PT PLN (Persero), Indonesia’s state-owned power company, has announced an invitation to startups across Asia to collaborate on sustainable energy innovation through its Connext Powered by PLN program. The program is part of PLN’s ongoing efforts to transform into a more adaptive and innovative energy company focused on achieving net-zero emissions while expanding its footprint in the Asia-Pacific startup ecosystem.

To mark the beginning of this initiative, PLN representatives visited Japan in October 2024, a country renowned for its robust startup ecosystem and leadership in energy-related innovations. Japan’s Startup Development Five-Year Plan aims to create 100 unicorns and foster 100,000 startups by 2027, making it the largest startup hub in Asia. With Japan’s dominance in areas like hydrogen, e-mobility, and energy storage, PLN sees immense potential in joining forces with Asian startups to revolutionize the region’s energy sector.

PLN’s Connext program is designed to bring together innovative green startups, enhancing collaboration and driving the adoption of clean energy technologies across the region.