The 2025 cycle covered four ASEAN countries, namely Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Across these markets, the programme attracted more than 334 applications from over a dozen countries and engaged around 1,000 participants, including corporates, startups, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders. The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) contributed to this initiative as a Co-Organiser and Supporting Partner, while facilitating the participation of selected startups from its ASEAN SPARKS programme.
The Fast Track Pitch was conducted in two editions, held in Viet Nam and Kuala Lumpur.
Hanoi, Viet Nam
The Viet Nam edition of the Fast Track Pitch took pace in Hanoi on 27 January 2026 and brought together leading Vietnamese corporates and Japanese partners as Challenge Owners, alongside selected startups from across the region. The event followed a structured format consisting of opening remarks by representatives from Japan and Vietnam, startup pitch sessions, an award segment, and networking engagements among participants. From the ASEAN SPARKS portfolio, Klimatech and CAS Energy were selected by participating companies to present their solutions.
Klimatech presented its climate technology solution in response to the challenge set by Thang Long Industrial Park, with the goal of enabling decarbonisation across the industrial park and its manufacturing tenants. The startup showcased its integrated approach combining decentralised wind turbine systems, AI-enabled monitoring platforms, and circular economy solutions. By leveraging these technologies, Klimatech aims to support industrial players in reducing emissions while improving energy resilience. The solution demonstrated strong applicability across sectors facing climate vulnerability, particularly in advancing the development of climate-resilient infrastructure.
CAS Energy presented its solution to the Japanese challenge owner, to address the energy system optimisation and infrastructure efficiency. Central to its proposal is REGreen, an on-site organic waste circularity solution delivered through a zero-CAPEX and OPEX model. Positioned as a “greening-as-a-service” mechanism, REGreen removes financial and technical barriers for enterprises transitioning toward sustainable energy practices, while enabling immediate operational integration.
Photo 2. Klimatech as Thang Long Industrial Park Challenge Winner
Following the evaluation by the Challenge Owner, Klimatech was selected as the winning startup for its proposed solution to Thang Long Industrial Park. The selection reflects the relevance of its offering in addressing corporate sustainability priorities and its readiness for potential PoC collaboration.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The Malaysia edition of the Fast Track Pitch took place in Kuala Lumpur on 5 February and convened Malaysian and Japanese corporates, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders. The event maintained the same structured format, including opening remarks, pitch sessions, award presentations, and networking opportunities.
From the ASEAN SPARKS cohort, CAS Energy was selected once again by IHI Corporation to present its solution at the Malaysia pitch event. Building on its previous engagement, the startup further demonstrated the adaptability of its technology, positioning itself as an integrator of systems-based, climate-smart solutions. Its approach spans the green, blue, and circular economy, with a particular focus on supporting sustainable transformation in the agricultural sector.
The participation of ASEAN SPARKS startups across both Vietnam and Malaysia highlights the programme’s role in facilitating direct engagement between startups and corporates. It also reflects ACE’s continued efforts to support regional startups in accessing cross-border opportunities and translating innovation into practical collaboration.
ASEAN SPARKS is a programme that seeks to address climate and energy pressures by accelerating the growth of climate tech enterprises. The programme empowers early-stage startups with the tools, expertise, and networks needed to scale, while fostering a gender-inclusive environment that drives impactful clean energy solutions across the region. The programme is implemented by the ASEAN Centre of Energy (ACE) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), supported by Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan.
