Calling the most ambitious climate tech founders
The Climate Solutions Accelerator is EnergyLab's flagship program and provides the best climate tech startups with all the support they need to reach their potential. Open to startups at all stages, this program is for entrepreneurs looking to deploy solutions that mitigate climate change at scale. That could be alternative protein, carbon sequestration, renewable energy or anything in between. We’ll invest $80-100k and introduce you to Australia's most active climate tech investors. We'll also help you expand your business by connecting you to our extensive network in Australia and overseas. Though what you'll enjoy most is being welcomed into an exclusive and supportive community of some of the world's most talented climate tech founders.
Key dates - 2024 intake
- Applications open: 22 January - 17 March 2024
- First round interviews: 15 April - 3 May 2024
- Second round interviews: 20 - 31 May 2024
- Program runs: 29 July - 13 December 2024
Meet some of our alumni
Receive the support you need to succeed
When you join our accelerator we take on the role of active advisors and will do everything we can to support you. Here is a taste of what we offer.
Investment
You will be offered ~A$80,000-100,000 of investment at your latest post-money valuation.
Introduction to investors
We'll introduce you to the most active climate tech and energy sector investors in Australia.
Exposure to over 300 mentors
EnergyLab has an extensive network of mentors from a wide range of backgrounds, such as energy companies, government departments, investment institutions and successful startups.
Legal and accounting assistance
Worried about asking a lawyer or accountant a question and receiving a $1,000 bill in the mail? Worry no more. Whilst in the program, you can talk to someone from FCW Lawyers or KPMG at no cost.
Guided learning to fuel growth
Throughout the program, EnergyLab will run a series of sprints focussed on areas such as international expansion, capital raising and industry partnerships.
Meet our Innovation Partners
During the program you will have the opportunity to meet representatives from each of the organisations below to explore opportunities to work together to deploy your low carbon solutions.
Program structure
The program revolves around five modules spread evenly throughout the schedule.
Kick-off
29 July - 9 August 2024
Introductions to the cohort, investors, alumni and wider community.
Sales & Partnerships
9 - 20 September 2024
Introductions to industry partners and workshops on how to secure partnerships with large corporates and utilities.
International Expansion
7 - 18 October 2024
Workshops on overseas expansion strategy and introductions to our contacts who can help you execute on your growth plans.
Capital raising
11 - 22 November 2024
Training and feedback on pitching before being introduced to Australia’s most active climate tech and energy sector investors.
Graduation
9 - 13 December 2024
Wrap-up events to showcase all you’ve achieved in the program, including a public event to further raise your profile.
Cost
The program is completely free but participation is contingent on accepting an offer of investment from our angel group at the post-money valuation of your last priced round. If you are yet to raise a priced round we'll invest at a pre-money valuation of A$1,000,000.
Hear from our alumni
“ EnergyLab's Climate Solutions Accelerator has been such a wonderful experience and I’ve learnt much. You've provided our company with really targeted introductions and I truly appreciate the heartfelt welcome into the EnergyLab ecosystem. I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the EnergyLab team and fellow founders. I'm looking forward to continuing our journey together. ”
CEO, Renewable Metals
“ EnergyLab was a great experience overall. This includes the programme itself, the mentors, the topics; everything was relevant and very beneficial. However, the best experience was connecting with other like-minded founders, some at later stages of the journey, some at earlier stages. For us, the interactions with these founders were as helpful as the advice from the experienced mentors. EnergyLab was transformational for Allegro Energy... ”
CEO, Allegro Energy
“ The EnergyLab accelerator has supported Bloom to go from MVP stage to launch and was a wonderful support throughout our capital raise. The program is not your basic startup program. The content is focused on helping you grow, find the right partners and business strategies. From start to finish, the program was well organised and each session brought us value. We have particularly appreciated the support of EnergyLab's genuine network of mentors, investors and industry professionals. ”
CEO, Bloom Impact Investing
“ Our experience of the EnergyLab Climate Solutions Accelerator program was fantastic. The program was highly choreographed with Adam and the EnergyLab team investing a lot of time considering the right content and speakers for our cohort to accelerate our learning. I'd highly recommend this program to any energy or climate tech startup. ”
Co-CEO, Orkestra
“ EnergyLab's Climate Solutions Accelerator is a really good program with the right mix of learning, discussion, coaching and networking. I strongly recommend it! ”
CEO, Harvest Thermal
“ The EnergyLab community has always been incredibly supportive - they are there to help when things are tough, and celebrate when things are great. ”
Co-CEO, Amber Electric
“ EnergyLab is staffed by smart people, they are growing rapidly and they have an extensive network of contacts. If you are a clean-tech startup founder and are looking to scale it don't go anywhere else! ”
CEO, Powerpal
“ EnergyLab's network of companies, mentors and staff is the best way to learn more about the Australian energy market while expanding your business! ”
CEO, Amperon
The application process
Applying is easy. Simply fill in an application form and attend a couple of interviews.
Applications open
22 January 2024
The first step in the application process is to complete an online application form. Submit an expression of interest and we'll let you know when applications open for the next intake.
First round interviews
Begin 15 April 2024
Meet the EnergyLab team to discuss your application and how we can support your business. Interviews will be 20 minutes long and held online via Zoom.
Second round interviews
Begin 20 May 2024
Those who make it to the final round will be invited to pitch to the accelerator fund investors. These investors will vote on who to accept into the program.
Selection criteria
This is what we're looking for in successful applications but we're open-minded to high quality applicants who don't fit the mould. We're particularly interested in applications from women and minority groups.
Fast growth
Your business has to be ready to grow fast. We don't mind if your end goal is a unicorn exit or a profitable medium-sized business you continue to operate - as long as you can get there quickly. That probably means your solution is ready to deploy, you've completed customer validation and are ready to work on your business full time if you're not already. Consultancies and local business are unlikely to pass this test.
Address climate change
Your product or service has to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions or address the impacts of climate change, or enable others to do so. This includes a range of solutions including renewable energy, sustainable transport, alternative protein, carbon sequestration and land management. We will also consider startups that help address other environmental issues such as waste and biodiversity.
We can help
We aim to increase the growth rate of climate tech startups and decrease their failure rate. We believe we can support any startup but that requires founders who are looking to expand their network, have their ideas challenged, and learn from their peers.
FAQs
You can participate in the program from anywhere in the Pacific Rim region. However, please note that most program activities will be run from 10am to 2pm Sydney time.
Possibly! We take a very broad view of climate tech and include any technology that is required to decarbonise the economy. Please email us and we'll tell you for sure.
No, we are happy to receive applications from solo founders.
We get it - you have limited time and need to prioritise. Head here to fill in a pre-application form. We'll get back to you when applications open to let you know if we think the program is a good fit and it's worth you submitting a full application.
Probably. This program is for startups ready for fast growth. If you haven't quit your day job yet then one of our membership offerings will probably suit you better.
Yes, the program comes with equity investment of ~A$80-100k.
The post-money valuation of your latest priced round. If you haven't raised a priced round yet then we'll invest at a pre-money valuation of A$1,000,000.
Please email [email protected] if you have any other questions.