Photo from New Energy Nexus Thailand
Across the globe, young people aren’t simply waiting for change: they make it happen. Under‑35 entrepreneurs are now two times more likely to run businesses with environmental or social missions compared to older founders. This surge in purpose-driven innovation comes as the renewable energy sector continues to grow, bringing massive opportunities for young people to shape its future.
According to the International Labour Organization, a fully embraced green transition could deliver up to 8.4 million jobs for youth worldwide.
Despite this projection, many young people in the Global South actually struggle to access clean energy careers, in part because of insufficient access to skills training. LinkedIn’s research shows that only 1 in 20 Gen Zs globally have the skills they need to tackle the climate crisis, compared to 1 in 8 of the wider workforce.
This gap between youth interest and actual readiness could slow down the clean energy sector’s momentum – but it could also be an opportunity.
Growing the youth clean energy pipeline
At New Energy Nexus, we recognize the urgency of closing this gap. That’s why we’re equipping young people around the world with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to step into the clean energy sector.
Here are five of our programs and joint initiatives doing just that:
Participants in the NEXGen program. Photo from New Energy Nexus Vietnam
The NEXGen – Vietnam
The NEXGen is building a strong pipeline of future clean energy leaders by enabling them to thrive in Vietnam’s clean energy transition. Designed for youth aged 18 to 30, it combines online learning, in-person mentorship, internships, and incubation to accelerate their success in the country’s growing clean energy sector. In 2024 alone, the NEXGen reached participants across 29 provinces, delivered over 100 hours of expert mentorship, and awarded 15 full scholarships to a regional climate conference.
Participants in the Youth Entrepreneurial Accelerator. Photo from New Energy Nexus California.
Youth Entrepreneurial Accelerator (YEA!) – California, U.S.
YEA! is California’s first program dedicated to preparing the next generation of clean energy innovators, with a focus on the Imperial Valley: a region brimming with entrepreneurial talent and home to one of the most promising lithium reserves in the U.S. Created in partnership with the Center for Social Innovation at UC Riverside, Imperial Valley College, and local workforce boards, the program connects students with clean energy career pathways and supports their growth within the emerging battery innovation economy. A key highlight is the Youth Innovation Summit, where hundreds of students met with energy experts, social impact leaders, and local startups to explore real opportunities in the clean energy space.
[RE]Power participants present their pitch during the energy policy ‘hackathon.’ Photo from New Energy Nexus Indonesia
[RE]Power is Indonesia’s first youth-led clean energy policy hackathon, created to empower young people to take an active role in shaping national energy strategies. The program brings together university students and early-career professionals to co-develop solutions to real-world energy challenges. With guidance from industry mentors and support from government stakeholders, participants sharpen their policy knowledge and leadership skills. Finalists then present their proposals directly to decision-makers, giving youth not just a voice, but real influence in advancing Indonesia’s clean energy future.
Participants of Ready, Spark, Charge: Hacking the Future of Energy discuss the local clean energy challenges and solutions. Photo from New Energy Nexus Philippines
Ready, Spark, Charge – The Philippines
Ready, Spark, Charge: Hacking the Future of Energy is the Philippines’ first clean energy startup hackathon, created to address the gap in climate-focused innovation within the country’s growing startup ecosystem. The program brings together students, developers, and early-stage entrepreneurs to design solutions to real-world energy access challenges. With support from industry mentors, participants develop working prototypes and pitch their ideas to clean energy leaders, building a stronger pipeline for climate and energy innovation in the Philippines.
Photo from New Energy Nexus Vietnam
Youth Internship Pilot – Vietnam & Uganda
In Vietnam and Uganda, New Energy Nexus is piloting youth internship programs in partnership with Student Energy to give young people hands-on access to the clean energy sector. In Vietnam, students aged 12 to 24 take part in training, mentorship, and real internships with local startups. The program culminates in a national summit that recognizes standout interns. In Uganda, fellows support rural energy enterprises by contributing to business development and launching community-based solutions. Both pilots aim to turn early interest into tangible skills, strong networks, and clear career pathways in clean energy.
Building ecosystems for the next generation
At New Energy Nexus, we believe the clean energy shift needs a constant pipeline of fresh ideas and capable leadership. That’s why we don’t just train young people, we work to integrate them into the clean energy ecosystem itself. Over the past 20 years, we’ve supported more than 10,000 entrepreneurs worldwide through 125 programs – and as we keep this up, we are looking to get more young people involved.
Because the clean energy transition won’t be won in boardrooms or labs alone; it will be driven by young innovators who are ready to build and scale the solutions we need.
We’ve seen it firsthand: young people are ready and eager to act. With the right support, they will shape the clean energy transition – and what comes after.
Want to get involved in clean energy innovation, in the Philippines and beyond? Check out our programs here.