Three Vanuatu climate entrepreneurs head to regional and global stages

July 22, 2025 10:11 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

Compiled by Adorina Massing.

For the first time in Vanuatu, several entrepreneurs took part in the national final of the Climate Launchpad competition last week, part of the world’s largest green business ideas platform.

The event concluded weeks of training, mentoring, and innovation, where local talents worked to turn bold environmental ideas into green businesses.

Held in over 40 countries, the Climate Launchpad programme focuses on identifying and guiding early-stage business ideas aimed at addressing climate change through entrepreneurship.

This year’s edition in Vanuatu supported twelve individuals with emerging businesses or concepts through boot camps, coaching, and business model development. These activities helped participants prepare for the national pitch event.

At the final pitch session, judged by a panel of experts chaired by Minister for Climate Change Ralph Regenvanu, the following winners were announced:First place Kevin Galgal Mackenzie-Reur with his start-up Lapita, Pacific Protect, Reef-safe Sunscreen Second place John Alexander Ierongen with Rock from the Top Third place Irene Abbock with Tidy Haus Eco-Friendly Cleaning.

The three winners will advance to the regional final on 5 September 2025. Mr. Mackenzie-Reur will also participate in the global grand final to be held in Vienna in October 2025.

Organisers described this year’s event as a strong outcome, pointing to the value of backing early-stage green businesses.

“We’re seeing the future of climate innovation come to life,” said Norah Talina from V-Lab, programme coordinator. “These initiatives offer practical responses to environmental challenges and reflect a new generation focused on creating a more resilient Pacific.”

As the regional finals approach, attention now turns to Vanuatu’s representatives and the ideas they will present on the global stage.