The International Day of Clean Energy is an annual reminder that the energy transition needs to be fast. But it also has to be fair; communities and livelihoods are at stake, and no one should be left behind.

Around the world, clean energy entrepreneurs are proving that the energy shift and social impact can go hand in hand. They are building solutions, training the next generation, and connecting technology to real needs.

Having backed over 10,000 entrepreneurs over the last two decades, we’ve seen this every day. From training local solar installers to deploying innovative cooling systems, supporting founders means helping ideas turn into tangible change that strengthens communities and powers a just, resilient clean energy future.

Here are a few examples:

1. Sunstruck Solar Solutions (Philippines)

Training the next generation of solar installers

After 22 years working on oil barges, Henry Cequina shifted to clean energy, founding Sunstruck Solar Solutions, which has installed over 7 MWp of solar power across the Philippines.

But Henry didn’t stop at deployment. He’s now partnered with New Energy Nexus Philippines’ New Energy Academy to strengthen both technical and business skills. Today, Sunstruck helps train the next generation of solar installers and entrepreneurs across the region, building local capacity while supporting the clean energy transition.

“What I saw as a big gap in Davao… is the lack of certified solar installers, and also the lack of training providers. What really made me decide to become a training partner… is to standardize installations here,” said Henry Cequina, founder of Sunstruck Solar Solutions, Inc.

By investing in skills alongside infrastructure, Sunstruck ensures the transition creates durable livelihoods rather than just megawatts.

Henry Cequina, founder of Sunstruck Solar Solutions, Inc., facilitating a New Energy Academy training session in Davao City, Philippines.

2. Volto SEA (Indonesia)

Cheaper, more efficient boat motors for fisherfolk

For fishing communities on Bungin Island, rising fuel prices and unreliable cold storage have long eaten into incomes. Volto SEA introduced electric outboard motors designed for small-scale fishers, lowering operating costs and protecting the marine environment.

“The sea is the heartbeat of life in Bungin [Island]. By replacing fossil fuel engines with electric motors, we’re not just offering innovation—we’re honoring the maritime way of life and supporting a more sustainable future,” said Yindy Kurniawan, CEO of Volto SEA.

Backed by New Energy Nexus Indonesia, Volto SEA demonstrates that clean energy can strengthen traditional livelihoods while supporting long-term resilience.

Yindy Kurniawan, CEO of Volto Sea, developed the electric outboard motor for Lelepa boats through a collaboration with New Energy Nexus. Photo by Mas Agung Wilis Yudha Bhaskoro

3. SunSawang (Thailand)

Empowering border communities with solar energy

Salinee Hurley, founder of SunSawang, has broken through the barriers faced by women entrepreneurs to deliver solar solutions to off-grid communities along the Thailand–Myanmar border.

SunSawang’s model empowers local families to adopt solar power sustainably, trains community members as technicians, and fosters long-term energy independence.

“Free installations may help in the short term, but the real goal is to empower people to access energy independently in the long run,” said Salinee Hurley, founder of SunSawang.

By centering communities and building local skills, SunSawang shows that equity and energy access go hand in hand. SunSwang is supported by New Energy Nexus Thailand through the SolarSTEP program

Salinee Hurley. Photo from SunSawang

4. Community Energy Labs (United States – California)

Optimized heating and cooling for schools and public buildings

Buildings generate roughly 40 percent of global carbon emissions. Community Energy Labs, alumni of New Energy Nexus California’s CalSEED program, helps schools and public buildings cut energy costs with “self-driving” systems that continuously optimize heating and cooling.

“Our technology takes something that feels really hard to a lot of building operators… complex, expensive, and very frustrating… and turns it into a hands-off solution. It saves time, money, and hassle,” said Tanya Barham, CEO of Community Energy Labs.

Savings can flow back into communities, showing that climate action can support social priorities while cutting emissions.

Community Energy Labs at Sonora Elementary.

