- WWF launches Blue Carbon Support Programme (BCSP), supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB,) to boost development of high-integrity blue carbon projects
- The Office for Science Technology & Industry’s (OSTIn) Biomass Grant Call aims to build a robust innovation pipeline by supporting early-stage research in nature-based carbon solutions
15 January 2026 – The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Singapore today announced the launch of the Blue Carbon Support Programme (BCSP), an initiative to catalyse science-based, technology-enabled solutions that strengthen the development of high-quality blue carbon[1] projects across Asia. The programme builds on Blue Catalyst, an open innovation challenge organised by WWF-Singapore and Hatch Blue[2] designed to unlock technological solutions to scale high-quality blue carbon ecosystems across Asia and beyond.
The announcement was made at the “Carbon x Tech: The Next Wave of Climate Innovation” event in Singapore. At this event, the Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn), Singapore’s national space office under EDB, also announced a biomass[3] grant call to advance and develop upstream research, data solutions, and methodologies for nature-based carbon solutions to be developed in partnership with Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and Research Institutes (RIs). The grant will support the application of space-enabled and digital technologies through digital measurement, reporting, and verification (dMRV), which harnesses remote sensing data and geospatial analytics.
Blue Carbon Support Programme (BCSP)
Through the BCSP, WWF-Singapore will partner selected technology startups, solution providers, research organisations and carbon project developers to address key MRV and implementation
challenges that constrain the development of high-quality blue carbon credits in Asia. Specifically, WWF-Singapore’s collaboration with Singapore-based technology providers will be supported by EDB’s Partnerships for Capability Transformation (PACT) scheme[4].
BCSP will provide training and technical support to project developers to build market, technical and operational readiness for blue carbon projects. It will also support co-development, piloting and deployment of novel and existing field-ready solutions across priority areas including geospatial analysis, carbon and biodiversity monitoring, and community engagement. Further, technologies identified by the Blue Catalyst open innovation challenge will be piloted by WWF and its partners, as part of the BCSP.
Please refer to Annex A for more information on BCSP.
BIOMASS dMRV Grant Call
OSTIn’s biomass dMRV grant call focuses on upstream research and methodology development to complement these downstream deployment efforts. It will support the use of satellite, geospatial and digital technologies to improve how biomass is measured, monitored and verified across diverse ecosystems, including forests and coastal environments. By advancing and developing more accurate, transparent and scalable approaches to carbon measurement, the grant call aims to enhance the integrity of carbon credits while building capabilities and commercial solutions that can be applied across Southeast Asia and regions within the Equatorial belt.
Please refer to Annex B for more information on the grant call.
Fostering partnerships to boost decarbonisation
The newly announced initiatives reflect Singapore’s efforts to foster deep cross-sectoral partnerships in carbon services and trading. OSTIn’s biomass grant call will primarily support local IHLs and RIs, while encouraging collaborations with industry partners and relevant stakeholders. BCSP will bring WWF’s global network of experts together with startups and solution providers to co-develop and scale practical technologies for use at carbon project sites.
By strengthening capabilities from early-stage research through to deployment, Singapore aims to build a robust innovation pipeline that supports regional decarbonisation efforts while anchoring high-value climate and nature activities here.
“High-integrity nature based carbon solutions depend on scientific rigour, transparent measurement and effective delivery on the ground. Through the Blue Carbon Support Programme, together with EDB, WWF-Singapore is working with technology providers, researchers and project developers to bridge innovation with real-world project needs – strengthening credibility and scale through targeted training, technical support and deployment across Asia. By anchoring expertise, partnerships and project deployment in Singapore, we see this as an important step in positioning the country as a regional platform for high-integrity blue carbon solutions that support decarbonisation while delivering meaningful climate, biodiversity and community outcomes,” said Mr. Rueban Manokara, Global Lead of the Carbon Finance and Markets Taskforce, WWF-Singapore.
“With 25% of global nature-based solutions located in our region, Singapore is uniquely positioned to catalyse regional climate action. We are committed to mobilising our deep research and innovation capabilities to enhance the carbon mitigation potential of Southeast Asia, and working with trusted partners to grow Singapore’s carbon services ecosystem,” said Mr. Lim Wey-Len, Executive Vice President, Singapore Economic Development Board.
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About WWF-Singapore
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organisations. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. As one of WWF’s international hubs, WWF-Singapore supports a global network spanning over 100 countries. WWF-Singapore works closely with local stakeholders towards a greener and more sustainable Singapore and the region around us. We work to address key conservation areas, such as deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, oceans, food security, sustainable finance and sustainable consumption through education and outreach efforts with individuals, businesses and governments. For more information, please visit wwf.sg.
About the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB)
The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), a government agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, is responsible for strategies that enhance Singapore’s position as a global centre for business, innovation, and talent. We undertake investment promotion and industry development, and work with international businesses, both foreign and local, by providing information, connection to partners and access to government incentives for their investments. Our mission is to create sustainable economic growth, with vibrant business and good job opportunities for Singapore and Singaporeans. For more information on EDB, please visit edb.gov.sg.
