Indonesia’s state-owned power company, PT PLN (Persero), is inviting startups from across Asia to join its efforts in advancing sustainable energy through the Connext Powered by PLN program. This initiative aims to help PLN become a more innovative and adaptable energy provider as it works toward achieving net-zero emissions. The program also strengthens PLN’s role in the Asia-Pacific startup ecosystem, encouraging collaboration and growth.
To kick off the initiative, representatives from PLN visited Japan for a week in October 2024. Japan was chosen due to its ambitious Startup Development Five-Year Plan, which aims to establish 100 unicorns, 100,000 startups, and attract JPY 10 trillion in investments by 2027, positioning the country as the largest startup hub in Asia. Additionally, Japan is a leader in energy innovation, with over 108,000 patents filed between 2000 and 2023 in areas such as hydrogen and fuel cells (10.5%), e-Mobility (21.8%), solar energy (7.7%), energy storage (22.5%), and carbon capture (0.8%).
During the visit, the PLN delegation toured several startup offices focused on renewable energy, hydrogen and ammonia power generation, AI, and semiconductors—fields that can help drive PLN’s clean energy transition and digital transformation in Indonesia. PLN also held one-on-one meetings with selected startups at the Google Campus to discuss pilot projects and proof-of-concept initiatives.
A key outcome of the visit was an MoU with Creww, Japan’s open innovation platform, marking PLN’s first international partnership under the program. This collaboration connects PLN to Creww’s network of 8,000 startups and 450 accelerator programs, creating opportunities for future partnerships across the region.
Darmawan Prasodjo, PLN President Director, “This initiative is a strategic step in building an ecosystem rich in innovation and collaboration, creating significant opportunities for green energy start-ups. This collaborative effort reflects PLN’s commitment to driving economic growth, creating jobs, alleviating poverty and preserving the environment.”
Launched in 2023, the Connext Powered by PLN program connects energy startups in Indonesia to drive innovation in renewable energy. Following its success, PLN plans to expand the program across the region, strengthening its commitment to creating a sustainable energy ecosystem.