Empowering entrepreneurs to lead the transition

Across sectors and geographies, these founders share a common thread: they build clean energy solutions that work for people. New Energy Nexus provides the training, mentorship, connections, and funding founders need to scale responsibly. Through accelerators, programs like the New Energy Academy, and access to global networks, we help turn bold ideas into real-world impact.

These stories show a clear lesson: the transition succeeds fastest when it is inclusive, grounded, and built with communities at its core.

Grow clean energy solutions with your community. Explore our programs and get support at join-nex.co/programs

A new milestone in green jobs training has placed Mindanao at the forefront of solar workforce development: Woodrow Solar Power Philippines, a training partner of the New Energy Academy, has become one of the first solar companies in Mindanao to secure the Certificate of TVET Program Registration (CTPR) under TESDA’s Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) program.

TESDA’s EBET program ensures that private training providers like Woodrow Solar Power align with national standards, enabling graduates to receive credentials that carry industry-wide recognition and greater employment opportunities.

The awarding ceremony was witnessed by leaders from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), underscoring the government’s commitment to building a stronger clean energy workforce.

(From left to right) Atty Russel A. Jallorina, Asst. Regional Director DOLE-IX; Tarhata S. Mapandi, CESO III, Regional Director, TESDA IX; Ms. Manie Pino, Co-owner of Woodrow Solar Power; Engr. Alan T. Bacatan, Asst. Regional Director / Provincial Director PO-Zamboanga del Norte, during the signing of Memorandum of Agreement.

Partnership with New Energy Academy

Since January 2024, Woodrow Solar Power has been a training partner of the New Energy Academy – a learning platform powered by New Energy Nexus, GSES, and OpenSolar. New Energy Academy collaborates with solar companies across the Philippines to deliver blended solar training: online courses that cover the fundamentals of solar technology and business, combined with localized hands-on training delivered by partners such as Woodrow.

Woodrow Solar Power Philippines x New Energy Academy Solar Training Program Batch 1 – Hands-on Practical Training

This partnership allows learners in Mindanao to benefit from both global best practices and real-world industry experience. Under the leadership of Engr. Woodrow Pino, Woodrow Solar Power has conducted training programs since February 2024, producing 12 batches of graduates who are equipped with job-ready skills.

TESDA accreditation validates the quality of Woodrow Solar Power and New Energy Academy’s training. With the TESDA seal now featured on every graduate’s certificate, participants gain professional credibility, higher employability, and greater mobility within the solar industry. Beyond recognition, this milestone positions Woodrow to potentially become a TESDA-accredited assessment center, further strengthening its role in certifying the next generation of solar workers.

Milestone for Mindanao

By securing TESDA CTPR accreditation, Woodrow Solar Power sets a precedent for renewable energy training providers in Mindanao. The recognition validates years of effort to professionalize solar training and empower local communities with skills critical to the country’s energy transition.

Woodrow Solar Power Philippines x New Energy Academy Solar Training Program Batch 2 graduates

With TESDA’s support, New Energy Academy’s nationwide training ecosystem, and a growing pool of skilled graduates, the Woodrow Solar–NEA partnership is poised to strengthen its role as a leader in solar training. Their journey reflects a shared mission – to accelerate the energy transition by equipping Filipinos with the knowledge, experience, and skills needed to thrive in the solar industry.

New Energy Nexus builds ecosystems worldwide to support clean energy entrepreneurs, helping them scale through mentorship, connections, and access to capital. Through the New Energy Academy, we are not only developing a pipeline of new innovators and bridging the skills gap in renewables, but also transforming ideas and industry interest into real-world impact.

The energy transition is gaining momentum in the Philippines and across the globe, with clean energy innovators driving change at the frontlines. Having supported more than 10,000 entrepreneurs already, we’ve seen firsthand what’s possible when vision meets opportunity. With initiatives like the New Energy Academy, we’re preparing even more changemakers to lead the charge toward a future powered by 100% clean energy for all.

Want to get involved? Check out more inspiring stories and opportunities in the Philippines here.

