A South African startup, SeaH4, has won the ClimateLaunchpad Global Grand Final 2025 in Vienna, Austria, and claimed the top prize of €10,000 (approx. R200,000), triumphing over competitors from 40 countries and more than 2,700 initial applications to take home the coveted title at the world’s largest green business idea competition.
“Winning this challenge affirms that sustainable fuel production can be cost-effective, resource-efficient, and ready to scale — all while creating local value and jobs in regions positioned to lead the energy transition,” SeaH4 wrote on their LinkedIn Page.
Chaja from Tanzania, which develops affordable electric motorcycles, secured second place, while Colombia’s OneFly ranked third for its innovative approach to converting organic waste into insect protein. SeaH4’s victory underscores South Africa’s growing leadership and innovation within the cleantech sector.
Chaja and OneFly received €5,000 (approx. TSH14.4 million) and €3,000 (approx. COP13.5 million), respectively. Additionally, the three winners will receive tailored support, investor access, and visibility within the global cleantech ecosystem and other resources that will help them scale their innovation both locally and internationally.
SeaH4 addresses one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, decarbonizing marine and aviation transport. Their algae-based fuel is designed to power vessels within carbon-neutral fleets and can be adapted for any combustion engine, extending its life in a net-zero CO2 world.
ClimateLaunchpad, powered by Climate KIC and supported by Bank of America and Irish Aid, helps early-stage climate innovators turn ideas into viable businesses. This year’s Global Grand Final marked the return of the in-person event since 2019, bringing together startups, investors, and partners in Vienna under the Climate Innovation Festival.
“Watching these teams pitch in Vienna reminded me why we do this. These aren’t just business ideas; they’re solutions shaped by people from diverse backgrounds and experiences of climate change, united by the determination to take action,” David Watt, Programme Director at ClimateLaunchpad, said in a press statement. “From 2,700 applications to 40 finalists, the quality this year was extraordinary. As we expand to more countries, we’re not just running a competition, but building a truly global community where climate solutions can emerge anywhere.”
Brian O’Sullivan, Deputy Director at Climate Unit, Irish Aid, noted that through their continued partnership with ClimateLaunchpad, Irish Aid is proud to stand with entrepreneurs from the countries most affected by climate change, helping them build solutions that the world urgently needs.
Andrea Sullivan, International Head of Social and Environment, Global Community Opportunities at Bank of America, in her remarks, said the innovations demonstrated by all teams throughout the competition were truly inspiring. “These ideas, developed by early-stage entrepreneurs, respond to some of the most pressing and challenging global issues and have real potential to become practical and tangible solutions, creating a more sustainable future for us all,” she ended.
SeaH4’s victory demonstrates South Africa’s capacity to develop world-class climate solutions and positions the country as a significant player in the global green economy. The win provides the team with international visibility, investor connections, and resources to scale their innovation—potentially creating jobs and economic opportunities while addressing climate challenges.
Since its launch in 2014, ClimateLaunchpad has grown from a small European competition into a global programme supporting thousands of early-stage entrepreneurs. The 2025 competition covered eight key themes: clean energy, food systems, circular economy, blue economy, sustainable mobility, urban solutions, adaptation and resilience, and emerging innovations.
The programme has supported more than 5,000 teams across 97 countries and helped its alumni attract over €500 million in investment. In 2025, ClimateLaunchpad expanded into nine new countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Singapore, Mexico, Peru, Hong Kong, and Vanuatu, and will expand to 50 countries in 2026, aiming to reach 100 by 2030.
