HATCH Taronga

HATCH Taronga is a pioneering accelerator program based in Sydney, Australia, uniquely positioned as the world's only accelerator program led by a conservation zoo. Launched in 2020, it evolved from the successful Taronga Green Grant program, which had been supporting innovative conservation ideas since 2011. HATCH Taronga's core mission is to inspire, support, and launch innovative initiatives and actions by the community that address critical environmental and conservation challenges facing the planet. It champions ecopreneurs who are developing solutions for wildlife, biodiversity, and the environment, fostering a community of changemakers dedicated to positive impact.

The accelerator offers a structured, 14-week business development program designed to transform early-stage ideas into real-world impact. Participants benefit from a blend of face-to-face workshops, online sessions, and digital modules, alongside expert learning, guidance, and support from a vast network of mentors and subject matter experts, including Taronga's own conservation, science, education, and community engagement specialists. Each participating team receives $2,000 in equity-free seed funding, with the opportunity to pitch for a significant grant, such as the $50,000 HATCH Grant and additional awards.

Over four years since its inception, HATCH has provided substantial funding, with reports indicating $488,000 in total funding towards ecopreneurs and their environmental solutions, supporting 49 ecopreneurs across 29 initiatives. The program has also connected these founders with over 107 mentors, guest speakers, and experts. Notably, 80% of the overall recipients of the HATCH Grant have had female founders at the helm. Key achievements for its founders in 2023/24 include significant ecological gain, climate change mitigation, and capacity building, underscoring its tangible impact on conservation. Leadership includes Co-Founder Belinda Fairbrother, Director of Education Paul Maguire, and Entrepreneur in Residence Tom Allen from Impact Boom.

HATCH Taronga has successfully nurtured a diverse range of impactful ventures. Notable alumni include Good-Edi, creators of edible coffee cups; Xylo Systems, which utilises AI for tracking conservation programs; ReHabitat, developing biodegradable habitat pods for wildlife; and Carapac, focused on sustainable packaging from crustacean waste. The Groundswell Collective, a not-for-profit building Tiny Forests in urban areas, was a 2024 grant winner, demonstrating the program's commitment to scaling solutions for critical environmental issues. Other successful initiatives range from sustainable garbage bags (TOMbag) to reusable food packaging (RePlated) and innovative land restoration subscriptions (Win for Nature).

Taronga Conservation Society Australia, driven by its vision to secure a shared future for wildlife and people, views HATCH as a crucial component of its broader conservation work. The program embodies Taronga's belief that innovation is essential for tackling the biodiversity crisis and climate change. By empowering a new generation of leaders and entrepreneurs, HATCH aims to accelerate positive change and ensure that brilliant ideas for the planet are brought to fruition, extending Taronga's influence beyond its zoos into widespread environmental action.