Deadline: January 30, 2026
The Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge (SOIC 7) is a global innovation programme led by Enterprise Singapore, designed to connect innovators with industry partners to address pressing sustainability challenges. Now in its 7th edition, the Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge (SOIC 7) brings together startups, SMEs, and solution providers to co-develop, pilot, and scale impactful sustainability solutions.
This programme focuses on real-world deployment, measurable environmental outcomes, and commercial viability, making it one of the most sought-after sustainability innovation challenges globally.
About the Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge (SOIC 7)
The Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge is a flagship initiative that enables collaboration between corporate challenge owners and innovative solution providers. Participants are invited to propose solutions that address defined sustainability problem statements or introduce breakthrough innovations with strong market potential.
Over the years, SOIC has supported multiple pilots, commercial partnerships, and long-term collaborations across industries, reinforcing its role as a key driver of sustainable innovation.
Key Sustainability Focus Areas
Applicants are encouraged to submit solutions aligned with the following sustainability themes:
- Renewable Energy
- Offshore Wind
- Greener Industries
- Sustainable Agrifood
- Sustainable Materials
These themes reflect industry-driven needs and priority areas for accelerating sustainability transitions across sectors.
Who Should Apply
The Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge (SOIC 7) is open to:
- Registered startups and SMEs (local or international)
- Technology and solution providers with proven or emerging innovations
- Public researchers, through spin-offs or joint submissions with industry partners
- Innovators with solutions that may not directly fit a listed challenge statement (via open submissions)
All applicants must be 18 years or older, and submissions must be made in English.
Programme Tracks and Submission Options
SOIC 7 offers multiple pathways to participate:
1. Main Track
Applicants respond directly to challenge statements issued by participating corporate partners. Selected solutions may progress into paid pilots or proof-of-concept projects.
2. Discovery Track
This track is for novel or early-stage innovations that are not tied to a specific corporate challenge. High-potential submissions may be considered for special awards and future collaborations.
3. Open Submission
Innovators with relevant sustainability solutions that do not align perfectly with existing challenge statements can still submit under this option.
Application Timeline
- Applications open: 29 October 2025
- Application deadline: 30 January 2026 (11:59 PM, GMT+8)
- Shortlist announcement: Around 9 March 2026
- Evaluation and engagement phase: March – April 2026
- Final awards and closing ceremony: End of May 2026
Early submissions made on or before 15 January 2026 may receive exclusive feedback and exposure to venture capital opportunities.
Benefits of Participating
Selected participants in the Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge (SOIC 7) stand to gain:
- Access to over S$3 million in pilot funding and programme support
- Paid pilot opportunities with established corporate partners
- Real-world testing environments for validation and scaling
- Mentorship and industry connections across sustainability ecosystems
- Prize opportunities, including awards of up to S$100,000 for selected Discovery Track solutions
- Potential for long-term commercial partnerships
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Technical feasibility and innovation
- Business viability and scalability
- Strength and capability of the team
- Clarity and robustness of the pilot or proof-of-concept plan
Only solutions demonstrating both impact and implementation readiness will progress.
Need Support With Your Application?
We provide professional support services to help applicants strengthen their submissions, including:
- Proposal drafting
- Proposal refining and optimisation
- Technical and strategic proposal review
📩 Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review support to improve your chances of success.
