At Breakthrough Energy, we support innovators tackling the world's most pressing climate challenges head-on. At the earliest discovery stage, those innovators have unique needs and challenges as they take R&D and ideas and start to build them into successful companies. Our Fellows program is designed to help these innovators - and that is why we’re thrilled to announce the establishment of Breakthrough Energy Fellows - Southeast Asia (BE Fellows - SEA) alongside our partners at Temasek and Enterprise Singapore.
This development marks a significant step in supporting the regional development of early-stage climate-tech solutions for Southeast Asia and represents a milestone for the Fellows program as it establishes its first regional hub outside of the United States.
Building on our success with the flagship Fellows program, we're mirroring and tailoring our approach to meet the unique technological, entrepreneurial, and environmental needs of Southeast Asia. BE Fellows – SEA, to be headquartered in Singapore, will provide funding, support, mentorship, and networking opportunities for researchers, scientists, engineers, and technology innovators across the region. This will enable our Fellows to overcome early-stage barriers and advance promising climate solutions in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Why Southeast Asia? The region presents immense potential for innovation in climate technology. The region's strategic location, diverse talent pool, and growing ecosystem make it an ideal hub for nurturing climate innovation. And addressing the climate gap in Southeast Asia is crucial, as the region faces significant funding gaps and requires concerted efforts to meet its 2050 net-zero target.
This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the expertise of our partners. Temasek and Enterprise Singapore bring together a wealth of experience, expertise, and an understanding of the regional landscape. Temasek, as a global investment company, provides strategic insights and financial support to drive the growth of innovative solutions. And Enterprise Singapore, the government agency championing enterprise development, offers valuable regional connections, resources, and support to nurture startups and businesses. Together, all three partners will provide Fellows with resources to develop, validate, and derisk their technology. By integrating them with each partner’s world-class ecosystem of investors, technologists, and governments, the ultimate goal of the program is to expedite the development and commercialization of region-specific climate solutions.
The launch of Breakthrough Energy Fellows – Southeast Asia marks a significant milestone in accelerating the world's transition to a clean energy future. With our partners and the region's brightest minds, we're driving innovation, sparking change, and building a brighter future for generations to come.