Where Challenge
Meets Opportunity

Indonesia holds massive potential for a clean energy future, and the next generation of innovators is leading the way. The Indonesian Energy Innovation Challenge is your chance to pitch bold ideas, connect with key players, and spark real change. Are you a student or entrepreneur with a breakthrough solution for renewable energy? This is your moment. Apply now!

Apply Here

What Happened Previously?

In 2024, we proudly celebrated two remarkable winners: Boolet, a startup transforming chopstick and skewer waste into sustainable wood products, and Kawani Cihud, whose innovative hydropower solution won the Impact Solution Pitch Category. Like past winners, they are now part of the Indonesian Energy Transition Network, amplifying their impact through new opportunities and collaborations.

In 2023, we worked with Plana (Startup Category) and Powerflex (Impact Solution Pitch Category), producing insightful interviews that now strengthen our business portfolio.

Back in 2022, the Startup Pitch winner joined the session “Energy Startups: Challenging Business Development and Funding” at Enlit Asia 2022 in Bangkok, alongside Stefanie Mayr, Prempreedee Kitirattrakarn, and Kent Goeking, PhD, discussing how startups, investors, and incubators can align to drive the energy transition.

Previous Collaborating Partners

Media Partners

Our Mission

"To empower and mobilize the next generation of innovators to develop impactful solutions for the energy transition and sustainable island development driving Indonesia toward a cleaner, more resilient future"

The General Theme

Accelerating Indonesia Energy Resiliency and
Sustainable Practices

There are two categories for you to choose!

Energy Transition Innovations

How might we accelerate Indonesia’s transition to clean, affordable, and inclusive energy through innovative solutions?
This category focuses on the development of new energy systems and renewable energy solutions that address Indonesia’s urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonize its energy sector.
Ideal for startups, student teams, or researchers working at the intersection of technology, policy, entrepreneurship, and climate resilience.
Guide Book

Sustainable Islands Innovations

How might we reimagine island living through sustainable, low-carbon solutions that protect people and nature?
With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in island sustainability. This category seeks ideas and solutions that empower island communities to thrive through sustainable energy, waste, water, tourism, and blue economy innovations.
Open to interdisciplinary teams passionate about local impact, community empowerment, and innovation tailored for unique island contexts.
Guide Book

Notes: “Participants may apply under only one category. However, ideas that bridge both categories (e.g., solar-powered ecotourism in islands) are welcomed, as long as they are clearly aligned with the chosen theme.”

Timeline

20th May – 1st August 2025
Open Registration

Fill in the registration form about a short brief of your team profile! You can Apply Now

20th May – 1st August 2025
Document Submission

After filling the form, you will receive an email for a follow up brief of things to be cleared and uploaded before the deadline of submission. Participants may have to send their pitch deck of their idea/business profile to the email. For further information, please check your email or guidebook.

13th August 2025
Finalists Announcement

Based on the evaluation of your submitted idea, there will be selected finalists that will go through the next round.

2nd August – 20th August 2025
Pitching Video Submission

Announce finalists will have to submit video of presenting the idea/start-up with the pitch deck/product before the deadline.

28th August 2025
Finalists Pitching Day

This is a live session held in online meeting with the judges. Prepare yourself for a question and answer session

28th August 2025
Winner Announcement

Winner will be announced in all social media of Indonesia Energy Innovation Challenge

1st September 2025
Meeting with Winners

Previous Winners

Boolet
Boolet

Boolet is a startup that aims to tackle Indonesia’s waste problem by building a circular economy ecosystem.

Boolet focuses on giving used natural materials—such as discarded skewers and chopsticks—a new life by transforming them into valuable, durable, and functional products. Through innovative recycling processes, these materials are turned into high quality product materials that can be used across various applications.

Beyond waste recycling, Boolet also works to empower local craftspeople by helping them integrate these sustainable materials into their creations. By doing so, Boolet not only reduces waste and environmental impact but also adds economic value to local products and strengthens community livelihoods.

In essence, Boolet combines environmental innovation and social impact, turning everyday waste into meaningful opportunities for people and the planet.

More Details
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Winners Indonesian Energy Innovation Challenge

Webinars & Interviews

Our Teams

Have the opportunity to pitch your innovative solution to high-profile professionals in the energy sectors.

Alfath Alima Hakim

Indonesian Energy Innovation Challenge

Manager

Leony Manurung

Energy Investment Management

Scout

Leon Pulles

Energy Investment Management

Judge

Adrianto Darmoyo

Medco


Judge

Kamia Handayani

PLN

Judge

Yudo Anggoro

SBM ITB

Judge

Rifqi Al-Ghifari

BANANA

Judge

General FAQ

The Indonesian Energy Innovation Challenge (IEIC) 2025 is a national innovation competition aimed at discovering and supporting breakthrough ideas in energy transition and island sustainability. It invites students, researchers, and startups to pitch solutions that accelerate Indonesia’s progress toward a clean, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Registration Deadline
1 August 2025 at 23:59 WIB

Pitching Video Submission Deadline
20 August 2025 at 23:59 WIB

Please ensure that all registration forms and required documents are submitted before these deadlines to remain eligible for the competition.

There are two categories:

  • Category 1: Energy Transition Innovations – Focused on clean energy, energy access, grid systems, financing models, etc.
  • Category 2: Sustainable Islands Innovations – Focused on waste management, sustainable tourism, renewable energy, energy management, and blue economy innovations for island communities.
  • Students, early-stage startups, researchers, or entrepreneurs based in Indonesia.
  • Teams must propose a for-profit social venture with measurable impact and alignment with at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

Yes, but you must choose one main category to apply under. Cross-cutting ideas (e.g., solar powered ecotourism on an island) are welcome as long as they align clearly with your chosen category.

You will be judged using the IEIC 2025 Scorecard, which covers four areas:

  • Team: Roles, skills, communication, and organization
  • Idea: Problem clarity, innovation, user feedback
  • Impact: SDG alignment, KPIs, potential for scalable impact
  • Business Viability: Business model, profitability, competitive advantage.
  • Qualifiers: Idea submission and video pitch
  • National Round: Market validation and go-to-market strategy
  • Accelerator Phase: Partnerships and early results
  • Finals: Pitch with business scaling strategy.

IEIC strongly encourages:

  • Representation from multiple islands, universities, and disciplines
  • Gender balance and inclusion of underrepresented regions (e.g., Papua, Kalimantan, Maluku)
  • Teams from both state and private universities or polytechnics.

Yes! You can register through the official IEIC form: Register here

Tip: Register early to access mentoring and updates.

Watch this curated YouTube Playlist of previous winners: IEIC Winner Stories Playlist

  • Pitch Deck Checklist
  • Scorecard Guidelines
  • Selection Criteria
  • Video Examples

All can be accessed on the official IEIC Notion page (linked from the guidebook).

You must join as a team. Teams are evaluated on collaboration, diversity, and clarity in roles. Solo applications are not encouraged.

Through:

  • SDG alignment
  • KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)
  • Potential for growth in impact as revenue increases.

Get in Touch

Feel free to contact us by mailing us or through filling in the contact form below!