Rooftop solar panel. Stock photo

A recent study by Ateneo de Manila University, published in Challenges in Sustainability, sheds light on the persistent barriers preventing the widespread adoption of rooftop solar power (RTSP) in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Led by Professor Rosalina Palanca-Tan, the study surveyed 403 respondents to understand why households remain hesitant to invest in solar technology despite its clear economic and environmental benefits.

The study’s findings were recently featured in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, sparking a public discussion on its Facebook post, which highlighted several recurring concerns: high upfront costs, lengthy return on investment (ROI) periods, bureaucratic hurdles, technical challenges, and a lack of government support. Let’s look into the key challenges raised around rooftop solar adoption, and explore potential solutions.

A word cloud generated from people’s responses on the Facebook post.

Why aren’t more Filipinos switching to solar?

1. High cost of installation and ROI concerns

Many consumers cited the high initial cost of installing solar power systems as a major barrier. The upfront investment often matches several years’ worth of electricity bills, making it difficult for households to justify the expense. Additionally, long return-on-investment (ROI) periods discourage adoption, particularly in the absence of accessible financing options.

2. Lack of financing options

Access to financing remains a significant barrier to rooftop solar adoption. With limited options for low-interest loans or flexible payment schemes, households struggle to afford the initial investment, making solar installations less accessible to the broader public, especially to residential consumers.

3. Regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles

The slow and complex application process for net metering was another major concern. Many consumers reported waiting over six months and encountering excessive requirements that hindered their ability to connect their solar systems to the grid.

4. Service and maintenance issues

Some consumers highlighted issues related to improper system sizing, inefficiency, and high maintenance costs. Concerns included roof leaks due to poor installation, the lifespan of batteries, and the disposal of solar panels. These barriers make the transition to solar more challenging for prospective users.

5. Quality of solar technologies & local manufacturing

The absence of local solar manufacturers results in reliance on expensive imported components. Concerns about substandard or inefficient technologies make consumers hesitant to invest.

6. Lack of government support and incentives

Unlike countries such as Australia and Canada, which offer tax breaks, subsidies, and no-interest loans, the Philippine government provides minimal financial incentives for residential RTSP. This lack of support further discourages households from making the switch to solar energy.

7. Limited competition in the market

The industry is still dominated by a few major players, limiting consumer choices and competitive pricing. More players entering the market could drive innovation and lower costs through competition.

Who’s addressing these gaps?

At New Energy Nexus Philippines, we recognize that overcoming these barriers requires a multi-faceted approach—one that not only enhances technical expertise but also builds trust within communities. This is why it’s important to empower the solar industry, especially smaller players, with the right tools and knowledge to drive solutions forward. Our programs, particularly the Solar Innovation Program (SIP) and Solar Community Meetups, are designed to do just that.

Strengthening the Solar Industry

SIP provides targeted support for solar PV installers, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies, and solar equipment suppliers to improve their competitiveness in the market. Through learning sessions and workshops, participants gain essential knowledge in:

• Addressing common challenges in closing deals with clients;
• Effectively promoting and marketing their services;
• Exploring financing mechanisms with financial institutions to make solar more affordable for households; and;
• Expanding business opportunities beyond residential installations.

By empowering solar entrepreneurs, SIP tackles concerns related to business growth, financing gaps, and limited competition in the market. A stronger and more competitive solar industry ultimately leads to better installation quality, reduced costs, and more accessible financing options for households.

SIP 2024 graduates during the culminating activity in Cebu City.

Building Trust in the Industry

Beyond technical training, shifting public perception is crucial for accelerating RTSP adoption. Our Solar Community Meetups serve as a bridge between solar entrepreneurs, technical experts, policymakers, and consumers by fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing. These gatherings provide a space for entrepreneurs to exchange insights and share best practices, address bureaucratic challenges with government stakeholders, streamline net metering processes, and advocate for stronger policy support. Additionally, they highlight success stories from early adopters, encouraging more households to consider solar power.

