Ideas that help reduce water waste, cut energy consumption, and eliminate plastic from packaging were the big winners of the national final of ClimateLaunchpad 2025 — the world’s largest cleantech business idea competition — organised in Portugal by UPTEC – Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto, Ordem dos Engenheiros, and Fórum Oceano/Hub Azul.

First place went to Savearth, which developed AI-powered smart showers with sound recognition technology, allowing a plug-and-play device to be installed on any shower in about one minute. This system monitors real-time water consumption, sending alerts when the recommended 35 litres per shower are exceeded, and rewards guests with points for each eco-friendly shower they take. These points can then be exchanged for hotel benefits, helping reduce water and energy use by up to 60%.

In second place was EcoWires, which created a sustainable flexible electronics printing technology, specifically applied to plastic-free smart packaging solutions. FutureTemp came third, with a solution that helps companies cut energy waste by automating existing air conditioning systems without the need for replacements or electrical modifications.

The three winning teams will represent Portugal in the regional final of the programme, where they will compete with Europe’s top cleantech projects. They will also benefit from four months of incubation at UPTEC, media promotion interviews, and access to UPTEC’s acceleration programme. Additionally, Savearth won a trip to Vienna to participate in the ClimateLaunchpad Global Grand Final.

The national final took place at the Infante D. Henrique Auditorium of APDL in Matosinhos. This year, ClimateLaunchpad Portugal received over 30 applications, with 13 projects selected for the intensive bootcamp. The 2025 edition was supported by Fundação Repsol, PRIO, Smart Waste Portugal, VdA, Galp, and Santander X.