On May 12, 2025, the Bluetech Clean Air Alliance and the Finance for Green Tech Platform, with the support of partners, jointly initiated the call for submissions for the 4th Bluetech Carbon Neutrality Pioneer Awards. Technology companies and startups in the green and low-carbon sector are invited to apply. The deadline for submissions is June 30, 2025.
The selection of the "Bluetech Carbon Neutrality Pioneer Award" will be guided by the selection advisory committee composed of renowned experts in the fields of green finance and green technology. Advisory committee members include senior representatives from leading investment institutions, research institutions, international organizations, industry associations, and large multinational corporations. Dr. Ma Jun, Director of the Institute of Finance and Sustainability (IFS) and Chairman of Green Finance Committee of China Society for Finance and Banking, serves as the chairman of the advisory committee. Dr. Ma Jun stated, "To achieve the dual carbon goals, we should use market-based approaches more to promote low-carbon transformation, focus on supporting the integration of financial resources and green technology, and enhance the international competitiveness of enterprises in the field of green and low-carbon technologies. This is also the original intention of launching the Bluetech Carbon Neutrality Pioneer Award."
Evaluation Criteria
Building on the foundation of the Bluetech Awards established in 2015, the Bluetech Carbon Neutrality Pioneer Awards have been held three times. The awards focus on key carbon neutrality sectors such as new energy, hydrogen and fuel cells, energy storage, green buildings, energy-saving technologies, smart manufacturing, green materials, and circular economy. They are currently the only innovation and entrepreneurship awards in China covering the full spectrum of carbon neutrality fields.
Xie Hongxing, Director of the Bluetech Clean Air Alliance and National Coordinator of the UN WIPO GREEN City Acceleration Program, explained that in addition to the judging advisory committee, a working group comprising 61 experts has been formed to conduct evaluations. Using standardized assessment processes and benchmarks, the evaluation includes preliminary screening, pitch reviews, technology and IP assessments, comprehensive reviews, and advisory committee deliberations. Applicants are assessed on technological innovation, IP competitiveness, growth potential, green and low-carbon impact, team strength, and business models to identify the most promising green tech enterprises.
Zhao Lijian, Head of the Finance for Green Tech Platform, Director of the Green Tech Center at Institute of Finance and Sustainability (IFS), and Executive Director of CarbonTrust Tech, noted, "Leveraging financial investment resources to support technological innovation and the rapid growth of enterprises in key carbon neutrality fields is critical to achieving carbon neutrality. Scientifically evaluating and selecting advanced green tech companies will better direct funding toward firms with cutting-edge technologies and significant carbon reduction potential."
Progress of the Bluetech Carbon Neutrality Pioneer Awards
Over 50% of award-winning projects secured new funding rounds post-award.
15 projects were featured in the UN Green Technology Handbook (released at COP28 and COP29).
2 projects became UN demonstration initiatives, recognized by WIPO headquarters and local governments.
50+ projects were included in the UN WIPO GREEN technology database.
23 projects received WIPO funding to participate in the UN China Green Tech IP Strategy Accelerator (IPMC), benefiting from 5 months of one-on-one mentorship (with support from international and domestic experts).
Past winners gained eligibility for follow-up coverage by the Alliance and 30+ domestic and international media partners.
Awarded projects are prioritized for nominations to the UK Prince William’s Earthshot Prize and the UN WIPO Global Awards (World Intellectual Property Innovation Prize).
1 awardee was nominated for the Earthshot Prize, winning £1 million in funding and global promotion opportunities (currently the only Chinese recipient).
Judging Advisory Committee (4th Edition)
Committee Chair
Dr. Ma Jun, Director, Institute of Finance and Sustainability (IFS); Chair, China Green Finance Committee
Advisory Members (listed alphabetically)
Cheng Guohua, General Manager, CR Capital (Beijing)
Jiang Kejun, Researcher, Energy Research Institute, China Academy of Macroeconomic Research
Lü Guoliang, Former Deputy Director, WIPO China Office; Former Director, China National Intellectual Property Administration
Liang Hong, Co-Chair, Institutional Business Committee, Huatai Securities
Lu Yuebing, Chairman, Air Liquide (China) Investment Co., Ltd.
Lu Jue, President & Executive Director, Shanghai Science and Innovation Bank
Mi Lei, Founding Partner, CAS Star
Sun Rongtao, President, Aramco Ventures China
Xu Hao, Vice President, Sustainable Social Value, Tencent Group
Yang Shixu, President, bp China
Yu Zhenhua, Executive Vice Chairman, China Energy Storage Alliance
Zhao Kai, Executive Vice President, China Association of Circular Economy
Zhang Rongqing, Chairman, Shanghai Guojing Investment Development Co., Ltd.
Zuo Lin, Partner, Envision Sequoia Carbon Neutrality Fund
Zhu Zhi, General Manager, CNOOC Capital
Executive Members (listed alphabetically)
Xie Hongxing, Director, Bluetech Clean Air Alliance; National Coordinator, UN WIPO GREEN City Acceleration Program
Zhao Lijian, Head, Finance for Green Tech Platform; Director, Green Tech Center, Beijing Green Finance Institute
From now until June 30, 2025, applicants can download the submission form for companies or teams at https://qr61.cn/o0dTgC/qYwB9zc and email the completed form to bluetech@iccs.org.cn. To access the 3rd Bluetech Carbon Neutrality Pioneer Awards Handbook, visit http://www.cleanairchina.org/product/12135.html?sessionid=1490044295.
