Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge 7th Edition (SOIC 7) - Enterprise Singapore

The Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge (SOIC) 7th Edition is a global innovation programme led by Enterprise Singapore that invites startups, SMEs, corporates, public researchers and other innovators to co-develop practical, scalable sustainability solutions with leading industry partners. Now in its seventh year, the challenge connects solution providers with corporates seeking innovation in five key themes: Renewable Energy, Offshore Wind, Greener Industries, Sustainable Agrifood and Sustainable Materials. Through a combination of pilot funding, co-innovation opportunities and structured support, SOIC helps promising solutions move from concept or prototype to real-world testing and commercialisation in partnership with established companies.

The programme is structured around two tracks: a Main Track and a Discovery Track. In the Main Track, corporate partners publish specific challenge statements (for example, decarbonising industrial processes, improving offshore wind operations, enabling circular materials, or boosting resource efficiency in agrifood), and innovators are invited to submit tailored proposals that address these defined problem statements. Successful applicants can secure paid pilots, in-kind support, technical and domain mentorship, and access to corporate resources and facilities. In the Discovery Track, corporates are exploring new technologies and are open to early-stage ideas; shortlisted innovators can receive in-kind support, access to markets and co-development opportunities. In addition, the Hexagon Group, as a key sponsor, will award S$100,000 in prize money to one selected innovator in the Discovery Track, creating a strong incentive for ambitious, high-potential solutions.

In total, the challenge offers over S$3 million in pilot commitments and funding support across all challenge statements, giving selected teams financial backing to test and validate their solutions in operational environments. Beyond funding, participants gain exposure to SOIC’s partner programmes, industry networks, and mentoring from experienced corporate and innovation leaders. This combination of funding plus market access and guidance makes SOIC particularly valuable for startups and SMEs that want to de-risk pilots, refine their business models and build long-term commercial relationships.

SOIC 7 is open to solution providers worldwide whose technologies and business models can address the sustainability needs of the participating corporates. Innovators can apply to specific challenge statements under the Main Track or Discovery Track, and those whose solutions do not fit a listed statement can still submit via the “Open Submission” option on the application form. Public researchers from institutes of higher learning and research institutes can also participate either by forming spin-offs to commercialise their technologies or by partnering with industry players who will lead the proposal and eventual commercial deployment. Importantly, IP remains with the creators: background IP stays with the innovators, and any new IP or commercialisation arrangements arising from pilots are negotiated directly between the innovators and the corporate challenge owners.

Applications are evaluated against clear criteria:

• Technical feasibility and novelty - the solution must demonstrate innovative, credible use of technology and clearly explain how it addresses the specific sustainability challenge.
• Business feasibility - the proposal should show a scalable business model with strong market potential and a clear path to adoption and growth.
• Team capacity and expertise - the team should have the skills, track record and diversity required to deliver a successful proof of concept (POC) or pilot.
• Clarity of POC/MVP plan - submissions must outline how the pilot will be implemented (scope, timeline, cost, KPIs and expected outcomes).

Applicants must first register an account on the SOIC platform using a valid email address. After registration, they can log in, select the relevant challenge statement (or “Open Submission”), and complete the online application form, including a proposal deck and any supporting documents. Applications can be saved as drafts and submitted once ready. Early submission is encouraged, because applicants who submit ahead of the deadline may receive preliminary feedback to strengthen their proposals before final evaluation. All submissions must be in English and must clearly link to at least one of the SOIC 7 themes: Renewable Energy, Offshore Wind, Greener Industries, Sustainable Agrifood or Sustainable Materials.

Key programme timeline:

• Applications open: 29 October 2025
• Virtual info session: week of 24 November 2025
• Application deadline: Friday, 30 January 2026, 11:59 pm (GMT+8)
• Shortlist announcement: 9 March 2026
• Evaluation phase: March-April 2026 (subject to change)

Who can apply / target applicants:

• Startups and SMEs with innovative sustainability technologies or business models
• Larger companies with new solutions relevant to the challenge statements
• Public researchers (IHLs and RIs) working via spin-offs or in joint proposals with industry partners
• Global solution providers able to pilot in partnership with the corporate challenge owners

Geographical scope:

• Open to innovators and organisations from around the world, subject to the ability to collaborate with Singapore-based or international corporate partners and to comply with relevant terms and conditions.

Date opened:
29 October 2025

Closing date:
30 January 2026, 11:59 pm (GMT+8)

Contact details for your opportunity:
Primary contact person:
Divakar Subramaniam, Head of Programmes & Platforms, Padang & Co

Email address of the primary contact person:
divakar@padang.co

Please visit the official website here.