When it comes to climate tech, building breakthrough solutions is only part of the challenge. The real test is getting those solutions into the market, into supply chains, and into the hands of the people who need them.
In partnership with New Energy Nexus, the TERA-Award is a global competition that identifies and accelerates high-potential climate technologies. With a US$1 million Gold Prize and access to industry applications, funding, and partners across Asia, it helps founders move faster from innovation to real-world impact.
Applications for 2026 are now open. Still deciding? Start by learning what last year’s winners gained from the experience:
Barocal founder and CEO Xavier Moya holds the solid-state refrigerant. Photo from Barocal
1. Barocal
Accessed global markets and partners
For the 2025 Gold Winner, the TERA-Award was more than just its cash prize—it opened doors into the Asian market, one of the most important for energy innovation.
Barocal is rethinking cooling and heating systems using solid-state materials that eliminate harmful refrigerants while improving efficiency and reducing costs.
For its founder, Xavier Moya, the platform’s value was clear.
“It gives us valuable exposure across Asia—a critical market for our cooling and heating technology—and opens doors to a high-quality network of suppliers, partners, and investors.” — Xavier Moya, CEO and founder
For founders looking to expand beyond their home markets, this level of access can define the trajectory of their growth.
Photo from Feon Energy
2. Feon Energy
Built credibility and unlocked new opportunities
The 2025 Silver Winner is advancing battery technology with new electrolytes that improve safety and performance without disrupting existing manufacturing.
Feon Energy’s solution has strong technical potential, but scaling requires trust, visibility, and the right partnerships.
“Winning the TERA-Award will further strengthen our credibility in the Pan-Asia market, opening doors to new partners and giving us a trusted platform to showcase our technology.” — Wenxiao Huang, CEO and co-founder
Recognition at this level signals to investors, corporates, and partners that a solution is ready for serious consideration.
Photo from Syzygy Plasmonics
3. Syzygy Plasmonics
Global exposure
For the 2025 Bronze Winner, the TERA-Award helped accelerate visibility across key markets.
Syzygy Plasmonics’ NovaSAF platform converts biogas into sustainable aviation fuel using light-driven chemical reactions, offering a scalable pathway to decarbonize aviation and waste systems.
“Syzygy has a very innovative solution that needs to be deployed across the globe for maximum impact. We were introduced to a number of high-profile investors and have used the event to grow our exposure across Asia.” — Trevor Best, CEO
For technologies with global relevance, scaling impact depends on reaching the right ecosystems quickly.
Photo from TERA-Award
Why this matters now
In its previous editions, the TERA-Award has attracted over 1,700 startups from 76 countries, reflecting the growing momentum behind climate innovation.
New Energy Nexus has been a long-standing partner, connecting high-potential startups from its global network to the platform. In 2025, all three top winners were part of that pipeline, demonstrating what is possible when entrepreneurs are backed with the right support and connections.
As the clean energy transition accelerates, the gap is no longer just about innovation. It is about execution, partnerships, and speed. Platforms like the TERA-Award help close that gap.
This year, the TERA-Award 2026 is open to innovators building solutions across:
- Green fuels and hydrogen
- Next-generation energy
- Energy storage and conversion
- AI for energy systems
- Energy efficiency and carbon capture
- Smart energy systems
If you are building in these areas, apply today or before April 22, 2026.
Looking for clean energy and climate opportunities in China and beyond? Find them here.