Asia Green Energy Innovation Challenge
Empowering Tomorrow’s Energy Leaders
Up to
S$750,000
total cash prize
Application closes 29 March.
About The Challenge
Building on the success of our inaugural edition in 2025, the Asia Green Energy Innovation Challenge returns for a second year to bring together visionary innovators from China and Singapore in the pursuit of sustainable energy breakthroughs.
Co-hosted by Tsinghua University’s pioneering X-lab and NUS Enterprise’s BLOCK71, this cross-border programme empowers bold founders to tackle pressing global energy challenges.
With 10 top-tier start-ups from each country, the 2026 edition is set to catalyse transformative solutions and advance a greener, more sustainable future.
Challenge
Themes
Green & Renewable Energy
Every startup has its own journey. We’ll work on what matters most to you — whether that’s product–market fit, localising for Asia, or speeding up your go-to-market.
Energy Storage & Grid Resilience
Work side-by-side with Microsoft specialists and BLOCK71 mentors who’ve scaled products and raised capital across the world.
Smart Grids & Decentralised Systems
Tap into a connected community of founders, corporates, and investors across the BLOCK71 and Microsoft ecosystems.
AI, Digitalisation & Energy Efficiency
Qualified startups can access up to S$400k to undertake Proof-of-Concept (PoC) projects or up to S$800k for Proof-of-Value (PoV) projects, through the Startup SG Tech grant scheme. This will be further amplified through the BLOCK71 and Microsoft ecosystems.
Clean Fuels & Industrial Decarbonisation
Qualified startups can access up to S$400k to undertake Proof-of-Concept (PoC) projects or up to S$800k for Proof-of-Value (PoV) projects, through the Startup SG Tech grant scheme. This will be further amplified through the BLOCK71 and Microsoft ecosystems.
Circular & Sustainable Energy Systems
Qualified startups can access up to S$400k to undertake Proof-of-Concept (PoC) projects or up to S$800k for Proof-of-Value (PoV) projects, through the Startup SG Tech grant scheme. This will be further amplified through the BLOCK71 and Microsoft ecosystems.
The Top 3 Prizes are awarded to the highest-scoring teams overall, regardless of whether they are in the Singapore or China categories.
S$300,000
Grand Prize (1 winner)
S$150,000
1st Runner-up (2 winners)
S$50,000
2nd Runner-up (3 winners)
Challenge
Prizes
Challenge Timeline
Screening & Selection
Application: 19 Jan – 29 Mar
Selection: 1 Apr – 24 Apr
Shortlisting & Onboarding
Announcement: 30 Apr
Pre-Arrival Briefing: 5 Jun
China Immersion
1 week in-person in Beijing
programme: 22 Jun – 26 Jun
Demo Day
26 June 2026
Challenge Eligibility
To qualify for Asia Green Energy Innovation Challenge 2026:
Commitment
Commit to the full duration of the challenge in-person in Beijing from 22- 26 June 2026, including workshops, coaching sessions, networking events, and demo day.
Flight and accommodation will be provided.
Product Readiness
Your start-up must at least have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and technology readiness levels (TRL) 4 to 7.
Company Stage
Annual revenue below USD1M (or equivalent).
Incorporation Status
If not yet incorporated, you should be preparing to incorporate and launch your product within six months of the programme.
Sector Relevance
Solutions must be relevant to at least one of AGEIC 2026’s key themes (e.g., renewable energy, storage, smart grids, AI for energy, clean fuels, energy access, circular systems, etc.) and demonstrate measurable impact potential.
If this sounds like you, you’re exactly why Asia Green Energy Innovation Challenge 2026 returned for our second year.
Hear from our Alumni
“BLOCK71 provided deep insights into U.S. market dynamics and guided us in formulating a robust expansion strategy. ”
Tina Chopra
Founder &
CEO of Addlly AI
“Before AI Accelerate, we built cutting-edge AI but struggled to scale in a mature industrial market. The program helped us shift perspective where we created general-purpose AI agents that work across all machines and the entire supply chain. Helping us unlock new industries, reaching new customers, and driving real traction.”
Kan Shyi-Herng
Founder & CEO of Helios Applied Systems
“The program connected us with fellow founders and the Microsoft team and gave us fresh insights, real support, and practical tools that will shape how SimpleAI grows.”
Bryan Sng
Co-Founder and COO of SimpleAI
FAQs
Is there a fee involved?
Participation in challenge does not involve any fees.
What is the commitment?
Selected teams are expected to actively participate in all the key activities from 22 June to 26 June.
Will visa arrangements be covered?
Visa fees are typically not covered, but we will provide official invitation letters and guidance to support your visa application process.
Can I apply if my startup is not incorporated?
Yes. Startups do not need to be incorporated at the time of application but must incorporate in Singapore within six months, if selected.
Is the cash prize equity-free?
Yes. The cash prizes awarded in this challenge are non-equity grants. Winning teams will receive the funding with no ownership or equity taken.
Is a working prototype required?
While a prototype is not mandatory, start-ups with a proof of concept or early-stage product will have a stronger chance of selection.
How many team members can participate?
Each team will have up to 2 fully sponsored participants (flight + accommodation). Additional team members may join at their own cost, subject to space availability and confirmation by the organisers.
Asia Green Energy Challenge
A Powerhouse Collaboration for Startups
BLOCK71 isn’t just another startup space. This is a launchpad for founders who dare to do things differently.
Part of NUS Enterprise and backed by industry and government partners, BLOCK71 powers startup success with incubation, mentorship, and a global network access.
Since 2011, more than 1,600 startups have taken off with BLOCK71 across Singapore, the U.S, China, Japan, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Build what’s next.
Welcome to the Home of the Brave.
Tsinghua X-lab is a non-profit innovation platform advancing entrepreneurship and the commercialisation of scientific research within the Tsinghua community.
Established in 2013 and anchored in the Tsinghua School of Economics and Management (SEM), it collaborates with 16 departments to provide education, training, and networking support.
Through dedicated innovation and pre-incubation spaces and a network of nearly 100 industry mentors, X-lab supports early-stage startups from idea to execution.
Over 11 years, it has engaged more than 96,000 participants, supported 2,600+ projects, and helped 280+ startups raise over RMB 19.1 billion.
Build traction. Drive revenue. Unlock funding.
For all enquires regarding the programme, please email to singapore@block71.co.
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