One of the most energising moments of the Amplifier showcase and reflection week unfolded at the Innovation Spotlight session at the Philanthropy Asia Summit (PAS) 2025. In an action-packed session, each mentee took centre stage to pitch their bold solutions to a global audience.

With a packed room of changemakers, funders, and thought leaders across the public, private, philanthropic, and people sectors, the atmosphere was charged with curiosity and ambition. In just a few minutes, delivered in a TED Talk-style format without presentation slides, each founder shared the challenge they are tackling, the progress they have made, and their vision for what is next.

Circ’s Chief Business Officer Mr. Luke Henning kicked off the session by presenting its breakthrough in textile circularity. The company’s patented technology enables the recycling of blended materials, which has been a longstanding barrier in circular fashion, by recovering both synthetic and cellulosic fibres for reuse and reintroducing them into the textile supply chain.

"Fundamentally, through recycling, we have all the clothes we need to make all the clothes we will ever need."

— Mr. Luke Henning, Circ

GRST manufactures batteries that are non-toxic, fast-charging, and easily recyclable. Chief Strategy Officer Mr. Frank Harley highlighted their innovation in a water-soluble binder — the material used to adhere active materials to battery electrodes.

Unlike conventional binders that require burning or toxic solvents to remove, GRST's material can be washed off simply with water, as he showed in a live demonstration on stage. This is a game-changer in reducing harmful PFAS ''Forever Chemicals' and enabling safer, scalable battery recycling.

"True innovation doesn't just change technology, it changes lives. Cleaner batteries, a cleaner planet, smarter recycling, and a future we can all believe in."

— Mr. Frank Harley, GRST

MAYANI Co-Founder and CEO, Mr. JT Solis, highlighted his team’s mission to climate-proof and strengthen the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and fisherfolk in the Philippines, by improving access to markets, credit, and climate-smart agricultural inputs.

"We have an obligation to try. We have an obligation to aspire. We have an obligation to take action, especially on behalf of the so many who still have so little."

— Mr. JT Solis, MAYANI

MYCL uses mushroom mycelium, the root-like structure of fungi, to create alternatives to leather. This approach upcycles agricultural waste while producing sustainable bio-based materials that are flexible, durable, and comparable to animal-based products.

Mr. Arekha Bentangan, Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, said MYCL partners with local villages across Asia, teaching communities how to participate in the production process and helping them generate income through collaboration. 

"MYCL creates strong layers of mycelium that are comparable to conventional leather. We can solve two problems at the same time: reducing agricultural waste and producing valuable and sustainable leather-like materials. It's not leather — it's better!"

— Mr. Arekha Bentangan, MYCL

Sampangan’s proprietary carbonisation technology converts underutilised agricultural waste, such as coconut shells, candlenut shells, and hardwood, into industrial-grade products such as activated carbon, biochar, liquid carbon or biofertiliser, and wood vinegar. These outputs have a wide range of industrial use cases.

This approach helps reduce waste while lowering industrial emissions and improving energy efficiency.

"Our mission as a company is to redefine the creation of prosperity to prove that sustainability can be profitable and profitability should be sustainable."

— Ms. Hana Purnawarman, Sampangan

Throughout the Summit, the mentees also anchored a dedicated Amplifier booth at the Innovation Showcase segment, actively engaging PAS delegates in conversations about their solutions and potential collaborations, and showcasing product samples.

Closing Reflections