JAKARTA, 6 May 2025 -- The <a href="https://aseanenergy.org/">ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE)</a>, with funding support from the Government of Japan through the <a href="https://jaif.asean.org/">Japan-ASEAN Integrated Fund (JAIF)</a>, is set to sail an acceleration programme targeting aspiring startup founders and innovators across Southeast Asia: ASEAN Sparks.

ASEAN Sparks is a programme designed to address climate and energy pressures by accelerating the growth of climate tech enterprises. The programme empowers early-stage startups with the tools, expertise, and networks needed to scale while fostering a gender-inclusive environment that drives impactful clean energy solutions across the region.

Partnering with the <a href="https://www.unido.org/">United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)</a>, ASEAN Sparks is designed as a measurable and structured journey through three programme phases: Ignite, Catalyse, and Elevate.

<a href="https://aseanenergy.org/asean-accelerator/about/">The ASEAN Sparks</a> will start with the Ignite phase, which focuses on nurturing early-stage solutions and equipping the founders with the essential skills to scale their business ideas effectively. Most promising participants will then advance to the Catalyse phase, where startups receive targeted mentoring, market-readiness training, and strategic business development support.

The journey culminates in the Elevate phase, during which top-performing startups will pitch their refined solutions on the Grand Pitching Day at the 25th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-25) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. These participants will then gain exposure to potential investors, corporate partners, and government stakeholders to explore funding, partnerships, and cross-border scaling opportunities.

Accelerating Innovation to Address Regional Climate Challenges

In response to growing climate-related challenges across ASEAN, the programme will centre around six key energy pillars, which include Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Smart Grids, Energy Storage, Clean Mobility,&nbsp; and Other Climate &amp; Energy Technologies.

"This programme is aligned with APAEC (ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation), especially in increasing the role of private sector and financial institutions," said Dr Zulfikar Yurnaid, Acting Manager of Energy Efficiency and Conservation (CEE) Department, of the ASEAN Centre for Energy. "By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in clean energy, ASEAN Sparks directly supports the development and adoption of energy-efficient solutions across ASEAN."

Building a Collaborative &amp; Inclusive Ecosystem

Beyond capacity-building, ASEAN Sparks also aims to strengthen the regional ecosystem by connecting diverse stakeholders — from experts and mentors to startups and policymakers — within a collaborative and inclusive environment.

To ensure consistency and alignment throughout the programme, all participating experts will receive a certification tailored to the ASEAN Sparks framework. This step supports a shared understanding of the programme’s methodology, tools, and impact goals—enabling experts to deliver guidance that is cohesive and high-impact across all stages.

Startups and solutions will be assessed on the technology and business readiness level which includes team credibility and commitment, product impact, as well as market potential and scalability.

The ASEAN Sparks is a dynamic and inclusive platform for energy innovators to synergise in advancing global climate goals, contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13: Climate Action. Throughout the programme, participants will be accompanied by mentors and trainers to develop their solutions in various areas from technology, business, and impact.

Running from June to October 2025, the ASEAN Sparks programme invites aspiring founders, researchers, and innovators to submit their applications for ASEAN Sparks: Ignite by 22 May 2025.

Those who are interested in amplifying impacts in Southeast Asia can visit <a href="http://go.aseanenergy.org/ApplySPARKS">go.aseanenergy.org/ApplySPARKS</a> for application and more information.

The ASEAN Sparks programme has officially launched! Powered by the ASEAN Centre for Energy with support from Japan-ASEAN Integrated Fund & United Nations Industrial Development Organization, this 3-phase journey empowers clean energy startups across Southeast Asia to scale, connect, and create impact. Applications for ASEAN Sparks: Ignite are open until 22 May 2025! JAKARTA, 6 May 2025 -- The <a href="https://aseanenergy.org/">ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE)</a>, with funding support from the Government of Japan through the <a href="https://jaif.asean.org/">Japan-ASEAN Integrated Fund (JAIF)</a>, is set to sail an acceleration programme targeting aspiring startup founders and innovators across Southeast Asia: ASEAN Sparks.ASEAN Sparks is a programme designed to address climate and energy pressures by accelerating the growth of climate tech enterprises. The programme empowers early-stage startups with the tools, expertise, and networks needed to scale while fostering a gender-inclusive environment that drives impactful clean energy solutions across the region.Partnering with the <a href="https://www.unido.org/">United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)</a>, ASEAN Sparks is designed as a measurable and structured journey through three programme phases: Ignite, Catalyse, and Elevate.

<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/17f88afa-739e-4c59-9be6-afcd2e4b5100/public" alt="JMT Senior Programme Officer and the Energy and Mineral Division of the ASEAN Secretariat provide briefing to the ACE." /><h2>Igniting the Region's Energy Future</h2><a href="https://aseanenergy.org/asean-accelerator/about/">The ASEAN Sparks</a> will start with the Ignite phase, which focuses on nurturing early-stage solutions and equipping the founders with the essential skills to scale their business ideas effectively. Most promising participants will then advance to the Catalyse phase, where startups receive targeted mentoring, market-readiness training, and strategic business development support.The journey culminates in the Elevate phase, during which top-performing startups will pitch their refined solutions on the Grand Pitching Day at the 25th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-25) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. These participants will then gain exposure to potential investors, corporate partners, and government stakeholders to explore funding, partnerships, and cross-border scaling opportunities.

