Climate Tech Lab to Market

About

Climate Tech Lab to Market is Thailand’s first climate tech commercialization program, designed to empower researchers to transform decarbonization-focused research into real-world startups and scalable solutions.

Over 20 weeks, participants receive hands-on commercialization training, tailored mentorship from industry experts, Pilot clinics and direct matchmaking with corporates, venture capitalists, and venture builders—both in Thailand and internationally. The program culminates in a market-ready proposal and a strong network of potential partners and investors to bring climate innovations to life.

Apply now

Program benefits

Expert mentorship

Work 1:1 with a climate tech veteran or industry expert, or gain personalized guidance from a founder, investor, or corporate leader driving real-world impact.

Real customer validation

Find the problem your tech solves – Engage directly with potential customers to test your ideas and build solutions the market actually needs.

Corporate matching

Pitch to corporates ready to partner – Explore real collaboration and pilot opportunities with companies scouting climate solutions.

Funding exposure

Meet funders who back innovation – Access corporate R&D grants, government funds, and venture capital locally and globally.

Live deal flow access

Throughout the program, investors and corporates drop in with real mandates offering feedback, pilot deals, and investment discussions on the spot.

Fundable by graduation

Leave with a funding roadmap – By the end of the program, you’ll know your path to commercialization with the right partners, capital connections, and insights to launch or license your solution.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

20-week training program with 15 modules:

IP, contracts & collaboration models
Industry needs & corporate reverse pitch
Market & climate opportunity landscape
Customer & stakeholder discovery
Solution & partnership validation
Technology performance & field validation
Pilot & PoC design
Grant writing sprint I (Drafting)
Grant writing sprint II (Review & polish)
Pilot matching & negotiation
Techno-Economic Assessment (TEA)
Business formation & incorporation
Pitching for funders & partners
Pitch practice & refinement
Showcase & strategic matchmaking (Demo Day)

Research themes

The program focuses on research-driven solutions with clear applications for decarbonization and climate innovation across 8 priority themes.

Apply with solutions aligned with these themes or solutions that respond to selected corporate innovation challenges.

Explore corporate challenges

Renewable energy

Energy storage & smart grids

Sustainable mobility

AgriClimate & BioInnovation

Water management & climate resilience

Circular economy & waste management

Industrial decarbonization & CCUS

Energy efficiency & green buildings

Program timeline

20 Apr – 20 May 2026

Program open call

7 May 2026

AMA session with corporates

25 May – 5 Jun 2026

Application screening

15-17 Jun 2026

Interview screening

19 Jun 2026

Cohort announcement

3 Jul 2026

Program starts

1 Dec 2026

Showcase Day

Who can apply

Professors, researchers, post-doctoral fellows, PhD candidates and early-stage startups
Thai researchers based in Thailand or abroad.
Proficiency in Thai and English. The program will primarily be conducted in Thai, with select sessions in English.
Applicants should have prior experience in climate or sustainable energy research.
Ideal for researchers interested in turning their research into real-world impact through commercialization, entrepreneurship, and co-investment opportunities.

Apply now

Speakers & Mentors

Speaker
Bobby Mahasith CEO, GreenRocket VC + CEO, EcoloTech
Linkedin

Mentor
Peter du Pont Co-CEO, Asia Clean Energy Partners
LinkedIn

Speaker & Mentor
Dr. Tanyakorn Muangnapoh CEO, Nano Coating Tech Co., Ltd.
Linkedin

Speaker
Suleeporn Ratchapolsitte Human-centered Consultant/incubator
Linkedin

Speaker
Chatchanart Jiratornsirikul Founder in Residence, Wavemaker Impact
Linkedin

Testimonials

”This has been an excellent program. It has helped clarify many things I previously didn’t fully understand and changed the way I view the product we are building, the market, and our users. I truly feel I’ve grown to the next level.”

Vichit Polsungnoen
CEO, ESSCO Corporation

”Getting to talk to corporates directly and having them show genuine interest in our solution was the most exciting outcome. Being part of NEX and gaining access to its network gave us real credibility and helped open doors.”

Napat Parapat
COO, Videnvaren+

”The Lab to Market program sharpened my pitch, clarified our go-to-market strategy, and helped us develop a strong positioning statement. These are skills I’ll carry far beyond this program.”

Chawalkul Chotmunkhongsin
CTO, The Great White Whale

”The program was thoughtfully designed, beginning with the fundamentals that truly matter, from IP to customer discovery… It placed strong emphasis on communication and pitching, how to present ideas *with clarity* while safeguarding confidential information…. It advanced our thinking in strategic planning and execution, offering fresh perspectives and practical tools that we are already putting into action in real-world contexts.”

Thidarat Bunsri
CEO, BioSmart Materials and Technology (BMT)

”Before the program, our concept was technically compelling, but it lacked clear validation from corporations or real customers. Through the program, we received feedback from mentors and industry experts that helped us refine our value proposition and build a go-to-market strategy. This helps us transform our early-stage idea into a clearer business plan.”

Siripond Mullanu
PhD candidate, Swinburne University of Technology

FAQs

What do researchers get from the program?

Get matched with corporates looking for your solutions
Access funding from Thai and international VCs, venture builders, corporates, and government sources.
Receive mentorship from experts and from those who have successfully commercialized their research.
Gain support to take your solution to real customers in Thailand and beyond.
Join a community of climate tech researchers and industry experts.

How much time do researchers need to commit?

Researchers are expected to commit around 3 hours per week:

2 hours for online sessions every week from July 3 to December 1.
1 hour for homework and developing their commercialization plan.

Do I need to match a corporate innovation challenge to apply?

No. You can apply with any solution that fits within one of the 8 research themes. Solutions that match a corporate innovation challenge are welcome, but not required, and all applications are evaluated equally.

If my solution does not match a corporate innovation challenge, will I still have the opportunity to engage with corporate partners?

Yes. As long as your solution aligns with one of the 8 research themes, you will have opportunities to engage with corporate partners. Specific matches will depend on alignment and mutual interest.

What (Technology readiness level) TRL level is required for research projects?

We typically look for research at TRL 4–6, but applications below TRL 4 are also welcome, especially if you are ready to adapt your solution to real market needs.

Is the program available online or offline?

The program is primarily conducted online, with in-person orientation, corporate visits, and a final showcase on the last day.

Can I apply if I’m living outside Thailand?

Yes, as long as you hold Thai nationality, you are eligible to apply and participate in the program from anywhere in the world.

Is there any fee to join the program?

We do not charge any fee to join the program. However, to support its sustainability, a 5% success fee applies, only if your research secures funding as a result of participating.

What if I have more questions?

If you have more questions about the program, please send an email to our program team at oraya.wipawasombat@newenergynexus.com.