The global energy transition is accelerating, yet many communities across Asia still face barriers to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. Against this backdrop, building a fair, inclusive, climate‑resilient future requires early investment in the ideas and innovators shaping tomorrow’s solutions. Therefore, early investment is essential to supporting these innovators and the groundbreaking technologies needed for tomorrow’s energy challenges.
Why early‑stage impact investing matters
To advance this transition, driving the energy shift forward requires backing transformative solutions early on.
At the same time, at Schneider Electric, we believe early‑stage impact investing unlocks climate technologies and community‑centred models that shift the energy transition.
However, many high-potential solutions struggle to secure early-stage support.
These innovators face funding gaps, limited pathways to pilot their technologies, and challenges reaching the communities that would benefit most.
Accelerating energy access through early investment
To help close these gaps, platforms such as Schneider Electric Energy Access Asia (SEEAA), launched in 2019 with Norfund, EDFI ElectriFI and Amundi, accelerate energy access for people in Asia living with only limited access to electricity.
In addition, we invest in innovative technologies and business models that advance sustainable energy access for underserved markets.
By doing so, and by working closely with founders, we de‑risk innovation and speed solutions to the communities that need them most.
How the Liveability Challenge aligns with SEEAA
Building on this momentum, Eco‑Business, in collaboration with Ecosperity, Temasek Foundation, and international partners, unveiled the 2026 Liveability Challenge to push climate innovation in Asia.
Similarly, TLC champions early-stage innovation by addressing funding and capability gaps.
Through this approach, they bring together public, private, and philanthropic sectors to cultivate scalable solutions with meaningful real‑world results.
In doing so, their efforts build ecosystems that turn innovative concepts into impactful advancements for markets and communities.
As a result, our support for TLC goes beyond partnership. Together we aim to accelerate progress toward a fairer, more inclusive, and climate‑resilient future.
A call to innovators and partners
With this in mind, this year’s Liveability Challenge is seeking groundbreaking solutions for a sustainable future.
Early‑stage founders, researchers, and innovators are invited to submit ideas and compete for the chance to shape a more equitable and liveable world.
On May 20, 2026, finalists will present to global sustainability professionals, investors, and corporate leaders at the Grand Finale.
Get insights now.
About Schneider Electric Energy Access Asia
Founded in 2019, Schneider Electric Energy Access Asia (SEEAA) is an impact investment vehicle initiated by Schneider Electric in collaboration with Norfund, EDFI MC and Amundi. The goal of SEEAA is to champion a fair energy transition by investing in impactful start-ups advancing clean, affordable, and reliable energy access across South and Southeast Asia. Read more.
About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is a global energy technology leader, driving efficiency and sustainability by electrifying, automating, and digitalizing industries, businesses, and homes. Its technologies enable buildings, data centers, factories, infrastructure, and grids to operate as open, interconnected ecosystems, enhancing performance, resilience, and sustainability. The portfolio includes intelligent devices, software-defined architectures, AI-powered systems, digital services, and expert advisory.
With 160,000 employees and one million partners in over 100 countries, Schneider Electric is consistently ranked among the world’s most sustainable companies.
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