⢠2025-04-02
We talk to Sam Wood, Head of Operations & Partnerships at Energy Lab as she gives us an insight into the state of affairs in the Australian Climate Tech ecosystem.
What It Takes to Launch (and Scale) a Climate Tech Startup in Australia
Australiaâs climate tech scene is heating upâand EnergyLab is right at the centre of it.
In a recent chat with Sam Wood from EnergyLab, we explored whatâs driving success in this space, and whatâs still holding us back. EnergyLab supports climate tech startups across the full journeyâfrom ideation to international scaleâwith a proven track record. In fact, their alumni secured 25% of all climate tech funding in Australia in 2024.
What sets the winners apart? According to Sam, itâs not just about the techâitâs about commercial viability and real cost-saving benefits. Startups like Allegro Energy and Infravision are thriving thanks to bold innovation paired with clear business value. The right early hiresâadaptable people willing to wear multiple hatsâalso play a crucial role in scaling.
But the path isnât without bumps. Australiaâs corporate culture still lags in embracing startup partnerships, slowing down commercialisation. EnergyLabâs take? Corporate pilot projectsâlike Allegroâs with Originâcan bridge that gap.
And if youâre not in a startup but want in? EnergyLabâs ecosystem is open. From mentorship to angel investing to their accelerator fund, there are loads of ways to get involved in scaling solutions.
One key message stood out: success in Australia can be a springboard for global impact. And with the right support systems in place, thereâs never been a better time to help turn great climate ideas into world-changing solutions.