Venture For ClimateTech announces 2025 Global Innovation Challenge winners

Three winning startups, selected from a global pool of applicants, are delivering bold climate tech innovations that cut carbon emissions, strengthen communities and power economic growth.

Venture For ClimateTech (V4C), a global nonprofit accelerator program supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and administered by NextCorps and SecondMuse, has announced the three winning companies of its 2025 Global Innovation Challenge: EnKoat, Ecorich Solutions Limited and Ultropia Corporation. 

This year’s challenge drew nearly 100 applications from 23 countries and 20 US states, highlighting the growing global momentum behind advancing high-impact solutions that expand affordable, reliable access to clean energy technologies and drive economic development. These selected startups — and the innovative solutions they are developing — will play a critical role in addressing carbon pollution from high emission sectors, such as buildings, transportation, industry and our energy grid, while also strengthening the economy through the creation of new markets, high-quality jobs and sustainable industries in New York State and beyond. 

About the challenge

The Global Innovation Challenge is an annual competition held by Venture For ClimateTech to identify and support promising early-stage climate tech companies from around the world. The Challenge catalyzes the growth of groundbreaking solutions by offering selected climate tech startups mentorship, access to resources and visibility that are critical for fostering success at the early stage. After a multi-stage screening and review process, finalist applications were reviewed by a panel of 18 climate experts, investors and industry leaders, and evaluated based on the originality of their technological innovation, their market potential and readiness, their impact on reducing carbon emissions and their potential for positive community impact.

Meet this year’s challenge winners

1. EnKoat from Arizona, United States: “EnKoat is more than just a coatings company, we’re an advanced materials company focused on reducing carbon emissions through sustainable material innovation within the built environment. Our advanced thermal and weather barrier system extends roof life by 10–20 years and reduces building energy usage by up to 30%.”
   — Matthew Aguayo, CEO and co-founder, EnKoat
2. Ecorich Solutions Limited from Kenya: “Ecorich Solutions is producing organic fertilizer that is 70% cheaper than conventional alternatives for smallholder farmers. Our AI-powered, solar-driven WasteBot turns household waste into high-yielding fertilizer in just 24 hours — all while capturing and sequestering carbon emissions.” 
   — Joyce Rugano, CEO and founder, Ecorich Solutions Limited
3. Ultropia Corporation from Washington, United States: “Ultropia’s ultrasonic drying technology enables the electrification of laundry systems while reducing energy use by up to 80%. By eliminating the need for gas lines and operating with a lower electrical load, our solution aims to significantly reduce installation and operating costs and has the potential to make efficient, sustainable laundry more accessible to under-resourced communities.”
   — Amy Swanson, CEO and co-founder, Ultropia Corporation

These startups will receive targeted support from the Venture For ClimateTech accelerator program to help validate their technologies, refine go-to-market strategies and connect with strategic partners. They will also benefit from NYSERDA’s resources, such as the ClimateTech Expertise Network (CEN), which helps climate tech companies scale their impact and strengthen New York’s clean energy economy. By recognizing these innovators on a global stage, the Global Innovation Challenge aims to catalyze investment, accelerate deployment and deepen the impact of climate technologies shaping the future in New York State and beyond.

What leaders are saying

• “Venture for ClimateTech’s Global Innovation Challenge highlights the importance of bringing tested clean energy solutions to New York State to meet increasing energy demand and affordability needs. The three winners selected reflect the kind of bold, scalable innovation resources we are investing in to build a cleaner, more equitable future.”
  – Steve Bravo, director of commercialization, NYSERDA
• “The future of our economy is being built by our most visionary entrepreneurs. This year’s challenge once again proves there is no shortage of brilliant entrepreneurs but it is our mission to identify and support groundbreaking energy and climate innovators with the potential to transform lives in New York and around the world.”
  – Jack Baron, managing director, Venture For ClimateTech, NextCorps
• “The climate transition is reshaping our economy. This year’s winners demonstrate the power of global collaboration and innovation to cut carbon emissions, while creating jobs and healthier communities,” said Lara Croushore, head of climate at SecondMuse. “Congrats — and thank you — to this year’s winners.”
• “I was very impressed by the V4C finalists – it was truly inspiring to see scalable technologies tackling significant market challenges, offering major potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and addressing underserved communities. I’m proud to play a small role in supporting these climate tech startups, helping them gain the access and resources to accelerate their development and commercialization journeys.”
  – Global Innovation Challenge Judge, Watson Millison, senior planning analyst, research & development, Con Edison
• “The breadth of companies represented in the Global Innovation Challenge speaks to the myriad ways we can harness deep tech for a more sustainable future. From waste recovery to material innovation and new battery chemistries, I was inspired by the vision of these founders and look forward to exploring ways to accelerate their climate solutions so they can reach their full potential.”
  – Global Innovation Challenge Judge, Shaina Horowitz, director of program innovation and acceleration, The New York Climate Exchange

What’s next

EnKoat, Ecorich Solutions Limited and Ultropia Corporation will receive a unique package of business development support and opportunities — including brand visibility, expert mentorship, access to select V4C accelerator programming and an invitation to V4C’s Innovation Showcase during New York City Climate Week in September 2025. With direct exposure to a global network of investors, industry leaders and commercialization resources, these companies are positioned to rapidly scale their climate solutions and drive real-world impact.

About Venture For ClimateTech

Venture For ClimateTech is a non-profit global accelerator program. It sources the most promising climate tech innovators from around the world and offers them hands-on support until they are ready for first customers, pilot runs and investment. Venture For ClimateTech is supported by NYSERDA and administered by NextCorps and SecondMuse. Learn more at forclimatetech.org/venture-for-climatetech

About NYSERDA

NYSERDA offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise and support to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. A public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has been advancing energy solutions and working to protect the environment since 1975. Learn more: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/. 

About NextCorps

NextCorps is a non-profit helping innovative technology companies launch and grow. It supports tech startups and manufacturers in building their businesses through a variety of internationally and nationally recognized programs. In addition to its sector-specific startup accelerator programs in optics/photonics/imaging, climate tech and B2B SaaS, NextCorps also operates a state-of-the-art tech incubator in Rochester, New York, in the heart of the Downtown Innovation Zone, as well as manufacturing specific programs to help grow existing small and mid-sized businesses. Visit www.NextCorps.org to learn more.

About SecondMuse

SecondMuse is a leading innovation firm dedicated to creating economic value through market-driven solutions that generate lasting impact. We work with clients to fuel sustainable growth while delivering measurable benefits for businesses, communities and the planet. For over 15 years, we have designed, developed and implemented innovative programs and financial solutions that unlock new opportunities, expand access to capital and drive economic transformation. Our work spans 185+ countries and territories. Learn more: secondmuse.com.