ASEAN Spark begins Phase 2 to support top climate innovators in Southeast Asia
The ASEAN Sparks Accelerator Program has entered its second phase, catalysis, with select clean energy and climate technology startups from across Southeast Asia now running capacity building and mentoring activities in October 2025.
Organized in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and supported by the ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) and the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Catalyze phase, intensive workshops and expert-chaired meetings are designed to help with early starts and prepare for early starts, tailored and prepared for your tailor-made standards.
The program supports innovators in energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean mobility and climate resilience. Startups in the catalytic phase will also have the opportunity to promote their solutions at the 2025 ASEAN Energy Business Forum, providing international awareness and potential investment links.
After the first phase was successfully completed, Ignite joined 40 startups in basic workshops and mentoring, Asean Sparks: Catalyze is the next key step in the planning journey.
“Many startups in ASEAN are unable to get the support they deserve, so it’s hard for them to transition to commercial success,” said Dr. Zulfikar Yurnaidi, ASEAN Energy Efficiency and Protection (CEE) Acting Manager.
He added: “Catalysis aims to address these gaps between startups and support from stakeholders across the energy ecosystem. Another important goal of the program is to enhance local stakeholders’ ability to promote sustainable climate technology innovation ecosystems.”
While IGNITE focuses on helping startups refine their business base and validate their energy solutions, Catalyze provides a deeper, more targeted accelerator experience for more mature startups.
Over the course of three months, selected startups will benefit: an extensive workshop covering key topics that extend from business strategy and markets to intellectual property strategy and social impact; in-depth development of dedicated mentors that fit the needs of each startup; and the opportunity to place at the 2025 ASEAN Energy Business Forum, where 20 selected startups will provide solutions to a senior audience of energy policy makers, investors and industry leaders.
The second phase ensures that startups not only build on the insights they gain during IGNITE, but also gain the strategic tools and exposure needed to expand the area and beyond.
Sparkup is a multimedia brand of BusinessWorld, aiming to inform, inspire and empower Filipino startups; micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMES); and future business leaders. This section will be published every other Monday. For marketing and distributions for startups, please email bmbeltran@bworldonline.com (cc: abconoza@bworldonline.com). The material sent becomes BW property.
