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With the official onboarding of mentors, trainers, and startups now complete, the ASEAN Sparks programme is fully primed to launch its first major phase: the Ignite startup bootcamp. Developed by the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE/the Centre) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and supported by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), ASEAN Sparks is preparing to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship in the clean energy sector across Southeast Asia.
This milestone comes after a series of carefully sequenced onboarding events, beginning with the ASEAN Sparks: Ignite Mentor Onboarding on 28 May 2025, followed by ASEAN Sparks: Catalyse Certification Trainer Onboarding on 3 June 2025, and culminating with the ASEAN Sparks: Ignite Startup Onboarding on 5 June 2025. These activities mark a robust and inclusive foundation for what is poised to be a transformative programme for climate-tech startups in the ASEAN region.
The ASEAN Sparks: Ignite Mentor Onboarding on 28 May 2025 introduced the mentors who would work closely with the startups. The mentor group included workshop mentors such as:
Photo 1. Workshop mentors.
Additionally, the 2-on-1 session mentors included:
Photo 2. Workshop mentors.
On 3 June 2025, the Trainer Onboarding took place, onboarding five selected trainers who will guide mentors and judges during the ASEAN Sparks: Catalyse stage. The trainers included
Photo 3. Certification trainers.
During the ASEAN Sparks Ignite: Startup Onboarding on 5 June 2025, 40 promising startups were officially welcomed into the program. These startups, chosen for their innovative solutions, are now part of this exciting journey to transform the clean energy landscape across Southeast Asia. These innovations span various sectors, including energy-efficient materials, smart ventilation systems, photovoltaic (PV) technologies, electric mobility, EV battery aggregation, carbon tracking, sustainable agriculture, and biomass energy.
The participating startups came from various ASEAN Member States. Indonesia leads in representation with startups such as Pristinz Solutions, PV-CLOOST, Blitz Electric Mobility, and Satuplatform, offering technologies in clean cooking, micro wind turbines, e-mobility, and digital platforms. From the Philippines, startups like RevEarth, Klimatech Innovative Solutions Inc., and Greenwables are advancing solutions in EV battery aggregation, solar energy, and sustainable commodity sourcing. Vietnam brings forward innovators such as Alternō, NIION Biomass Energy, and Feenergy, focusing on alternative materials, bioenergy, and grid optimization.
Malaysia’s cohort—including Qarbotech, Zapdrive, and Reclimate—delivers advances in PV performance, sustainable transport, and carbon footprint tracking. Thailand’s startups, such as RIFFAI, CHOSEN Digital, and Inno Green Tech, contribute ESG digital tools, sustainability analytics, and low-carbon farming solutions. Meanwhile, Wattr from Singapore introduces real-time water conservation through ultrasonic technology; Cambodia’s AGRO AGAPE focuses on sustainable agri-biomass technologies; and Triple E Myanmar from Myanmar brings forward solutions for rural electrification.
ASEAN Sparks is structured in three progressive phases—Ignite, Catalyse, and Elevate—with the current Ignite phase focused on equipping early-stage cleantech ventures with the tools, knowledge, and mentorship needed to validate their ideas and prepare for scale. The Ignite bootcamp is joined by 40 early-stage startups in the clean energy and climate technology sectors. This online bootcamp is scheduled for 10–12 June 2025, will conclude with a Pitch Day on 13 June 2025, where startups will showcase their solutions before an expert panel. Ten selected startups will then proceed to the Catalyse accelerator.
Photo 4. Opening remarks by Dr Zulfikar Yurnaidi, Acting Manager of CEE Department at ACE
The ASEAN Sparks program was officially launched during the first virtual onboarding event on 28 May 2025, where Dr. Zulfikar Yurnaidi, Acting Manager of Energy Efficiency and Conservation (CEE) Department at ACE, welcomed participants and emphasised that this programme marks in important step in the shared mission of accelerating clean energy innovation across Southeast Asia. He highlighted that the programme is designed to support cleantech and renewable energy startups through its three phases. As participants enter the Ignite stage, Dr. Zulfikar noted that the goal is to help startups build strong foundations, adapt to dynamic market needs, and position themselves for long-term impact.
Photo 5. Opening remarks by Noboru Zama, Industrial Development Expert at UNIDO
These sentiments were echoed by Noboru Zama, Industrial Development Expert at UNIDO, who emphasised the crucial role of innovative climate tech entrepreneurship in enabling the shift toward sustainable economies and generating green jobs. He highlighted that the energy transition requires more than just policy. It demands action, creativity, and disruption. Startups, like those in this programme, are at the forefront of this transformation, pushing boundaries and shaping the next generation of cleantech innovations that will have a tangible impact on the ground.
Photo 6. Opening remarks by Andora Michi, Programme Director of Innovation Factory (IF)
Andora Michi, Programme Director of Innovation Factory (IF), also delivered her remarks, highlighting that out of hundreds of applications, 40 startups were selected to join the ASEAN Sparks Ignite programme. This selection underscores the potential of these startups’ creative ideas and solutions to truly transform the energy landscape. While each startup brings a unique solution, they all share the same mission: to drive real change in the clean energy transition across ASEAN.
Following the opening remarks in each onboarding session, Dilla Ibtiadi of IF provided a comprehensive programme orientation, outlining the mentorship model, training structure, and support mechanisms available to participants. She explained that each of the ten mentors, carefully selected for their domain expertise, would be paired with two startups, offering them tailored guidance throughout the program. Additionally, one-on-one coaching sessions were integrated into the structure to ensure personalised support for the startups. Dilla also took the time to clarify the overall structure of the ASEAN Sparks programme and its timeline, ensuring that all participants understood the goals and milestones ahead.
What distinguished each onboarding session was the specific focus provided for each group. During the ASEAN Sparks: Ignite Mentor Onboarding, Dilla provided a detailed explanation of the differences between workshop mentors and startup mentors, and she shared the mentors’ schedules for the programme. This session was crucial for setting clear expectations and ensuring that the mentors were fully prepared to support the startups in their journey.
For the ASEAN Sparks: Catalyse Trainers Certification Onboarding, Dilla went over the specific modules that each trainer would be responsible for and outlined what they should offer to both mentors and judges. This session was designed to provide clarity to the trainers, ensuring that they understood their role in preparing mentors and judges for their responsibilities in the next stages of the programme. The training focus for mentors and judges was discussed, and the experts were reminded to tailor their approach and materials to meet the needs of the participants. The profiles of the ASEAN Sparks: Catalyse Judges and Mentors were also shared with the trainers, helping them adjust their teaching methods and materials accordingly.
Finally, during the ASEAN Sparks: Ignite Startups Onboarding, Dilla outlined the expectations and commitments required of the startups throughout the ASEAN Sparks Ignite Bootcamp. She emphasised the importance of active engagement, dedication to the process, and the overall goals of the programme, ensuring that each startup understood their role and responsibilities as they embarked on the bootcamp phase.
ASEAN Sparks is now fully activated and ready to deliver on its mission: to prepare the next generation of climate innovators to lead the region’s sustainable energy transition and contribute to achieving key Sustainable Development Goals. Strategic partners Innovation Factory and BLOCK71 bring additional capacity and regional connectivity, helping ensure the programme not only prepares startups for growth but integrates them into ASEAN’s broader innovation ecosystem.
ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) is an intergovernmental organisation within ASEAN structure that represents the 10 ASEAN Member States’ (AMS) interests in the energy sector.