TERA-AWARD BREAKS RECORD WITH 785 GLOBAL SUBMISSIONS FOR CLIMATE TECH INNOVATION

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- The global pursuit of sustainable energy solutions gained significant momentum this year as the TERA-Award recorded its highest participation since inception, with 785 entries from 76 countries and regions.

The competition, which closed applications in early April, reflects a rising global interest in climate technology, particularly within the renewable energy sector. The TERA-Award, now in its fourth year, has emerged as a leading international platform for innovative energy solutions.

According to a statement, submissions spanned six key categories, with renewable energy receiving the highest number of proposals. Entries included projects in green fuels, hydrogen technology, smart energy systems and sustainable infrastructure, all aiming to tackle global energy challenges.

“This surge in participation confirms that the TERA-Award has become a global platform for identifying and nurturing tomorrow’s energy solutions,” said TERA-Award Organising Committee Executive Chairman, Alan Chan.

The competition continues to attract a wide international pool of participants. Entrants from the United States made up 12.5 per cent of total submissions, with notable contributions from India (8.7 per cent), the United Kingdom (6.2 per cent), the Chinese mainland (18.1 per cent), and Hong Kong (5.5 per cent). Organisers also noted a marked increase in entries from Europe, the Middle East and the Americas.

Beyond its US$1 million grand prize, the TERA-Award is recognised for transforming innovative concepts into commercially viable solutions. Previous participant i2Cool, for example, secured Series A funding with support from competition organiser The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Ltd (Towngas) and has since deployed its electricity-free cooling coatings globally. (US$1=RM4.37)

Another former participant, Luquos Energy, leveraged Towngas’s support to expand its sulphur-based flow battery system, now being piloted in Shenzhen.

The competition will now enter its judging phase, led by Professor Cui Yi, a renowned materials scientist from Stanford University. Entries will be assessed based on technological innovation, commercial viability, scalability, and potential global impact.

Winners will be announced in July, but for many participants, the real value lies beyond the prize money. With backing from Full Vision Capital, the TERA-Award also offers access to industry leaders, investors and strategic partners, key drivers in accelerating breakthrough technologies from lab to market.

-- BERNAMA