EnergyLab’s Megan Fisher (second from right) and NEX’s Danny Kennedy (centre) with the team from Infravision. Image: EnergyLab
Melbourne, 14 June 2022 – The Australian climate startup ecosystem is receiving a boost following the announcement today of a new international partnership between EnergyLab, which is Australia and New Zealand’s largest climate tech startup accelerator, and New Energy Nexus (NEX), the world’s leading clean energy accelerator.
The partnership will connect Australian startups to customers, capital, and resources in overseas markets that are critical for climate action, such as the USA, Southeast Asia, and India. It will also provide a pathway for overseas innovators to enter Australia, increasing the synergy of ideas and bringing more talent as Australia’s clean energy transition accelerates.
Megan Fisher, CEO at EnergyLab, said: “We are so excited to announce our partnership with New Energy Nexus. This collaboration will help us to create a systematic approach to supporting Australian entrepreneurs who want to explore and ultimately expand their startups internationally.
“We are also beyond proud to share with the global community the amazing startups that have played a role in building one of the most highly penetrated residential solar markets in the world.”
Danny Kennedy, CEO at New Energy Nexus, said: “We can’t wait to watch the magic happen as all these entrepreneurs are set loose on the US, Southeast Asian and Indian markets. The levels of experience and creativity evident in Australian offerings can help these regions to accelerate the mass adoption of clean distributed energy, of which Australia is an under-recognised leader.
“Politicians talked a lot about Australia being a clean energy superpower. These startups are doing it and New Energy Nexus is going to help EnergyLab take them to the world.”
Australia is the third biggest exporter of fossil fuels, but is also a clean energy innovation hub and a critical node in the global energy transition. It has the highest penetration of rooftop solar in “developed world” cities, has pioneering big batteries and renewable energy zones; a digitised electricity network, and a competitive electricity market. The products and services coming up in the Australian market will also have a wide range of applications overseas, from the refurbishment of America’s energy infrastructure, to energy end-use in emerging economies.
Partnering with NEX, which operates across 11 countries, will give startups in EnergyLabs’ portfolio a global reach unparalleled in Australia and the Pacific.
Over the last 12 months, EnergyLab and NEX have piloted the concept with Infravision, a startup that helps electric utilities accelerate power grid modernisation with drone enabled power line upgrades. Infravision had their eyes on the US market and were introduced to NEX while completing an EnergyLab startup program in 2021. NEX has since facilitated connections for Infravision to major investors and partners to support their entry into the North American transmission and distribution upgrade market.
Chris Cox, Co-Founder and Director of Infravision, said: “We have benefited greatly from New Energy Nexus’ support, landing on an approved vendor list for a major North American utility and securing financial backing to help us enter the international market all based on our track record of success in Australia.”
About EnergyLab:
EnergyLab is Australia and New Zealand’s largest climate tech startup accelerator and innovation network dedicated to reaching net zero emissions. With over 200 alumni supported through its programs, EnergyLab connects talented founders to the mentors, advisors, partners, peers and investors they need to succeed. EnergyLab programs include the Women in Climate and Energy Fellowship building the next generation of women founders; the Climate Solutions Accelerator; the Scale Up Program for later stage clean energy startups and a climate focused angel investor network.
Notes to editor:
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