Circular tech in Asia is advancing as innovative organisations apply AI, digital mapping, and autonomous systems to tackle the region’s growing waste challenges. With support from the APAC Sustainability Solutions Lab (SSL), an initiative by AVPN, supported by Google.org and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), organisations who are recipients of the APAC Sustainability Seed Fund are scaling solutions that address real environmental problems while sharpening their communication strategies to reach funders, policymakers, and communities effectively.
Smarter Waste Management with Indonesia’s Gringgo
With millions of tonnes of waste left unmanaged each year, Indonesia’s waste problem demands scalable, data-driven solutions. Gringgo is addressing this challenge with digital mapping tools that optimise waste collection and recycling. Its AI-driven system enables real-time monitoring of operations and strengthens waste-to-energy conversion by identifying inefficiencies and providing data-led insights.
With support from SSL, Gringgo delivers training programmes that help local stakeholders use its digital tools effectively and adopt best practices in waste-to-energy processes. These workshops also create revenue opportunities through fee-based training and consulting services, empowering participants not only as users but as co-designers of more sustainable waste systems.
SSL’s support also enhances Gringgo’s monitoring and evaluation efforts, ensuring its solutions demonstrably reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, and foster local economic development. This evidence-based approach is crucial for attracting continued support from stakeholders.
In addition, SSL’s communications training enables Gringgo to run effective awareness campaigns and education programmes that encourage communities to practise proper waste segregation. It also supports Gringgo’s efforts to advocate for policies that encourage sustainable waste management and renewable energy, as well as engage philanthropic partners and pursue grants that can strengthen and scale these initiatives.
Cleaning Waters in Taiwan with Azure Alliance’s AI-Powered Vessel
In Taiwan, Azure Alliance is accelerating the removal of marine debris through intelligent cleanup solutions. The nonprofit developed the “Azure Fighter”, an AI-powered electric boat designed to autonomously remove floating debris from harbours, lakes, and rivers. About the size of a Mini Cooper, the Azure Fighter operates with zero emissions, reducing 1,452 kg of carbon per day compared to conventional cleanup vessels.
Beyond cleanup, Azure Alliance’s model goes full circle: data from collected debris informs policy advocacy, supports recycling efforts, and fuels education programmes on marine conservation. Its vision is to replicate this solution across Asia Pacific in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam—a step toward achieving the UN sustainability goal of conserving and sustainably using marine resources.
SSL’s communications support played a vital role in helping Azure Alliance strengthen its outreach and brand identity. Through SSL’s training, the team received training on building a website, tracking social media engagement, and refining their storytelling to attract partners and donors. They learned to craft clearer narratives and actionable campaigns using templates, checklists, and message frameworks.
The impact was immediate and tangible. Using design-thinking approaches, Azure Alliance revamped its website and streamlined their communication and storytelling approach, resulting in one signed MOU and generating interest from three companies for joint marine litter-cleanup initiatives. These collaborations not only expand Azure Alliance’s reach but also validate how strategic communications can unlock growth and scale impact.
Both Gringgo and Azure Alliance show how circular innovation can thrive when technology and effective storytelling go hand in hand. Through SSL, organisations across Asia Pacific receive the expertise, training, and collaboration platforms they need to strengthen their innovations and drive greater climate impact. Learn more about SSL here.