By fostering an ecosystem of collaboration and trust, Solar Community Meetups contribute to addressing skepticism and misinformation surrounding RTSP. The insights gathered from these discussions also help inform future policy recommendations, ensuring that the needs of solar entrepreneurs and consumers are effectively addressed.

DOE Assistant Secretary Mylene Capongcol presenting the Department of Energy’s renewable energy plans at the SCM in Davao.

A collective effort for solar growth

The concerns raised in the Facebook post reflect the frustrations and aspirations of many Filipinos when it comes to solar energy adoption. While challenges such as high costs, bureaucratic red tape, and technical difficulties persist, programs like the SIP and Solar Community Meetups provide platforms that empower solar entrepreneurs to drive industry-wide improvements.

Panel discussion during the SIP 2024 culmination featuring Hon. Nestor Archival (Cebu City Government), Engr. Titus Ragrario (Jinko Solar), Engr. Richard Alfafara (Visayan Electric Company – VECO), and Engr. Woodrow Pino (Woodrow Solar Power), sharing insights on accelerating rooftop solar adoption. Photo

Ultimately, expanding the adoption of RTSP in the Philippines requires a collective effort from businesses, the government, private companies, and Filipino communities. By equipping solar entrepreneurs with knowledge and resources, and by fostering trust through community engagement, we can create a more inclusive and resilient solar industry that benefits both consumers and the environment.

Want to get more involved in the Filipino clean energy space? Learn more about our programs in the Philippines here.

The clean energy transition isn’t just happening in labs or boardrooms—it’s also being built on university campuses across the Philippines. At the heart of this movement are Technology Business Incubators (TBIs), which help entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into real-world solutions.

That’s why New Energy Nexus Philippines, together with UMWAD Consortium, DOST Region 6, Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), and Innovate Iloilo, recently hosted an Energy Incubation Program Training for university TBIs in Region 6. This hands-on training brought together 11 universities and institutions* from across the Visayas to build the skills, partnerships, and strategies needed to launch the next generation of climate-tech and clean energy startups.

Here’s what we learned—and why it matters.

1. 🚀 Energy innovation needs a boost from campus to market
From solar-powered aquaculture to digital energy audits, university teams in the Visayas are brimming with ideas. But many clean energy startups still struggle with business models and go-to-market strategies. TBIs are stepping up to fill this gap—but they need more support to guide founders from research to revenue.

2. 🔍 Manual energy audits are holding back progress
Several universities highlighted how energy auditing is still done manually—a time-consuming and inefficient process. Digitizing these audits presents a major opportunity for startups and researchers to develop tech-based solutions that can scale across the region.

3. 📚 Clean energy is sparking curiosity in classrooms
Interest in energy innovation is growing among students and faculty alike. At schools like the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, clean energy topics—from IoT to smart grids—are becoming central to research and student projects. That’s a strong sign of a rising talent pipeline.

4. 🏛️ Stronger university integration = stronger incubation
To thrive, TBIs need to be embedded into the fabric of the university—not siloed from students, researchers, or decision-makers. Active outreach and curriculum alignment can help make energy entrepreneurship a core part of the academic journey.

5. 🤝 Co-incubation is the way forward
NEX Philippines is inviting TBIs to co-incubate energy startups with us—combining resources, networks, and expertise. It’s a powerful model for supporting startups that are tackling the region’s biggest energy challenges. (This reflects NEX’s global strategy of ecosystem collaboration.)

6. 💸 Funding and experts are make-or-break for TBIs
TBIs need more than just enthusiasm. Sustained operations require access to technical experts, funding sources, and proven business models. Without this, even the most promising ideas risk stalling out before they leave the lab.

7. 🎓 Energy entrepreneurship needs to be taught
TBIs are exploring how to integrate clean energy into research, extension programs, and classroom instruction. Building climate-tech capacity isn’t just about startup competitions—it’s about transforming the entire education system to prepare innovators for the real world.

Mervin Perez of Technological University of the Philippines – Visayas HIVE TBI, presenting their startup incubation plan.

What’s Next for Region 6?

