Shaping a better future

RED Club x Cartier, a global network of multicultural entrepreneurs, hosted the Young Leader Award (YLA) 2024 in Singapore last month (October). The event recognised the outstanding achievements of young leaders using technology to address critical environmental and social challenges.

This year’s event, themed “Tech for a Sustainable Future”, honoured two trail-blazing entrepreneurs who are redefining the future with their impactful innovations.

Founded in 2019, Red Club x Cartier unites entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, all dedicated to shaping a better and more sustainable future. Launched in 2021, the YLA is one of Cartier’s key initiatives that supports emerging social entrepreneurs aged 20 to 40.

The award spotlights innovators working at the intersection of technology and sustainability, providing them with financial support, mentorship, and international exposure to scale their solutions and increase their global impact.

The YLA 2024 reflected the growing significance of technology in addressing sustainability challenges, from reducing carbon footprints to improving waste management and tackling resource scarcity. This year’s competition attracted applications from 66 countries, underscoring the programme’s global reach and diversity of ideas submitted.

The entries showcased how technology-driven solutions are powerful tools for creating positive change, addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the world today.

The YLA jury selected two exceptional winners, reflecting the high calibre and transformative potential of both projects.

The first is Didi Gan, co-founder of N&E Innovations from Singapore, who developed an edible antimicrobial derived from upcycled food waste. This pioneering technology offers a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical disinfectants, drastically reducing carbon emissions while serving both B2B and B2C markets.

Gan emphasised the importance of the mentorship aspect of the award, stating: “Every tonne of our solution produced reduces 200 tonnes of carbon emissions and our goal is to cut two million tonnes by 2030. With the mentorship programme, we hope to fast-track our growth by scaling more rapidly and extending the global impact of our innovations to achieve this target even earlier.”

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The second winner, Suraj Nandakumar, co-founder and CEO of India-based Recity Network, was recognised for his work in circular plastic asset management. Recity Network’s platform creates environmental and economic value by ethically sourcing and recycling post-consumer plastics.

Said Nandakumar about the award: “This accolade underscores the significance of our efforts in promoting sustainability and plastic circularity. It inspires us to expand our influence and drive further progress towards a more sustainable and innovative future.” 

Both winners will receive a grant of 50,000 euros (S$71,160), along with international exposure, media visibility, and a tailored mentorship programme designed by the YLA’s academic partners, the National University of Singapore Business School and the University of Sydney Business School. They will also benefit from ad-hoc coaching and mentoring sessions provided by the Red Club x Cartier network.

Additionally, the jury acknowledged the outstanding work of two runners-up, Dr Enrico Di Oto from Italy, and Aasawari Kane from India, who each received 10,000 euros in prize money.

Di Oto, founder and CEO of OACP, received recognition for his company’s groundbreaking advancements in rapid cancer diagnosis via chemical and biotechnological solutions.

Kane, founder and head of growth at PadCare Labs, earned her accolade for innovating a system to recycle used menstrual pads into valuable materials, promoting environmental sustainability and improving menstrual hygiene management.

Held at National Gallery Singapore on Oct 15, the award ceremony was attended by 150 guests, including entrepreneurs, academics, media, and thought leaders from around the world.

Speaking at the event, Cyrille Vigneron, chairman of Cartier Culture & Philanthropy, reaffirmed Cartier’s commitment to fostering young leaders. “At Cartier, we believe in the power of young leaders to drive meaningful change. The Young Leader Award is a testament to our commitment to those who contribute to shaping a better future by inventing solutions that stimulate economic progress, while improving environmental and social well-being.”