The Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge (SOIC) 2026, launched by Enterprise Singapore, is a global initiative inviting startups and SMEs to collaborate with corporate leaders on scalable environmental solutions. Now in its seventh year, the program provides a substantial $3 million funding pool for pilot projects and specialized cash awards like the $100,000 Hexagon Group prize. The challenge is split into a Main Track for practical industry solutions and a Discovery Track for novel technology exploration. Key focus areas include Renewable Energy and Sustainable Agrifood. Applicants are evaluated based on technical novelty and business feasibility, with applications closing on January 30, 2026.
Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Singapore |
| Study Abroad | Global Startup Innovation (Regional Focus) |
| Category | Innovation Grants & Prizes |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries (Global Eligibility) |
| Reward
Key Criteria |
$3,000,000+ Pilot Funding & $100,000 Cash Prize
Technical Feasibility, Novelty, and Business Scalability |
| Application Deadline | January 30, 2026 |
Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge (SOIC) 2026 Details
The Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge (SOIC) 2026 represents a major commitment by Enterprise Singapore to bridge the gap between innovative startups and established corporate giants. By offering over $3 million in pilot commitment and funding, the program aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future through real-world testing and deployment of transformative technologies.
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This seventh edition of the challenge focuses on critical global priorities, specifically targeting sectors like Offshore Wind, Greener Industries, and Sustainable Materials. Innovators from around the world are invited to partner with leading corporates to validate their ideas in live environments, ensuring that high-potential solutions receive the resources and mentorship necessary for global scaling.
Scholarship Details
The SOIC 2026 is open to startups, SMEs, and solution providers worldwide, emphasizing a core philosophy of collaborative problem-solving. While the challenge has a strong regional focus on Singapore and Asia to begin with, the ultimate goal is to pilot solutions that can be exported to international markets. Participation is designed to be inclusive, welcoming teams with diverse technical backgrounds and a history of successful collaboration.
Benefits of the Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge (SOIC) 2026
The program utilizes a tiered system to categorize the rewards and opportunities available to successful innovators.
Tier 1: Main Track Pilot Funding (Up to $3,000,000+)
- Innovators selected for the Main Track gain access to a significant portion of the total $3 million funding pool. This funding is dedicated to paid pilots and Proof of Concept (POC) implementations with major corporate partners.
Tier 2: Hexagon Group Discovery Prize ($100,000)
- A specialized cash reward of $100,000 is reserved for a standout innovator within the Discovery Track. Sponsored by Hexagon Group, this award recognizes exceptionally novel technology that has potential for long-term impact.
Tier 3: Co-Innovation & Mentorship Support
- All finalists and winners receive in-kind support, including access to corporate expertise, industry networking, and specialized mentorship to sharpen value propositions.
Eligibility Requirements for the Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge (SOIC) 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Open to startups and SMEs with demonstrated technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills. Teams must show a capacity to deliver complex technical projects.
- Study Status: Highly suitable for university spin-offs, research-heavy startups, and technical solution providers ready for commercialization.
- Visa Status: Open to applicants worldwide. Participation does not require Singaporean citizenship.
- Program Admission: Applicants must submit a proposal that directly addresses one of the official challenge statements under the five key thematic areas.
How to Apply for the Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge (SOIC) 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Register on the official SOIC innovation portal and select a specific challenge statement.
- Technical Evaluation: Proposals undergo a rigorous review to assess technical feasibility and novelty.
- Business Feasibility Assessment: Shortlisted teams are evaluated on their business model’s scalability and team capacity.
- Notification of Award: Selected innovators are notified and enter the negotiation phase for pilot funding and POC timelines.
Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible to apply for the SOIC 2026?
The challenge is open to startups, SMEs, and technical solution providers from any country worldwide.
2. What is the total amount of funding available?
Over $3 million in pilot commitment and funding support is available for innovators across the various tracks.
3. What are the main thematic areas for the 2026 edition?
The five key themes are Renewable Energy, Offshore Wind, Greener Industries, Sustainable Agrifood, and Sustainable Materials.
4. What is the Discovery Track prize?
The Hexagon Group provides a specific $100,000 cash prize to one selected innovator within the Discovery Track.
5. How are the applications evaluated?
Applications are judged based on Technical Feasibility, Novelty, Business Feasibility, and Team Capacity.
6. Is there an application fee for this challenge?
No, there is no application fee required to submit a proposal for the SOIC 2026.
7. Do I need to be based in Singapore to win?
No, applicants can be located worldwide, though the solution should have a focus on regional application before scaling.
8. What kind of support is offered besides funding?
Participants receive mentorship, industry networking opportunities, market access, and in-kind co-innovation support.
9. Can I submit multiple proposals for different themes?
Yes, innovators can apply for any challenge statement that matches their technical expertise and business model.
10. When is the final deadline for submissions?
The application deadline is Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:59 pm (GMT+8).
