Accelerator Program for Climate Tech and Clean Energy Startups Still Open for Applications

Following the success of Ignite, Catalyse aims to offer a deeper, more targeted accelerator experience. Deadline for applications is on July 20.

The second phase of ASEAN Sparks: Catalyse is accepting applications from clean energy and climate tech startups.

The accelerator program specifically targets startups in the pre-seed to pre-series A stage across Southeast Asia whose work focuses on the following: 

• Clean energy
• Energy efficiency
• Renewable energy
• Other climate technology innovations in ASEAN

Behind the ASEAN Sparks: Catalyse is the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The program is supported by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) and the Ministry Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan. 

“Many startups in the ASEAN face limited access to the support they deserve, making it difficult for them to transition from early-stage development to commercial success,” said Dr. Zulfikar Yurnaidi, Acting Manager of Energy Efficiency and Conservation (CEE) Department of the ASEAN Centre for Energy.

“Catalyse is designed to address these gaps between the startups and the support from the whole energy ecosystem stakeholders,” Dr. Yurnaidi added. “Another important goal of the program is to strengthen the capacity of local stakeholders to foster a sustainable climate technology innovation ecosystem.”

Catalyse follows the successful first phase of the program, known as Ignite, which focused on helping startups refine their business fundamentals and validate their energy solutions. Ignite was able to engage 40 early-stage startups in foundational workshops and mentoring.

What ASEAN Sparks: Catalyse Offers

Catalyse features a series of intensive workshops and mentoring sessions running from August to October 2025, designed to help startups achieve exponential growth. The program also paves the way for startups to showcase their innovations on the international stage at the ASEAN Energy Business Forum 2025.

Catalyse aims to provide a deeper, more focused accelerator experience, offering the following benefits to selected startups:

• Extensive workshop sessions covering key topics, including business strategy, market expansion, IP strategy, and social impact
• Personalized development guided by dedicated mentors, tailored to each startup’s needs
• A chance for 20 selected startups to pitch at the ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF) 2025

Eligibility Requirements

Interested startups must meet the following requirements to apply:

• Participants must be a team of at least two members. Individuals are not eligible.
• The majority of team members (50% +1) must be citizens of ASEAN Member States: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, or Vietnam.
• The startup must focus on addressing energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean energy, and other climate technology challenges/opportunities within ASEAN Member States.
• The startup must be based exclusively in the ASEAN region, with operations or headquarters in one of the ASEAN Member States.
• The startup must possess a strong passion for clean energy and environmental sustainability.
• The startup must have a validated solution and some initial traction.
• The startup must demonstrate a commitment to developing a viable business model.
• Applications from women-led or co-founded ventures are strongly encouraged.

Startups may submit their applications through this link, where they can also find important information on additional requirements. The deadline of applications is on July 20, 2025.