SME

By Ted Chen | First published: November 21, 2023   Updated: July 24, 2025

Ted Chen, co-founder and CEO of Evercomm Singapore, shares how his AI startup is making waves in the cleantech sector and helping companies become more sustainable.

• Evercomm Singapore leverages advanced technology to help companies optimize energy usage, minimize carbon footprints, and achieve net-zero emissions.
• The journey from a small startup to a recognized leader in cleantech AI showcases the importance of resilience, collaboration, and securing necessary funding to drive sustainable initiatives forward in the face of skepticism.
• Businesses must prioritize transparency and accountability by tracking their sustainability metrics. This not only aids informed decision-making but also builds trust with stakeholders in an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace.

A recurring theme in discussions about young entrepreneurs and innovators is their drive to make a positive, meaningful impact on society and the environment. It’s a goal I understand well because my company, Evercomm, was founded in the same spirit. Blending technology with sustainability, we help businesses navigate the complex journey toward net-zero emissions while ensuring regulatory compliance.

My journey began at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, where I studied power systems and renewable energy. While many of my peers gravitated towards traditional oil and gas sectors, I sought alternative pathways to a more sustainable world.

Frustrated by the lack of companies that aligned with my vision, I co-founded Evercomm in 2013. Since then, it has emerged as one of Asia Pacific’s leading cleantech AI start-ups.

Our mission is straightforward: we help companies optimize their energy usage and minimize their carbon footprint through reliable carbon emission monitoring and reporting solutions. By providing insights into energy consumption and identifying cost-cutting opportunities, we support businesses in their quest to achieve net-zero emissions.

Our suite of comprehensive decarbonization solutions includes carbon emission compliance disclosure, operational digitization, and net-zero planning simulations that help our customers leave a better world for the generations to come.

Overcoming challenges to propel our business forward

The road to success has not been without obstacles. Transitioning from a small, cleantech AI start-up at NTU to a venture-backed, deep-tech scale-up required perseverance and strategic support.

Initially, many viewed us as a charity project, which made securing funding a challenge. But after receiving a SGD 500,000 grant from Enterprise Singapore, we gained the credibility needed to take our vision forward. Collaborating with NTU also allowed us to co-develop and license essential technology early on, bridging the skills gap in our field. Since then, we’ve grown and leveraged our own technology.

The importance of measuring sustainability progress

As the impact of climate change becomes more extreme across APAC and the world, the necessity for businesses to prioritize and disclose their sustainability efforts has never been more critical. Every single company, regardless of size or industry, must take accountability for its emissions. Though more businesses across the region are already committed to providing emissions disclosures, many still have no idea how or where to start.
At Evercomm, we guide our customers through this complex journey by evaluating their carbon footprint, analyzing resource consumption, and scrutinizing waste management practices. Armed with this data, businesses can develop targeted strategies to reduce emissions and adopt cutting-edge emission-reduction technology.

Tracking these sustainability goals is the next pivotal step that enables businesses to measure an assortment of business metrics. Here are four reasons why it’s important to track your sustainability goals.

Clear roadmap

Establishing benchmarks and tracking progress ensures companies stay on course to meet their sustainability objectives.

Accountability

Quantifying environmental impact allows businesses to make informed, data-driven decisions that mitigate climate-related risks.

Transparency

Today’s stakeholders, including customers, investors, and employees, demand transparency. By proactively sharing sustainability metrics and carbon emission disclosures, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and avoid potential allegations of greenwashing.

Competitive advantage

Consistently tracking and communicating sustainability progress allows companies to build trust with stakeholders and position themselves as leaders in the green economy. A strong sustainability record can differentiate a business from its competitors.

Expanding our reach across the globe

Starting as a small team of three, Evercomm initially focused on local clients who believed in our vision. By 2019, we had delivered over USD 3.4 million in energy savings for our clients. Three years after Evercomm was founded, we crossed the million-dollar revenue mark.

Today, our cleantech AI start-up has grown to over 50 employees, secured SGD 10 million in Series B funding, received a COP28 UAE Tech Sprint Award, and partners with a diverse array of clients across APAC including major manufacturers, property groups, and financial institutions, as well as the United Nations and governments worldwide to pilot industry-scale sustainability transformation initiatives.

The sustainability landscape is rapidly evolving. Globally, there’s a growing push to achieve net-zero emissions, with countries and corporations setting ambitious climate goals. In APAC, we’re seeing rising demand for green financing products that support the adoption of low-carbon technologies and processes.

The momentum is also shifting towards circular economies, with an emphasis on reusing and recycling to reduce waste and carbon emissions. Meanwhile, digital transformation, powered by technologies like AI and IoT, is revolutionizing the way companies manage and report on sustainability performance.

What businesses need to do when pursuing cleantech

For companies looking to future-proof their operations and embrace cleantech, here are a few tips:

1. Understand your current carbon footprint

The first step in any corporate decarbonization plan is to gain a clear picture of your current carbon emissions. With the right carbon management tools, you can generate your carbon emission profile in days and start tracking your Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.

2. Engage with your customers

It’s important to engage with your customers to find out their sustainability strategy. That way, you can make sure your emission reduction strategy aligns with their expectations, pinpointing areas where cleantech can make a transformative impact. This alignment is pivotal to ensure your organization remains relevant, retains existing customers, and can attract new ones.

3. Keep your eye on the latest cleantech innovations

Innovation in the cleantech space evolves quickly. Stay updated with the latest tech breakthroughs in the sector by cultivating relationships with industry experts and seeking partnerships that can bolster your efforts.

4. View sustainability as an investment, not a cost

Sustainability should not be seen as a cost center. When implemented correctly, emission reduction can lead to significant cost savings and operational efficiencies.

Personally, what drives me is seeing businesses transform. We celebrate when we see our customers receive public recognition and accolades for their sustainability efforts. For me, it’s not enough to innovate and succeed as an entrepreneur. We should all try to set a new standard for entrepreneurship, to inspire the next generation to lead with both purpose and planet in mind.

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