- Joins the 2025 fellows alongside 45 innovators from 22 companies
- The programme has backed 160+ innovators in 20 countries, raising US$475 mil
Qarbotech has been selected for Breakthrough Energy’s prestigious fellows programme, becoming the first Malaysian company chosen and the sole national representative in the 2025 cohort. The company said this recognition positions Malaysia on the global stage of climate innovation, as Qarbotech advances its nanotechnology-based photosynthesis enhancer – a solution designed to accelerate crop growth, strengthen agricultural resilience, and reduce global emissions.
The Breakthrough Energy fellows programme identifies and supports early-stage innovators with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 500 million tonnes annually. Fellows receive tailored technical guidance, access to Breakthrough Energy’s international network of mentors and partners, and strategic support to scale their technologies from laboratory to market.
Since 2020, the programme has supported more than 160 innovators across nearly 20 countries, resulting in hundreds of patents, field pilots, and more than US$475 million (RM2 billion) in follow-on funding.
Qarbotech joins the 2025 class of fellows, which brings together 45 innovators across 22 pioneering companies. This cohort is the most global to date, with half the teams based outside the United States—including first-time fellows from Malaysia, Japan, and South Africa. Collectively, they are addressing climate challenges across electricity, transport, buildings, manufacturing, and agriculture with solutions ready for real-world deployment.
“Being selected as a Breakthrough Energy fellow is not just an honour for Qarbotech – it is a milestone for Malaysia,” said Chor Chee Hoe, co-founder & CEO of Qarbotech. “Our nanotechnology solution can help farmers grow more without expanding agricultural land, while reducing agricultural emissions. This recognition affirms our mission, and with the global support of Breakthrough Energy, we are ready to scale our innovation from local fields to international food systems.”
Meanwhile, Ashley Gross, vice president of Breakthrough Energy, added: “We’re honoured to have the opportunity to work with talented founders who are tackling the most difficult climate and energy challenges around the world. We share their long-term vision and early-stage commitment, and our mission is to help these innovators build strong business and technical foundations for the best opportunity for success.”
With agriculture responsible for nearly a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions, Qarbotech’s work represents a vital step towards sustainable, climate-smart food systems. By enhancing photosynthesis in plants, its technology enables higher yields and measurable emissions reductions, advancing both food security and environmental resilience.