South Africa-based SeaH4, which has developed a technology to turn pond-grown algae into a biomethane that can be used in any combustion engine, has won €10,000 in the ClimateLaunchpad competition. The fact that the fuel doesn’t require engines to be replaced or re-engineered to use it makes it a game changer for sustainable maritime and aviation use.
SeaH4’s biomethane is capable of reducing emissions by up to 85% compared to fossil fuels. The company has certified its processes with the International Maritime Organization.
ClimateLaunchpad, powered by Climate KIC and supported by Bank of America and Irish Aid, helps early-stage climate innovators turn ideas into viable businesses. Since its launch in 2014, it has grown from a small European competition into a global program supporting thousands of early-stage entrepreneurs. In 2025, ClimateLaunchpad welcomed nine new countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Singapore, Mexico, Peru, Hong Kong, and Vanuatu.
The competition covered eight key themes that address today’s most urgent climate challenges: clean energy, food systems, circular economy, blue economy, sustainable mobility, urban solutions, adaptation and resilience, and emerging innovations captured under The Next Big Thing.
“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,” said David Watt, Programme Director, ClimateLaunchpad. “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.”
