrishti have enhanced the environmental data availability and climate literacy in Nepal to enable informed decision-making and proactive climate action. They have developed low-cost, locally-built environmental sensors, filed patents for their innovative technology, and deployed them to collect real-time data across regions. Additionally, they provide open access to three decades of climate data analysis to identify long-term trends.
Grevolution seeks to combat the Urban Heat Island effect by incorporating vegetation into urban architecture. Their prototypes demonstrate how green roofs can improve energy efficiency, reduce ambient temperatures, and enhance air quality in urban areas.
Last but not the least, Agri Direct Global focuses on converting organic waste into protein-rich animal feed using Black Soldier Fly larvae. This sustainable solution addresses the reliance on imported animal protein, enhances food security, and promotes sustainable agriculture while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The November 13th event will also feature a fireside chat with Sharad Tuladhar, Chief of Policy and Environment & Social Department at NMB Bank. Similarly, Rupa Devi Dhami, a farmer recognised for her exemplary contributions to climate-smart agriculture from Karnali, will be the keynote speaker in the event.
SDA, which believes in the power of innovative solutions that prioritise profit, planet, and people, is dedicated to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs to build green, resilient and inclusive solutions.
