The Australian government and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) have launched Launchpad, a new AU$30 million funding initiative designed to accelerate the commercialisation of homegrown early-stage climate and clean energy technologies.
The funding program addresses early funding gaps, helping emerging Australian startups transition innovative concepts into market-ready commercial solutions.
Launchpad will focus on supporting breakthrough technologies across low-cost solar, energy storage, distributed energy, transport, renewable hydrogen, and green metals.
The initiative comprises two dedicated funding streams. A AU$15 million startup competitive stream providing grants of AU$500,000 to pre-seed and seed-stage startups, with up to an additional AU$500,000 available for capital-intensive infrastructure and equipment requirements. ARENA expects to fund between 15 and 30 early-stage ventures.
Another AU$15 million funding round will be offered for Australian ecosystem partners, including business accelerators and incubators, to deliver multi-year support programs for clean energy businesses. The funding pool offers grants of up to $5 million for the partners.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said Launchpad provides timely capital at a critical early phase, empowering local entrepreneurs to cut emissions, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and build skilled jobs.
“Australia has a strong research and innovation base, but a good idea needs backing to get off the ground. This funding will help energy and climate startups develop and demonstrate their technology and attract further investment,” Bowen said,
ARENA CEO Darren Miller added that early-stage hardware and climate innovations often require significant capital and time to mature. He noted that Launchpad offers a streamlined, faster application process to help companies reach pivotal technical and commercial milestones.
“By backing innovators early and strengthening the ecosystem around them, we can help more Australian renewable energy technologies move from a great idea to a real-world solution,” Miller said.
Applications for the startup funding stream close on October 28.
