Western Australia’s GreenTech Hub has reached a key milestone with the announcement of finalists for its inaugural innovation challenge.
The Hub, hosted by Curtin University, brings together industry, researchers, innovators, and government agencies to co-develop scalable technologies tailored to Western Australia’s unique industrial and environmental needs.
Backed by $4 million over four years, the initiative forms part of the $40 million Lower Carbon Grants Program (LCG) – Gorgon Fund, supported by the WA government and the Chevron-operated Gorgon Joint Venture.
The first challenge, ‘Long Game Energy Storage’, attracted 31 local and international submissions proposing technologies that could accelerate WA’s transition to renewable energy by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
One in three submissions came from WA-based innovators.
During West Tech Fest, each finalist will pitch their long-duration energy storage (LDES) technologies at ‘The Long Game Live’ before a panel of industry experts assessing applications against defined WA use cases.
Challenge Champions are expected to be announced early next year.
Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson said the high level of engagement demonstrated the global relevance of WA’s energy challenges.
“Congratulations to all our finalists for the first challenge of the GreenTech Hub, it was fantastic to see the interest from high-calibre innovations from all over the world,” Dawson said.
“The Challenge connects innovators with industry, unlocks commercial pathways, and advances technologies that can support WA’s jobs, energy security, and decarbonisation goals.
“Thanks to West Tech Fest, each finalist has the chance to showcase their innovation and make their pitches to industry, investors and Challenge Partners.
Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the challenge highlighted the growing role of advanced batteries and energy storage within WA’s future energy mix.
“Batteries will be an important component of our energy mix as we drive towards becoming a renewable energy powerhouse,” Sanderson said.
“It is fascinating to see some of the battery technologies being tested as part of this GreenTech Hub challenge, which has attracted local and international innovators.
“I wish them well and look forward to Western Australia being the beneficiary of their long-duration energy storage systems.”
The finalists announced for The Long Game Energy Storage challenge include: Allegro Energy Pty Ltd, BroadBit Batteries, Energy Dome, e-Zinc Inc., Hynertech Australia Pty Ltd, Isothermix Pty Ltd, Knode Pty Ltd, Noon Energy, RayGen Resources Pty Ltd, RENOZ Energy, Sumitomo SHI FW, and The Green Energy Company.
Each team will bring unique approaches — from CO₂-based batteries and zinc-air systems to liquid hydrogen carriers and graphene batteries — representing a diverse cross-section of global innovation with significant potential for WA’s clean energy future.
