Sustainability Startathon: INDONESIA Rounds
Indonesia's road to the Summit starts here!
Country Partner:
Indonesia's road to the Summit starts here!
Country Partner:
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 2 May – 9 July | Registration launch |
| 11 July | Presentation and video submission deadline (pitch deck / team) |
| 18 July | Announcement of country finalist |
| 29 July | Final round ceremony |
For more information, download the startathon country round guidebook from below.
The Sustainability Startathon Masterclass is an integral part of the
entire program. The purpose of the Masterclass is to enhance the
knowledge and skills of our contestants in order to excel in
tackling the problem statements, in producing quality and impactful
solutions as an effective team, as well as delivering your solutions
in a professional and inspiring manner.
Before any teams can successfully submit their Solutions for
judging, ALL team
members MUST complete
all the COURSES of the
Masterclass program. Failure to complete these courses will result
in disqualification as this is part of the selection process.
Thus, contestants are strongly encouraged to learn and complete all
the FIVE COURSES as they
are beneficial in their professional development and enhance their
knowledge around sustainability.
With increasing urbanization and climate change impacts, how can cities integrate nature-based solutions to enhance resilience against climate extremes such as floods, heatwaves, and storms, while maintaining liveability and sustainability?
Story: In the heart of Manila, where typhoons frequently cause devastating floods, Ana, an urban planner, watches as communities struggle to recover. Meanwhile, in Jakarta, rising sea levels threaten entire neighborhoods. Inspired by Singapore's “City in Nature” strategy, Ana wonders: What if Southeast Asian cities could integrate nature-based solutions to absorb excess water, cool urban areas, and mitigate storms?
Hypothesis: “If cities in Southeast Asia implement scalable nature-based solutions—such as urban wetlands, vertical gardens, and green roofs—then they can significantly reduce climate risks, improve air quality, and enhance urban liveability, leading to healthier, more resilient communities.”
Scalable Business Idea: A modular green infrastructure startup that provides flood-absorbing green walls, urban forests, and bio-swales for city governments and private developers, reducing flood risks while improving urban aesthetics.
Impactful Project Idea: A community-driven mangrove restoration project that uses local knowledge to restore coastal areas, reducing storm surges while providing eco-tourism and livelihood opportunities.
Urban areas generate significant waste, which contributes to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. How can cities implement circular economy principles, such as upcycling or resource recovery, to create sustainable urban ecosystems that minimize waste and promote responsible consumption?
Story: In Bangkok, Mei runs a café, frustrated by the sheer volume of food waste she discards daily. Meanwhile, in Ho Chi Minh City, plastic waste clogs rivers, causing severe pollution. Inspired by Japan’s zero-waste towns, Mei asks: What if Southeast Asian cities could turn waste into economic opportunities?
Hypothesis: “If cities integrate circular economy principles, such as waste-to-energy systems, upcycling businesses, and smart sorting technologies, then urban areas can drastically reduce landfill waste and pollution while creating new revenue streams and job opportunities.”
Scalable Business Idea: A waste marketplace platform connecting businesses with upcycling startups, allowing food waste to be turned into compost or biofuel, and plastic waste into new materials.
Impactful Project Idea: A neighborhood waste hub pilot project where households can exchange sorted waste for rewards (discounts on utilities, transport, or groceries), encouraging responsible consumption.
How can cities leverage technology to scale up climate-positive innovations such as low-carbon transportation, energy-efficient buildings, and renewable energy systems, reducing urban carbon footprints while fostering economic growth?
Story: In Kuala Lumpur, Rafi, an engineer, watches as traffic congestion worsens and emissions rise. Meanwhile, in Hanoi, rooftop solar panels remain underutilized due to policy and financing barriers. Inspired by Shenzhen's rapid adoption of green technology, Rafi wonders: How can we make climate- positive solutions the default for Southeast Asian cities?
Hypothesis: “If cities integrate technology into urban planning—such as AI-driven smart grids, carbon- neutral public transport, and solar-powered microgrids—then urban areas can dramatically reduce their carbon footprint while fostering economic growth and job creation.”
Scalable Business Idea: A fintech platform for solar energy micro-investments, allowing individuals and businesses to co-own solar farms and earn passive income from renewable energy.
Impactful Project Idea: A low-carbon transport experiment in a major city, using autonomous electric buses, bike-sharing, and pedestrian-first urban redesign to cut emissions while improving public mobility.