Now Open: NEXStep Program by New Energy Nexus Philippines

The NEXStep Program is the sixth cohort of the NEX Philippines Startup Incubation Program – a three-month hybrid incubation program for early-stage energy and climate-tech startups. Designed to strengthen business fundamentals and customer readiness, the program provides the critical knowledge, resources, and mentorship needed to help startups refine their models, validate their solutions, and take their first steps toward market entry.

By leveraging years of industry engagement, New Energy Nexus (NEX) Philippines has developed a curated learning management system that equips startups with the right tools, expert insights, and strategic connections. With a strong focus on market readiness, the program ensures that founders are prepared to navigate the challenges of launching and scaling their ventures in the clean energy sector.

Focus Areas

• Industry focus:
  • Climate Resilience
  • Circular Economy
  • Energy Access
  • Clean Transport
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Renewable Energy
  • E-mobility
  • Energy Storage
  • IOT, Platforms & Digitization

Program Benefits

• Access to a curated Learning Management System (LMS):
  • A curated learning management system (LMS) will be provided to the program participants that contains various learning resources such as videos, session recordings from past discussions, tools, and templates, which can be used all throughout the duration of the program.
• One-on-One Mentoring Session:
  • Each startup team will engage in a dedicated one-hour consultation with a mentor focused on customer development and validation planning. This one-on-one session offers a space for tailored guidance, where teams can discuss their unique business context, refine their validation approach, and receive strategic feedback from an experienced mentor.
• Access to New Energy Nexus Global Network:
  • Admitted teams will have the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of professionals and organizations from around the world, potentially leading to valuable partnerships, collaborations, and resources for growth and development.
• Group gathering activities:
  • Throughout the program, cohort participants will come together in four group activities designed to foster peer learning, networking, and shared reflection. These sessions create space for startups to exchange insights, support one another, and build a sense of community. The first gathering is the in-person Program Kickoff, while the remaining three sessions are held online: a Reflection Sharing session after startups complete their validation activities, a Mock Pitching and Presentation session, and the final Demo Day.
• Startup coach assignment:
  • Each startup will be assigned to one coach from the NEXPH team. Each coach will offer support and guidance on a regular basis, with bi-monthly check-in calls to discuss progress, address any challenges, and brainstorm.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS) Credits:
  • Teams will receive AWS credits which can be used to pay various AWS services, such as computing, storage, and database services, in order to reduce operating costs and more easily scale their startups.

Eligibility Criteria

• Clean energy or Climate-tech Startups
• At least one founder in each team
• Must have NOT higher than Level 4 in Customer, Business, and Technology Readiness Levels

For more information, visit NEX.