One of Australia’s largest accelerators for climate tech startups and innovation will share in $400,000 worth of grant funding from the New South Wales Government.
EnergyLab connects founders working on solutions to address the global climate crisis with a range of key stakeholders including investors, mentors and peers.
Energy Lab CEO Megan Fisher says the funding support comes at a pivotal time.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support through the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program, which allows us to launch the Climate Investment and Growth Series in Sydney at a defining moment for our ecosystem,” she says.
“As EnergyLab enters its tenth year, this series will bring vital attention to breakthrough startups while actively addressing the gender funding gap by empowering more women investors.
“By connecting our brightest founders with critical capital, industry and expertise, we are ensuring that Australia’s best ideas have the backing they need to scale and accelerate global decarbonisation.”
The state government’s innovation program is actively working to back events and initiatives that bring startups, research, investors and industry together in a way that ignites ideas and new commercial opportunities.
Among the 19 latest recipients are also Barayamal for its First Nations Economic Forum, Go Remote for Invest Rural and Western Sydney Women for its Women Leading AI event.
Western Sydney Women Founding Director Amanda Rose says she’s grateful for the support noting it will go towards building a more inclusive tech and innovation ecosystem.
“Western Sydney is one of the most diverse and fast-growing regions in the country but too often women are underrepresented in the industries shaping our future,” says Rose.
“Women Leading AI is about changing that, connecting women with the skills, networks and confidence to lead in AI and emerging technologies.
“Our event will bring together around 120 female founders, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and students with a strong focus on culturally and linguistically diverse and underrepresented communities.
“We are grateful for the support of the NSW Government in growing a more inclusive innovation ecosystem that reflects the talent and potential of our communities.”
Australia’s first women-led VC fund backing women-led startups will also get support in this latest round of grant funding.
Scale Investors has been named for its initiative Equity Clear – Capital Pathways.
It set up the non-profit Equity Clear with Giant Leap and Alberts as part of a mission to address the gender funding gap in the startup and venture capital space by improving transparency and reporting in investments.
NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison says the grant program supports a broad mix of initiatives that will empower women, create jobs and new opportunities.
“Women bring different perspectives and approaches to the table,” she says.
“This investment is part of the wider work we’re doing to boost women’s participation and
advancement.
“By supporting a more inclusive and diverse innovation sector, we’re creating a stronger economy with advancements that benefit everyone.”
Her comments were echoed by the state’s Innovation Minister Anoulack Chanthivong and Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley.
“This isn’t about announcement, it’s about delivery,” says Chanthivong.
“Through practical initiatives, we’re supporting the people turning ideas into real businesses and connecting them with the capital and expertise they need to scale.”
“The Hunter is an innovation powerhouse and this investment puts our money where our mouth is to support the people, ideas and businesses driving our region’s future,” Catley adds.
“By investing in the next big idea today, we’re ensuring the Hunter remains at the forefront of innovation, industry and growth for years to come.”