South Africa’s SeaH4 Wins USD 12 K Prize At ClimateLaunchpad For Algae-Based Fuel Innovation

SeaH4, a South Africa-based startup developing algae-based alternatives to fossil fuels, has won the EUR 10 K (USD 12 K) top prize at the 2025 ClimateLaunchpad Global Grand Final in Vienna.

Founded in 2022 by a team of South African environmental engineers, SeaH4 is creating sustainable, algae-derived fuel designed to decarbonise marine and aviation transport while extending the lifespan of existing combustion engines in a net-zero future.

The win underscores Africa’s growing presence in climate technology and renewable energy innovation, with SeaH4’s solution tackling heavy transport, one of the world’s hardest-to-abate sectors.

ClimateLaunchpad, a notable global green business competition, has supported more than 5,000 startups across 97 countries since 2014, helping alumni raise over EUR 500 M in investment. This year’s edition saw over 2,700 entries from 40 countries, with SeaH4 emerging as the global winner.