Indonesia
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Program

Smart Energy Program

Powering climate startups to scale and succeed

About

In 2019, we launched the Smart Energy Program in partnership with the IKEA Foundation through a US$10 million grant, with a shared goal of strengthening Indonesia’s clean energy entrepreneurship ecosystem. The program was designed to provide hands-on business advisory and support services to early-stage entrepreneurs focusing on innovative clean energy ventures. This was done through training, mentorship, strategic networks, and catalytic funding.

While the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted in-person engagement and delayed some goals, the program adapted quickly. By 2023, the Smart Energy Program had supported numerous startups, helped build local capacity, and laid a solid foundation for future clean energy initiatives. It remains a key part of our ongoing mission to empower entrepreneurs driving Indonesia’s energy transition.

Program impact

27,115
+

outreach participants

269

startups applied

77

startups accepted (43 incubation/ 35 acceleration)

41

Connex Energy Meetup events

35

[RE]Charge Bootcamps

3

hackathons

27,115
+

outreach participants

269

startups applied

77

startups accepted (43 incubation/ 35 acceleration)

41

Connex Energy Meetup events

35

[RE]Charge Bootcamps

3

hackathons

Building the clean energy startup pipeline
Our goal was to identify and support promising entrepreneurs in the emerging clean energy ecosystem. With few existing platforms tailored to clean energy startups, we created a range of outreach programs to inspire, educate, and connect early-stage innovators, particularly youth, with opportunities to build and scale climate solutions.
Awareness & ecosystem engagement
Connex Energy MeetUps – Event to build visibility and understanding of clean energy entrepreneurship
  • Public talks & panels with founders, innovators, and sector experts
  • Networking with fellow stakeholders, from students to investors
  • Understand pathways to join our startup support initiatives
Ideation & early startup support
[RE]Charge Ideation Bootcamps – Equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools to develop viable clean energy startup ideas.
  • Workshops to apply frameworks like product market fit and business model canvas
  • Team-based learning with peers to refine early concepts
  • Expert-led sessions from mentors, founders, and clean energy professionals
  • Startup readiness funnel to get considered for entry into incubation
Innovation in action
Hackathons to fast-track innovation and uncover fresh solutions to real-world clean energy challenges.
  • Themed competitions to solve clean energy problems in a time-bound format
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration to build diverse teams of youth, students, and professionals
  • Mentor check-ins for feedback and guidance throughout the process
  • Pitch your prototype to expert judges and potential partners to win prize money
Investor networking
Investment speed dating & fireside chats to bridge the gap between clean energy startups and the capital they need to grow.
  • 1:1 meetings with curated investors
  • Fireside chats to hear directly from investors about their portfolios
  • Funding strategy tips to learn what makes a startup investable
  • Relationship building for long-term connections with impact-driven capital
Startup growth support
Incubation & acceleration programs to help startups go from concept to scale with targeted support.
  • Tailored mentorship with industry experts for strategic guidance
  • Technical & business training to deep dive into product, growth, and operations
  • Access to a peer learning community of fellow clean energy founders
  • Demo Days & investor pitching to showcase your progress to potential backers
Smart Energy Grants

The Smart Energy Grants was set up as a non-commercial funding initiative for the program, designed to help selected startups develop prototypes and validate product-market fit. The grant supports early-stage teams in turning climate and clean energy ideas into viable businesses.

Indonesia 1 Fund

A catalytic investment vehicle by New Energy Nexus, the Indonesia 1 Fund backs renewable energy startups from Pre-Seed to Series A that deliver strong economic, social, and environmental impact. The fund aims to close early-stage funding gaps, de-risk ventures for follow-on investors, and accelerate the growth of high-potential companies, while achieving long-term capital appreciation.

Learn more about the startups that were recipients of these grants and funding.

Learn More
What we achieved through the Indonesia 1Fund and Smart Energy Grant:
16

clean energy startups supported

31,192
tCO₂ₑ

reduced

202

jobs created (44 women employees)

8

co-investors

US$
18.2
M

co-investment mobilized

US$
10.2
M

follow-on investment committed to promising startups

16

clean energy startups supported

31,192
tCO₂ₑ

reduced

202

jobs created (44 women employees)

8

co-investors

US$
18.2
M

co-investment mobilized

US$
10.2
M

follow-on investment committed to promising startups