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Creating opportunities for clean energy start-ups

  • Written by Media Release


Origin is encouraging local Australian clean energy start-ups to apply for two pioneering accelerator programs that are offering both local and international support and opportunities.

 

Applications for Australia’s first clean energy start-up accelerator EnergyLab are open now until 18 February with the offer of up to $50,000 in seed funding and a range of additional mentoring and support.

 

Origin is a principal sponsor of EnergyLab - a collaboration between University of Technology Sydney, Jobs for NSW and Climate-KIC that aims to identify and support Australian start-ups in developing and commercialising green innovations to fulfil a cleaner energy future.

 

Applications are also open until February 28 (link here) for the global Free Electrons accelerator - a search for the best clean, smart energy ideas from start-ups all over the world.

 

Twelve start-ups will be selected to participate in a series of workshops that will connect them with eight global utilities with a reach of 73 million customers in over 40 countries.

 

Origin is a founding partner of Free Electrons along with seven international energy companies. With workshops to be hosted in Australia, Europe and USA across the year, the program connects start-ups with utilities that have more than

 

Origin’s Tony Lucas, Executive General Manger, Future Energy and Business Development says that Origin is committed to supporting start-ups in building a better future.

 

“There are so many incredible start-ups who are helping to drive change in the way energy is generated, stored and distributed at the same time customer expectations for simple, clean, reliable energy solutions have increased.


“By collaborating with the best and brightest minds in Australia and globally Origin is better placed to meet community expectations for greater insight and control over their energy usage,” Mr Lucas said.


About EnergyLab

 

EnergyLab’s Acceleration Program is a collaboration between principal sponsor Origin Energy, University of Technology Sydney, Jobs for NSW and Climate-KIC, that aims to identify and support Australian start-ups in developing and commercialising green innovations to fulfil a cleaner energy future.

Since launching in May 2017, the EnergyLab Accelerator program has supported a variety of start-ups with clean energy products across electric vehicle technology, energy efficiency solutions, kick scooters and solar PV.

To apply for EnergyLab’s Acceleration Program, relevant start-ups can complete this online form, with successful applicants receiving ongoing support to grow their business, including:

  • $50,000 in seed capital

  • Assistance raising additional capital and introductions to investors

  • Match-funding from the $27 million Clean Energy Seed Fund for future capital raises

  • Assistance from EnergyLab's network of over 100 mentors, which includes experts in various aspect of business and the energy industry

  • Regular business coaching from a successful and seasoned entrepreneur

  • Legal assistance from Marque lawyers and accounting support from KPMG

  • Business masterclasses on the core elements of a business plan

  • A whole year of free co-working membership for you and your team, including high-speed internet and unlimited coffee

About Free Electrons

Free Electrons is a global Acceleration Program founded by Origin (Australia) along with Ausnet Services (Australia), EDP (Portugal), DEWA (Dubai), ESB (Ireland), Innogy (Germany), SP (Singapore) and Tepco (Japan). The program is an opportunity for later stage energy start-ups to connect with a network with more than 73 million utility customers in over 40 countries – a platform for start-ups expand into new markets around the world.

 

The first year of Free Electrons in 2017 has resulted in most of the twelve start-ups signing, or being close to signing, trial agreements. To apply for Free Electrons 2018 program, energy start-ups can complete this online form, with successful applicants receiving ongoing support to grow their business, including:

 

  • Twelve energy start-ups will compete for the coveted “Free Electrons World’s Best Energy Startup” and a prize of $200K (US) for the best of these start-ups

  • Access to a network with more than 73 million utility customers over 40 countries

  • Start-ups will have exposure to US, Europe and Asian markets through three separate week-long ‘customer adoption’ modules in Silicon Valley, Lisbon/Dublin and Singapore

  • Opportunity for start-ups to seed piolet project opportunities, investments and other commercial relationships

  • Access to ongoing mentor support throughout the duration of the program

 

For further details, visit:

EnergyLab: https://www.energylab.org.au/acceleration - applications close by February 18, 2018

Free Electrons: http://www.freetheelectron.com/ - applications close by February 23, 2018