<h2>Accelerating Innovation to Address Regional Climate Challenges</h2>In response to growing climate-related challenges across ASEAN, the programme will centre around six key energy pillars, which include Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Smart Grids, Energy Storage, Clean Mobility,&nbsp; and Other Climate &amp; Energy Technologies."This programme is aligned with APAEC (ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation), especially in increasing the role of private sector and financial institutions," said Dr Zulfikar Yurnaid, Acting Manager of Energy Efficiency and Conservation (CEE) Department, of the ASEAN Centre for Energy. "By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in clean energy, ASEAN Sparks directly supports the development and adoption of energy-efficient solutions across ASEAN."<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/1743d919-910d-404e-a49b-33b950998100/public" alt="Internet Vibes: A Brief Guide to Renewable Energy Advantages (2021)&nbsp;" /><h2>Building a Collaborative &amp; Inclusive Ecosystem</h2>Beyond capacity-building, ASEAN Sparks also aims to strengthen the regional ecosystem by connecting diverse stakeholders — from experts and mentors to startups and policymakers — within a collaborative and inclusive environment.To ensure consistency and alignment throughout the programme, all participating experts will receive a certification tailored to the ASEAN Sparks framework. This step supports a shared understanding of the programme’s methodology, tools, and impact goals—enabling experts to deliver guidance that is cohesive and high-impact across all stages.Startups and solutions will be assessed on the technology and business readiness level which includes team credibility and commitment, product impact, as well as market potential and scalability.<h2>Join the Movement</h2>The ASEAN Sparks is a dynamic and inclusive platform for energy innovators to synergise in advancing global climate goals, contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13: Climate Action. Throughout the programme, participants will be accompanied by mentors and trainers to develop their solutions in various areas from technology, business, and impact.Running from June to October 2025, the ASEAN Sparks programme invites aspiring founders, researchers, and innovators to submit their applications for ASEAN Sparks: Ignite by 22 May 2025.Those who are interested in amplifying impacts in Southeast Asia can visit <a href="http://go.aseanenergy.org/ApplySPARKS">go.aseanenergy.org/ApplySPARKS</a> for application and more information.

Electricity / Gas / Resources / Energy

STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)

Green technology

Startups

The ASEAN Sparks programme has officially launched! Powered by the ASEAN Centre for Energy with support from Japan-ASEAN Integrated Fund & United Nations Industrial Development Organization, this 3-phase journey empowers clean energy startups across Southeast Asia to scale, connect, and create impact. Applications for ASEAN Sparks: Ignite are open until 22 May 2025!

ASEAN Sparks Set to Accelerate Clean Energy Innovation Across Southeast Asia

HR / Recruitment

Skin care / Cosmetics / Hair products

Internet service

Film / Drama

Magazines / Books / Publications

Marketing / Research

Diet / Health food / Supplement

Childbirth / Childcare

Interior / Furniture / Storage

Mobile device

Servers / Peripherals

Network / Network Equipment

System / Website / Application development

Electronic components / Semiconductors / Electrical equipment

Department stores / Supermarkets / Convenience stores / Stores

Wholeseller

Manga / Anime

Arcade Game

Toys / Playsets / Dolls

Car / Car Supplies

Motorcycles / Motorcycle Supplies

Daily necessities / Household goods

Garden / DIY

Shoes / Bags

Jewelry / Accessories

Kids / Baby / Maternity

Food / Sweets

Soft Drinks / Alcoholic drinks

Restaurant / Fast food / Streetfood

Eating at home / Delivery

Fitness / Healthcare

Medical / Hospital

Pharmaceuticals

Pets / Pet Supplies

Gifts / Flowers

Love / Marriage

Funeral

Hotels / inns

Travel / Sightseeing

Theme Park / Amusement park

Residential / Condominium

Commercial facilities / Office buildings

Architecture / Space design

Construction / Civil engineering

Advertising / Promotion / PR

Sales

Management Consulting

Think tank

Legal / Patent / Intellectual Property

Logistics / Warehouse / Cargo

Steel / Metal / Glass / Earth / Stone / Rubber

Chemistry

Nature / Weather

School / University

Cram school / Preparatory school / Online education

Life insurance / Non-life insurance

Mobile app

Mobile games

Cooking / Home appliances

Health and Beauty appliances

Application

Ladies' Fashion

Men's Fashion

Accounting

Environment / SGDs / Recycling

International activity

Full time job / Part-time job / Career

E-commerce

Music

Internet Service Provider / Line connection

Camera

AV equipment

Consumer Games

Outdoors / Mountain Climbing

Welfare / Nursing / Rehabilitation

Qualifications / Study Abroad / Language

Childcare / Early childhood education

Banks / Credit unions

Credit card / Loan

Securities / FX / Investment Trusts

Moving

Politics / Government / Local government

Volunteer

Agriculture / Forestry / Fisheries

Bicycle / Bicycle Supplies

Female Related

Venture Capitals

Coaching / Mentoring / Consultation

Automotive / Motorcycle / Bicycle

Automotive / Automotive Supplies

Interior / Goods

Real Estate / Architecture / Construction

Software

Blockchain / Web3

Security

Telecommunications / VoIP

Show Business

Comedy

Service

Innovation Factory offers a comprehensive Corporate Innovation Program that caters to corporations, government agencies, and NGOs looking to jumpstart their innovation efforts. We provide support for a variety of initiatives, including ideathons, hackathons, talks, and conferences. The program goes beyond just events, however, by also helping overseas startups and companies navigate the Indonesian market landscape through providing valuable insights, connections to key players, and integration with the local ecosystem to foster successful expansion.