The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and with support by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), is proud to officially launch the ASEAN Sparks website—an online platform dedicated to strengthening the clean energy innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem across the ASEAN region. 

Photo 1. ASEAN Sparks Website Overview 

Initially developed in November 2024, the ASEAN Sparks website was soft launched on 16 January 2025, marked by the publication of its first feature article, “Kick-Off Meeting on Enhancement of Clean Energy Technology Ecosystem and Its Connectivity in ASEAN Project.” Since then, the website has evolved into a dynamic platform that not only informs but also facilitates meaningful engagement among climate technology stakeholders throughout ASEAN. 

Photo 2. ASEAN Sparks First Feature Article 

The website serves as the digital hub of the ASEAN Sparks programme, which forms part of the “Enhancement of Clean Energy Technology Ecosystem and Connectivity in ASEAN” project. This regional initiative aims to scale up transformative clean energy and climate solutions by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment among micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups in ASEAN Member States (AMS). It contributes directly to ASEAN’s energy security, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability goals, while also advancing global climate targets and supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13 on Climate Action. It also aligns with the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase II: 2016–2025, especially the Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) Programme Area on enhancing the role of the private sector and financial institutions in promoting clean energy innovation. This project was endorsed by the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Sub-Sector Network (EE&C-SSN) on 30 April 2024 and subsequently by the 42nd Senior Officials’ Meeting on Energy (SOME) on 6 May 2024. 

The ASEAN Sparks website features multiple sections that showcase different dimensions of the programme. The homepage provides a comprehensive overview of the ASEAN Accelerator Programme and introduces its three core phases: Ignite, Catalyse, and Elevate. These phases represent the programme’s progression—from foundational mentoring and capacity building to intensive engagement with investors and regional pitching opportunities, and ultimately to international business matchmaking. The homepage also outlines the programme’s key objectives, which include strengthening the technical capacity and market readiness of clean energy and climate technology MSMEs and start-ups (ASEAN Sparks Accelerator Programme); enhancing policy and institutional support to foster an enabling environment for clean energy entrepreneurship within AMS (Clean Energy Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIEE) Policy Enhancement); and strengthening partnerships and networks within the CIEE ecosystem, involving governments, enterprises, institutions, and accelerator alumni (Network Development). 

Photo 3. ASEAN Sparks Homepage Overview 

The “Call for Applications” page invites both participants and experts to join the programme. The call for participants targets cleantech start-ups and MSMEs engaged in energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean energy, and related innovations, offering them access to tailored mentorship, expert-led webinars, and the opportunity to pitch their businesses in Japan. The call for experts seeks professionals with a strong background in clean energy innovation and entrepreneurship to support programme implementation and mentorship. Since the soft launch, the website has facilitated applications for both the Ignite and Catalyse phases, serving as a central entry point for start-ups and subject matter experts alike. 

Photo 4. ASEAN Sparks “Call For Applications” Page Overview 

The website also includes a “Publications” page, which will serve as a repository for analytical studies and technical papers aimed at equipping stakeholders with practical tools and policy insights. The first publication, titled “The Guidelines for Accelerating ASEAN Climate Technology in the Energy Sector,” offers a comprehensive set of methodologies, tools, and operational frameworks to support the implementation of ASEAN’s climate tech accelerator programmes. It also emphasises the importance of adapting these tools to local contexts to ensure their relevance and effectiveness across different AMS. 

Photo 5. ASEAN Sparks “Publications” Page Overview 

The “Webinar & Event” page provides access to the programme’s timeline of activities and learning opportunities. Start-up participants can view the recorded online bootcamps and workshops through this page. Meanwhile, the “News” section highlights press releases and feature stories related to ASEAN Sparks, with the soft launch article remaining a key reference on the programme’s foundational efforts and early progress. After each activity, reportage articles are added to this section to keep the public updated on the programme’s latest developments. 

Photo 6. ASEAN Sparks “Webinar & Event” Page (Left) and “News” Page (Right) Overview 

A key feature of the platform is the “Accelerator Hub”—a dedicated virtual space that promotes innovation, collaboration, and growth within ASEAN’s energy sector. This section includes a database of start-ups participating in ASEAN Sparks, from the Ignite to Catalyse phases. It is designed to connect cleantech MSMEs and start-ups with investors, technical experts, and industry stakeholders across the region and beyond, enabling meaningful knowledge exchange and fostering new partnerships that can drive clean energy innovation forward. 

Photo 6. ASEAN Sparks “Accelerator Hub” Page Overview 

The newly launched ASEAN Sparks website is envisioned as both a digital knowledge hub for clean energy innovation and a platform to connect cleantech start-ups with potential investors. It will continue to evolve as a space where clean energy innovators can actively engage with national, regional, and global stakeholders in the CIEE ecosystem. The platform also plays a vital role in fostering long-term partnerships with the private sector, which are expected to support national exit strategies and ensure the sustained impact of the programme beyond its initial period. 

With its official launch, ASEAN Sparks opens the door to greater visibility, engagement, and regional collaboration. The platform invites cleantech entrepreneurs, industry experts, policymakers, and partners to become part of a growing community committed to powering the future of clean energy in ASEAN. 

To explore the official ASEAN Sparks website, visit https://aseanenergy.org/asean-accelerator/about/ 

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About the Company 

Japan-ASEAN Integrated Fund (JAIF) is a trust fund established by the Government of Japan to support ASEAN integration. JAIF holds a key role to bridge the gap in ASEAN and enhance its competitiveness. JAIF has supported projects in a variety of areas, including health, counter-terrorism, environment, outreach, disaster management, and economic integration. Learn more about JAIF on jaif.asean.org. 

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting and accelerating inclusive and sustainable industrial development in developing countries. Its mandate is to help countries achieve poverty reduction, inclusive globalization, and environmental sustainability through industrial development. Learn more about UNIDO on unido.org. 

ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) is an intergovernmental organisation within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) structure that represents the 10 ASEAN Member States’ (AMS) interests in the energy sector.  ACE focuses on accelerating energy integration and promoting energy security and sustainability within the region. Learn more about ACE on aseanenergy.org. 

Innovation Factory is a technology and innovation hub in Indonesia as a platform for innovation initiatives, where we enable key actors in the tech startup ecosystem to meet, collaborate and grow together. As Strategic Partners of the ASEAN Sparks, Innovation Factory and BLOCK71 are instrumental in delivering the full ASEAN Sparks experience: connecting stakeholders, enabling collaborations, and ensuring a seamless, impactful programme execution. Learn more about Innovation Factory & BLOCK71 Indonesia on innofactory.co and block71.co.  

Media Contact 

• Amara Zahra Djamil, Junior Communication Officer, ASEAN Centre for Energy ([email protected])  

• Melati Hendaryani, Community Manager, Innovation Factory & BLOCK71 Indonesia ([email protected])