EnergyLab has revealed the 10 startups selected for its 2026 Climate Solutions Accelerator, marking the first time in the program’s nine-year history that the entire intake comprises physical hardware ventures.
Supported by AU$1.64 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the six-month program provides early-stage founders with expert mentoring, investor connections, and industry access to transition prototypes into commercial clean energy technologies.
The 2026 cohort focuses on critical physical infrastructure, including EV charging, smart energy management, industrial decarbonisation, critical minerals processing, and sustainable materials.
Selected startups include UNSW spinout OzAmmonia, public charging provider EVX Australia, microgrid developer DC3 Tech, and bio-based material innovator Alt. Leather.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said backing early-stage Australian ventures is vital to delivering practical, scalable technologies for the nation’s energy transition.
“Australia’s energy transition relies on new ideas becoming practical technologies that people and businesses can use every day,” Miller said, noting that past program participants, such as Infravision and Renewable Metals, have progressed to secure direct ARENA project funding.
EnergyLab CEO Megan Fisher noted that physical engineering assets are essential to meeting net-zero targets.
“Australia’s net-zero transition won’t happen through software alone; it requires physical assets, hardware and deep engineering,” Fisher said.
“This all-hardware cohort represents the exact type of physical innovation needed to decarbonise our energy grid, heavy industry and material supply chains.”
Fisher added that ARENA’s support helps bridge the critical gap between early prototypes and commercial deployment, derisking ventures to attract private capital.
The accelerator program commences this month and will culminate in a Sydney showcase event in December 2026.