Asia’s green startup ecosystem is emerging as a global powerhouse, fueled by robust government support and growing environmental challenges. Over 1,200 green startups operate across Asia, with most of them focusing on renewable energy.
Not to mention, these green startups create jobs, attract investments, and support Asia’s transition to a low-carbon economy. And countries like Singapore, Japan, and India are right at the center of it all.
With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1%, the green technology market in Asia is expected to reach $12.1 billion by 2030. At a 7.4% CAGR, the renewable energy market in Southeast Asia is projected to reach 165.97 GW by 2029.
Tengku Zafrul, Trade and Industry of Malaysia and Chair of the ASEAN Economic Ministers, said that by 2030, ASEAN may produce $300 billion in green revenue.
In this article, let us look at some of the startups that are making waves in this industry.
1. Next Gen
Next Gen is a food technology firm established in Singapore that is leading the way in the creation of novel and environmentally friendly plant-based food items. The company develops substitutes that are both palatable and adaptable by fusing state-of-the-art technology with a global network of culinary experts.
Its flagship plant-based chicken brand, TiNDLE, is praised for its genuine flavor and versatility in the kitchen. Next Gen was established by LikeMeat founder Timo Recker and seasoned businessman Andre Menezes.
It is backed by a group of people with extensive knowledge of alternative protein technology, international brand development, and multi-level food marketing.
In comparison to traditional chicken farming, the company uses 74% less land and 82% less water by encouraging plant-based diets, which helps lessen the ecological footprint of food production.
By using energy-efficient production techniques and sourcing sustainable materials, it demonstrates its dedication to a more environmentally responsible future.
2. Nature Dots
It was 2019, amidst the vibrant startup culture of New Delhi, when Snehal and Mohammad started a venture that would develop into Naturedots.
Naturedots was established as an answer to the pressing demand for sustainable solutions that could integrate simply into existing structures. They are creating a symbiotic relationship between humans and nature.
The Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, was among their initial investors after their mission resonated with a diverse range of stakeholders on a very profound level.
Using its in-house AI-driven sensors and algorithms, its award-winning product, AquaNurch Digital Twin, creates dynamic virtual models of aquatic environments while it gathers ecological information in real time.
It is 100 times faster than traditional methods and has a 95% accuracy rate in sensing water issues, whether quantity- or quality-wise. It monitors and protects 15,000 hectares of waterscapes across the globe to make them more climate resilient.
Naturedots effectively addresses the problems by employing a sophisticated blend of technologies. Advanced geospatial analysis, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence (AI) are central to their solutions.
3. Sagri Co. Ltd.
In 2018, Shunsuke Tsuboi established Sagri, an agri-tech start-up that addresses climate change and agricultural problems. When it comes to soil analysis and farmland demarcation using satellite data, which form the foundation for the production of carbon credits from farms, Sagri has technological superiority.
They integrate the strength of grid-based polygon maps, AI/ML, and satellite-based big data in their deep tech capabilities. Their service provides remote agricultural and forest monitoring, supports fertilizer design, and opens doors to higher yields.
The platform analyzes weather, market, soil, farmland, and vegetation data and turns it into insights for carbon-offset analytics, soil health checks, agricultural advice for smart farming, and credit creation for farmers.
Sangri intends to continue making India their top priority market. Additionally, they wish to increase their footprint throughout Southeast Asia. Their main objective is to onboard one million farmers to their application by the end of 2025.
4. Phool.co
Ankit Agarwal and Prateek Kumar founded the Indian biomaterials company Phool in 2017 to collect temple floral waste that was thrown into Kanpur's rivers. It utilizes flowers from Indian temples to produce useful things such as Phool vermicompost and rose incense cones.
Over 11,060 metric tons of temple waste have been recycled within the first four years.
When Ankit Agarwal and Prateek Kumar were at the Ganga Ghats and witnessed the risk of temple flowers containing insecticides and pesticides, they got the idea of recycling flowers.
They planned to pitch their plan for recycling flowers at a meeting with the temple's waste management. Following one and a half years of research, products like vermicompost and incense cones were created.
Florafoam, made solely of flowers, biodegrades completely after use in the environment.
It fosters a circular economy and social empowerment through employing underrepresented women.
Phool.co, a winner of awards such as the UN Young Leaders Award, is one of the best examples of sustainable business, reducing harm to the environment and creating high-quality, sustainable products.
5. UPCYDE
UPCYDE is a biotech startup firm that was established in 2022 and operates on the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) model, with an emphasis on SDGs, ESG, the circular economy, and carbon neutrality. Value-added wastes and sustainability form part of their value proposition.
UPCYDE reduces landfill waste and CO₂ emissions by gathering leftover fruit peels from farmers, towns, and canned fruit packers and turning them into useful products like blankets, lounge chairs, dog collars, and tote bags.
UPCYDE's programs empower 1,000 farmers and more than 290 communities by reducing climate change impacts while promoting sustainable income.
By propagating waste-to-value practices, UPCYDE's actions tackle Thailand's environmental challenges, including plastic litter and forest depletion. UPCYDE promotes responsible consumption and conserves natural resources through innovative products and social interaction towards achieving a more sustainable, low-carbon world for Thailand and the world at large.
Mild Karoon-ngampun is the founder and CEO of Thailand's green startup UPCYDE. She established UPCYDE on the conviction that upcycling is central to a sustainable future.
6. Desolenator
Desolenator is a cleantech startup headquartered in Delhi that was founded in 2012 by Dutch engineer William Janssen. It desalinates water using solar electricity and reinvents the technology.
Its innovative desalination plants yield up to 250,000 liters of clean water per day using solar power to distill seawater and polluted water without the use of dangerous chemicals or fossil fuels.
Compared to traditional energy-hungry desalination methods, this reduces carbon footprints. Desolenator lowers pollution and its adverse impacts on the environment by utilizing renewable solar power.
Its scalable, modular units offer water security without harming the environment while benefiting communities, enterprises, and disaster zones. To enhance energy efficiency, the company also reuses waste heat from purification for other purposes.
Desolenator, which operates in dry and coastal regions, addresses India's water scarcity issue while supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in achieving clean water access and climate action. It ensures the protection of ecosystems and reduces soil degradation by reducing the reliance on groundwater and preventing excessive extraction.
With a cost per liter of less than $0.02, Desolenator's systems are economical and have a 20-year lifespan with minimal maintenance.
Operating in water-stressed regions, the startup has been recognized with awards such as the UN's Global Startup Challenge and has collaborated with organizations like Dubai's DEWA.
Edited by Harshajit Sarmah