This training is just the beginning. NEX Philippines is already planning:

• Follow-up workshops on energy trends, startup mentorship, and sustainable business modeling
• Demo days and showcases to spotlight regional clean energy innovations
• Curriculum development aligned with energy entrepreneurship
• Ecosystem-building efforts that connect universities with funders, government, and private sector partners

Behind every climate-tech startup is an ecosystem that helped make it happen. And as this training showed, Region 6 is full of institutions ready to lead.

NEX Philippines is proud to support this momentum—and we’re just getting started. Find out more about our work in the Philippines!

The workshop brought together 11 TBIs and institutions across the region:

West Visayas State University BINHI TBI | University of the Philippines – Visayas Seeds TBI | Iloilo Science and Technology University KWADRA TBI | Technological University of the Philippines – Visayas HIVE | Northern Iloilo State University QUINTO | Capiz State University CAPSULE Agri-Aqua TBI | Central Philippines University CPUGAD TBI | Guimaras State University ISLA TBI | University of Antique | Coastline 5023: DOST – UP Visayas Fisheries TBI | Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology DIKE

Eva Lisa Adoremos, Senior Vice President of GAIA Corp—a participant of NEXAccelerate Philippines 2025.

While the Philippines’ startup ecosystem is expanding rapidly, clean energy startups remain underrepresented in mainstream acceleration programs.

According to the 2024 ecosystem report by New Energy Nexus (NEX) Philippines, there has been a sixfold increase in clean energy startups, collectively raising nearly $1.3 million. However, 87% of these funds came from grants and competitions, underscoring the sector’s reliance on non-investment-based funding sources.

Recognizing the need for targeted support, NEX Philippines launched NEXAccelerate Philippines 2025, an 8-month program dedicated to helping early-revenue and growth-stage clean energy and climate-tech startups scale their ventures. This year, six startups have joined the cohort, bringing innovative solutions across various sectors, from sustainable mobility to waste management and energy analytics.

Meet the startups with brilliant solutions in a country brimming with clean energy potential:

• Lycan Motorcycles – Lycan Motorcycles is a 100% Filipino-owner electric vehicle (EV) company that designs, engineers and manufactures bespoke electric motorcycles and energy systems. They are the first to develop an AI- and IoT-enabled motorbike in the country.
• Hive Energy PH – Hive Energy PH offers renewable energy-powered portable power stations as back-up power for island communities and businesses.
• GAIA Corp – Focused on climate adaptation, GAIA’s CoolRoof Program is a geoengineering approach that mitigates heat gain by applying reflective coatings on buildings to reduce indoor temperatures and lower energy consumption.
• Next2Fly – They provide a waste management solution through the use of black soldier flies. Next2Fly transforms organic waste into valuable resources such as larvae for animal feed and organic fertilizers.
• Light of Hope  –  Light of Hope brings its renewable energy (RE)-powered cloud grid units to off-grid communities as a source for backup power and alternative energy.
• Bayoa Analytics – Specializing in energy data modeling, Bayoa provides businesses with insights on energy trends and forecasts. Their expertise extends to hardware design (schematics, board designs, and prototyping) and software development, helping clients optimize energy consumption and efficiency.

Photo from Lycan Motorcycles, a participant of NEXAccelerate Philippines 2025

The impact of acceleration programs on clean energy innovation in the Philippines

Startup accelerators like NEXAccelerate Philippines are key to driving clean energy innovation. By providing mentorship, funding access, and business development support, they help startups tackle capital constraints, regulatory challenges, and market barriers.

This year’s cohort—Lycan Motorcycles advancing EV adoption, GAIA enhancing climate resilience with reflective tech, and Next2Fly innovating waste management through circular economy principles—are solving urgent environmental challenges. The program isn’t just about scaling startups; it’s about accelerating the Philippines’ energy transition through homegrown solutions.

With sustained support from investors, policymakers, and industry leaders, initiatives like NEXAccelerate are bridging the funding gap, strengthening ecosystems, and unlocking opportunities for climate-focused entrepreneurs—powering a cleaner, more resilient future.

