ASEAN Sparks Catalyse - ASEAN Centre for Energy Accelerator Programme

ASEAN Sparks, an initiative under the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), supported by The Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), is a comprehensive programme designed to ignite and accelerate climate technology innovation across ASEAN. Recognizing MSMEs as key drivers, ASEAN Sparks empowers startups through a three-pillar architecture: Ignite (a pre-accelerator startup camp), Catalyse (an intensive accelerator with workshop, mentorship, and a regional pitch event), and Elevate (international business matchmaking).

ASEAN Sparks will provide targeted support, foster a gender-inclusive ecosystem, and leverage its methodologies to cultivate impactful climate energy solutions, ultimately contributing to ASEAN's sustainable energy future and the achievement of key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

ASEAN Sparks: Catalyse is a continuous component of ASEAN Sparks. This program aims to strengthen clean energy and climate tech startups, from seed to Series A, by connecting them with investors, experts, and key stakeholders. It offers opportunities to secure funding, foster growth, explore collaborations, and amplify impact. Twenty selected startups will have the chance to pitch their solutions to ASEAN stakeholders at the ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF) in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025.

Objective:

To accelerate promising clean energy startups (TRL 3-6, BRL 3-6) towards market readiness, investment attraction, and strategic partnerships within ASEAN.

Scope of the Program

The engagement of participants in ASEAN Sparks: Catalyse will involve active participation in a structured online programme that includes:

1) Online Training Series: Targeted training and mentorship, focusing on five key areas:

1. Business Strategy & Validation and Market Expansion & Entry,
2. Funding & Investment
3. Partnerships & Governance
4. Sustainability & Impact
5. Pitching & Communication.

2) Mentorship: During this phase of the mentoring program, 30 clean energy startups are empowered through three bi-weekly sessions with 10 experienced mentors, each guiding three startups.

3) Networking Opportunities: Utilising online platforms to connect with fellow participants, mentors, and potential collaborators.

4) Pitching Preparation and Pitching Day: 20 startups will be selected from the 30 participating startups in the ASEAN Sparks: Catalyse phase that completed capacity building and mentorship. These selected startups will participate in a pitching session at the ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, following online workshops and virtual pitching sessions designed to develop effective communication and presentation skills. Seven startups will be chosen from the pitching session to participate in a business matchmaking event in Japan.

Expected Commitment

1. Active participation in all scheduled online sessions and workshops.

2. Selected participants must be able to dedicate the necessary time to the program. Direct involvement from founding members and/or C-level executives is highly recommended.

3. Completion of all assigned tasks, assignments, and programme activities as required.

4. Constructive and professional engagement with mentors and peers.

5. Development and refinement of their innovation/solution concept throughout the programme.

6. Presentation of their solution at designated virtual pitch sessions.

7. Provision of feedback on the programme to contribute to its ongoing improvement.

8. Demonstration of a willingness to collaborate with other participants.

Work Mechanisms

Participants will engage with the programme through online platforms and tools. The programme will involve a combination of:

1. Interactive online training & mentoring sessions.

2. One-on-three and group virtual mentorship sessions.

3. Online networking forums and events.

4. Virtual pitch preparation sessions

5. Virtual Pitching or screening for the semi-final and the final pitching day in Kuala Lumpur

Duration of Engagement

The estimated duration of engagement for participants in ASEAN Sparks: Catalyse is approximately 3 months, with the allocation of 7 (seven) days of workshop, 3 (three) days

of mentorship & prototype refinement (spanning over 5-6 weeks), 1 (one) day of demo day.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: July 20, 2025
2. Category: Training
3. Opportunity Locations: Malaysia
4. Eligible Locations: Asia
5. Sponsor Organisation: ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE)

Eligibility Criteria for ASEAN Sparks Catalyse - ASEAN Centre for Energy Accelerator Programme

1. Participants must be a team of at least two members, as individuals are not eligible.
2. 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.
3. Focus on addressing energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean energy, and other climate technology challenges/opportunities within ASEAN Member States.
4. Be based exclusively in the ASEAN region, with operations or headquarters in one of the ASEAN Member States.
5. Possess a strong passion for clean energy and environmental sustainability.
6. Startups with a validated solution and some initial traction.
7. Demonstrate a commitment to developing a viable business model.
8. Applications from women-led or co-founded ventures are strongly encouraged.

Required Documents

1. A summary of their startups by providing detailed information about their company, solution, market, team, and financial traction.
2. Information about the problem they are addressing and their proposed solution.
3. A brief overview of their potential target market.
4. Details about the individual or team members.
5. A statement outlining their motivation for participating in the programme and their commitment to clean energy..
6. Please provide the deck that includes: Problem Statement, Solutions (Technical Stuff of the Product/How the product or solutions work), Market Size (TAM, SAM,S OM), Go to Market Strategy, Business Model, Competitor Analysis, Traction, Team Composition, Investment/Funding Needs

Selection Process

Participants will be selected through a competitive application process. The selection criteria will include:

1. Team Credibility and Commitment: The experience, skills, and commitment of the team.
2. Innovation and Technology: The novelty and potential impact of the proposed solution in addressing climate change and contributing to relevant SDGs, especially SDG 7 and SDG 13.
3. Business Viability & Market Potential: The clarity and robustness of the business model, market size, and competitive advantage.
4. Scalability: The economic growth potential of the venture and its ability to scale across markets.

Apply Now

For further inquiries, please contact them at cee@aseanenergy.org ​

Benefits of ASEAN Sparks Catalyse - ASEAN Centre for Energy Accelerator Programme

Expected Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of ASEAN Sparks: Catalyze, participants will be able to:

1. Gain essential skills in developing user-centric solutions, navigating regulations, measuring impact, fostering inclusive cultures, and securing funding, all aimed at building sustainable, impactful, and fundable businesses that contribute to a cleaner, more equitable future.
2. Build strong foundations, adapt to market changes, and effectively engage investors with strategic mentor-startup matching based on synergy and flexible additional support.
3. Network with fellow participants, mentors, and potential collaborators.
4. Develop and deliver a concise pitch for their clean energy solution.
5. Understand the requirements and be better prepared for potential participation in the ASEAN Energy Business Forum 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

How to Apply

View details of ASEAN Sparks Catalyse - ASEAN Centre for Energy Accelerator Programme

Apply for ASEAN Sparks Catalyse - ASEAN Centre for Energy Accelerator Programme

Application Deadline

20 July, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for ASEAN Sparks Catalyse - ASEAN Centre for Energy Accelerator Programme