EnergyLab

EnergyLab is Australia's largest climate technology startup accelerator and innovation ecosystem, established in 2017 with a singular dedication to achieving net zero emissions. Headquartered in Sydney, with additional offices in Melbourne and Brisbane, EnergyLab champions innovative startups by providing comprehensive support for developing technologies and business models that advance climate solutions. The organisation operates as a not-for-profit charity, strategically connecting talented founders tackling the global climate crisis with essential resources, including a vast network of mentors, advisors, partners, peers, and investors. This integrated approach aims to overcome the significant barriers climate tech startups often encounter when scaling their solutions to decarbonise the economy.

One of EnergyLab's key differentiators is its extensive and highly engaged ecosystem designed to foster climate tech innovation. Since its inception, EnergyLab has supported over 250 startups and 150 aspiring founders across Australia and New Zealand through its diverse suite of programs. These programs include the Climate Solutions Accelerator, Women in Climate and Energy Fellowship, Climate Tech Ignite, and initiatives like Supercharge Australia, which focuses on the lithium battery value chain. The organisation also offers coworking spaces in Sydney, providing entrepreneurs with a collaborative environment, flexible memberships, and access to facilities in historic buildings such as the Blackfriars School House, and more recently, a new location in Haymarket.

EnergyLab's impact is further amplified through its robust network of over 400 mentors, 200 angel investors, and strong ties with institutional investors and corporate partners like UTS, Origin Energy, KPMG, APA, Powerlink, and AusNet Services. These partnerships are crucial in providing startups with the expertise, funding connections, and customer access needed for growth and global deployment of carbon-reducing technologies. The organisation's commitment to bridging the gap between world-class climate tech research and commercialisation is evident in programs like Climate Tech Lab to Market, which assists researchers in transforming their ideas into viable ventures.

Leadership at EnergyLab is steered by CEO and Director Megan Fisher, who assumed the role in October 2021, succeeding co-founder James Tilbury. Piers Grove serves as Chair, with Danny Kennedy and James Tilbury also holding director positions. Under this leadership, EnergyLab continues its mission to support entrepreneurs in the climate tech and renewable energy sectors, driving Australia towards a net zero future. A significant achievement includes securing a US$1.64 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) in 2023, underscoring its pivotal role in the national clean energy startup ecosystem.