In partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), ASEAN Sparks is a structured program designed to nurture climate tech startups and empower aspiring founders with tools, mentorship, and access to regional markets.
The program also promotes gender inclusivity, supporting the growth of impactful clean energy solutions that respond to the region’s most pressing energy and climate challenges.
Three-phase acceleration journey
Running from June to October 2025, ASEAN Sparks guides early-stage innovators through three program phases:
Ignite: Focused on capacity-building, the first phase provides essential skills and early validation for startup teams.
Catalyse: Selected participants receive mentorship, market readiness training, and strategic development support.
Elevate: Culminates at the 25th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-25) in Kuala Lumpur, where finalists will pitch their refined solutions to investors, partners, and policymakers.
Regional innovation for a clean energy future
The program is aligned with the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) and addresses six energy pillars: Energy efficiency, renewable energy, smart grids, energy storage, clean mobility, and other climate & energy technologies.
"This program supports the role of private sector innovation in driving energy efficiency and conservation," said Dr. Zulfikar Yurnaid, acting manager of ACE’s CEE department.
Strengthening the ecosystem
Beyond startup support, ASEAN Sparks also aims to build a collaborative innovation ecosystem, bringing together startups, experts, mentors, and policymakers. All participating experts will be certified under the ASEAN Sparks framework to ensure consistency in guidance and impact delivery.
Startups will be evaluated based on technological readiness, market scalability, team capability, and social impact. The initiative contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action). —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
Call for applications
Aspiring founders and innovators are invited to apply for ASEAN Sparks: Ignite by May 22, 2025. For more information, visit go.aseanenergy.org/ApplySPARKS.