NEXAccelerate Philippines 2025

The Philippines’ clean energy startup ecosystem is gaining momentum, with more entrepreneurs developing solutions to tackle climate change and advance the energy transition.

NEXAccelerate Philippines empowers startups with the skills, networks, and resources to secure investment and scale. The program includes tailored learning on fundraising and market expansion, expert mentorship, strategic networking, and pitching opportunities to investors and partners.

Ralph Ebora, NEXPH Program Manager for Startup Development, discusses the topic of transitioning to a clean energy economy.

The challenge of transitioning to clean energy

The transition to a 100% clean energy system is a complex undertaking. Energy systems are deeply foundational, influencing every aspect of human society. Transforming infrastructures built over centuries requires collaboration among multiple stakeholders, resources, innovative approaches, and precise timing to succeed.

Key issues such as transforming transport systems, increasing renewable energy adoption, and enabling energy consumers to use energy more efficiently are regularly discussed in conferences and meetings. While some ideas inspire change in communities, many remain just discussions due to limited resources and a lack of clarity on how to proceed.

Participants of Ready, Spark, Charge 2024: Hacking the Future of Energy

What are hackathons for?

Hackathons are events that bring together individuals from diverse sectors to brainstorm and develop innovative solutions to pressing challenges. They provide an impactful platform for turning discussions into action.

The concept of a hackathon combines “hack” (exploratory coding) with “marathon,” emphasizing intensive teamwork and rapid prototyping. While originally centered on software, hackathons have evolved to encompass broader challenges, including those in energy and climate innovation.

Participants of Ready, Spark, Charge 2023

Climate and energy hackathons in the Philippines

Over the past four years, New Energy Nexus Philippines has hosted an annual hackathon to gather energy and climate innovators. These events provide participants with feedback from industry practitioners, improving the feasibility and marketability of their ideas, as well as resources to develop their solutions further.

Continuing this tradition, Ready, Spark, Charge 2024: Hacking the Future of Energy assembled over 30 participants from across the Philippines for 2.5 days of collaboration, problem-solving, and innovation. Teams left not just with ideas but with actionable solutions ready for testing and implementation.

Bradley Cua, resource speaker, engages participants during the gallery walk session, discussing the challenge statement on energy efficiency in industries and offering additional insights.

The hackathon began with participants arriving with eager minds and a shared commitment to solve some of the country’s most pressing energy challenges. The first two days saw participants discuss key energy topics in the Philippines, such as energy efficiency, sustainable transport, and renewable energy adoption.

Drawing from the discussions, they then teamed up to brainstorm viable energy solutions. Experienced business and tech mentors helped narrow down their concepts based on feasibility, marketability, and potential impact.

Joshua Bascos of Team WATTsUp presenting their startup idea during the Day 2 mentoring session.

On the final day, the teams had a few minutes to pitch their solutions to a panel of judges, who probed their ideas, which ranged from eco-friendly briquettes to AI-powered energy assistants. In the end, four standout teams were recognized: Greenewables, SmartER, SolScribe, and WATTsUp.

The hackathon succeeded by generating innovative solutions through a collective effort from its participants. More importantly, it built strong bonds among the country’s future energy changemakers.

Engr. Erickson Tacda and Dr. Marilyn Calub of Greenwables receive the RSC 2024 Grand Champion and Best Pitcher Award.

The impact of collective innovation

The hackathon demonstrated the potential of collaborative innovation in addressing decades-old energy challenges. By bringing together passionate individuals and providing them with resources and guidance, New Energy Nexus Philippines fostered a space where transformative ideas could take root.

The real challenge lies ahead—ensuring that these promising innovations continue to develop and deliver the impact they envision. As these solutions progress, they serve as a beacon of hope for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future in the Philippines and beyond.

Participants of Ready, Spark, Charge 2024: Hacking the Future of Energy

Brenda Valerio is the country director of New Energy Nexus Philippines.