The ENECHANGE Insight Ventures team is pleased to announce that we have reached the milestone of 100 companies participating in our dedicated climate tech accelerator programme.
ENECHANGE Insight Ventures (EIV) started as the Japan Energy Challenge in 2018. The programme seeks to establish relationships between international climate and energy tech ventures and key players in the Japanese energy industry. In 2021, the program rebranded as EIV and, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pivoted to a digital-first approach where participants of each cohort are given the opportunity to present their solutions through a monthly webinar series. Three Honorees are selected from each cohort based on the votes from the Subscribers. With the closing of the most recent cohort, EIV 2022 (1H), there are just over 100 companies that have participated.
The programme has led to significant success for several of the participants in the form of investments, pilot projects, and sales partnerships. Notably, this includes investment from our affiliated Japan Energy Fund in cohort members Akselos, Ambri, Leap, OhmConnect, Sense, WiTricity, and ZincFive. Other successful outcomes include Heliatek’s pilot project with Looop, Inc.; Powervault being commissioned for a study on VPPs and second-life batteries by JXTG Energy (now ENEOS); Virta receiving investment from JXTG Energy; a Japan distribution deal for KiwiPower; and a Japan reseller deal between FreeWire and ENECHANGE.
The full list of alumni can be found here.
Reaching 100 companies is a significant milestone for EIV. The scouting process includes screening hundreds of companies each year, filtering it down to 15-20 companies per cohort. The cohort also is a launching pad for possible investment from the Japan Energy Fund, a position we have strengthened and continue to leverage in the coming years. As the programme approaches its fifth anniversary, the team is excited to continue furthering collaboration with the Subscribers and participants and supporting innovation in the Japanese energy sector.