UNDP’s Climate Venture Scaler Programme Opens Applications to Accelerate Investment-Ready Climate Solutions. The Climate Venture Scaler is emerging as one of the most impactful opportunities for climate-focused enterprises across Southeast Asia. Launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under its Climate Finance Network and implemented in partnership with the Impact Investment Exchange (IIX), the initiative is designed to help growth-stage climate ventures become fully investment ready and scale their positive environmental and social impact.

What Is the Climate Venture Scaler?

The Climate Venture Scaler is a flagship climate innovation accelerator supporting enterprises that are actively delivering climate-related solutions. Its goal is to strengthen business models, enhance investment readiness, and link climate ventures with both regional and international investors. The programme emphasizes climate resilience, green innovation, inclusive growth, and gender equality.

Participating enterprises receive tailored support that helps them refine their business strategies, improve financial models, measure and communicate impact effectively, and build strong investor relationships. By expanding the pipeline of investable climate solutions in the region, the programme contributes directly to sustainable development and climate action.

Programme Objectives

The Climate Venture Scaler is structured around four key objectives:

– Build a strong pipeline of high-potential climate ventures in Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia.

– Provide one-on-one mentorship to 20 shortlisted enterprises focused on investment readiness, financial management, and impact tracking.

– Facilitate investment commitments through direct engagement with investors.

– Strengthen the climate finance ecosystem by connecting SMEs, policymakers, and capital providers to accelerate sustainable solutions.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to growth-stage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that meet the following criteria:

– Operate primarily in Cambodia, Laos, or Malaysia

– Are for-profit enterprises offering climate mitigation or adaptation solutions

– Demonstrate measurable environmental and social impact

– Have a clear pathway to scale and profitability

– Plan to raise investment within the next 1–2 years

Eligible sectors include: renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, resilient urban development, circular economy innovations, and climate technology services.

Why the Climate Venture Scaler Matters

1. Addressing the Climate Finance Gap: Many high-impact ventures get stuck between early-stage grants and large-scale investment. The Climate Venture Scaler bridges this gap by identifying promising enterprises and preparing them for investment.

2. Regional Focus With Global Impact: Climate change impacts Southeast Asia more than most regions. By focusing on Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia while connecting ventures to global investors, the programme accelerates climate resilience and innovation at scale.

3. Climate Action + Economic Opportunity: Supporting climate ventures does not only reduce emissions or promote adaptation—it also creates green jobs, improves community resilience, drives gender equality, and contributes to sustainable economic growth.

Your Journey Through the Programme

1. Submit Application: Share details about your enterprise, its climate impact, and your investment goals.

2. Shortlisting of Top 20 Ventures: Twenty enterprises will be selected for mentorship based on potential, scalability, and impact.

3. Access Tailored Support: Participants receive technical assistance to strengthen their investment readiness and impact management.

4. Engage Directly With Investors: Ventures join curated investor-matchmaking sessions designed to unlock commitments and partnerships.

5. Scale Your Impact: With strengthened capacity and improved investor connections, enterprises can secure funding and expand their reach.

Additional Features: Roadshows & Engagements

To reach ventures across the region, the programme includes in-country roadshows in Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia, along with online webinars. These sessions offer information, networking opportunities, and insights into the climate finance space.

Supported by Global Development Leaders

The Climate Venture Scaler is part of UNDP’s Climate Finance Network, supported by the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Sweden’s Sida, and Norway. Its implementing partner, Impact Investment Exchange (IIX), is a global pioneer in impact investing and gender-lens finance.

Together, these partners create a robust platform for scaling inclusive, gender-responsive, and climate-smart enterprises.

Ready to apply? Click HERE

Deadline: 12 January 2026

For more information about the program, visit UNDP