South African Start-Up SeaH4 Wins World’s Largest Green Business Competition
South African start-up SeaH4 has made history after winning the ClimateLaunchpad Global Grand Final 2025, the world’s largest green business idea competition, held in Vienna. The company claimed the top prize of €10,000 (approximately R200,000) after surpassing more than 2,700 applicants from 40 countries.
SeaH4’s groundbreaking innovation offers an algae-based replacement for fossil fuels, designed to power vessels within carbon-neutral fleets. The solution can be adapted for any combustion engine, presenting a major step forward in efforts to decarbonise the marine and aviation industries.
The company impressed an international jury with its innovative approach to sustainable fuel, demonstrating how African-led innovation can deliver global impact.
The ClimateLaunchpad competition, powered by Climate KIC and supported by Bank of America and Irish Aid, helps early-stage climate entrepreneurs turn promising ideas into scalable businesses. The 2025 edition marked the return of in-person finals since 2019, bringing together start-ups, investors and partners in Vienna under the Climate Innovation Festival.
SeaH4 outperformed Tanzania’s Chaja, which develops affordable electric motorcycles, and Colombia’s OneFly, which converts organic waste into insect protein and fertiliser. The top three winners received financial awards, investor access and tailored mentorship to support the growth of their innovations.
David Watt, Programme Director at ClimateLaunchpad, said the competition showcased outstanding creativity and determination. “These are not just business ideas; they are real solutions shaped by diverse experiences of climate change. SeaH4’s innovation stood out for its potential to make a tangible global impact.”
Brian O’Sullivan, Deputy Director of the Climate Unit at Irish Aid, said Irish Aid is proud to stand with entrepreneurs from regions most affected by climate change, helping them build the solutions the world urgently needs.
Andrea Sullivan, International Head of Social and Environment, Global Community Opportunities at Bank of America, added that the ideas developed by early-stage entrepreneurs have real potential to become practical solutions, creating a more sustainable future for all.
Since its launch in 2014, ClimateLaunchpad has supported more than 5,000 teams across 97 countries and helped its alumni attract over €500 million in investment. The programme continues to expand, with nine new countries joining in 2025 and a goal to reach 100 by 2030.
SeaH4’s victory highlights South Africa’s growing leadership in clean technology, providing the team with global exposure, investment opportunities and the potential to create sustainable jobs while tackling climate challenges.
The next ClimateLaunchpad Global Grand Final will be held in Singapore in 2026, further extending the competition’s global reach.
For more details and the full 2025 Annual Report, visit https://bit.ly/4oFy43j.
