TasNetworks is joining and supporting a joint-initiative between EnergyLab, Definium Technologies and the Tasmanian Government to help smart energy and smart city startups go from an idea to deploying a new IoT product in just three months.
Delivered by EnergyLab and starting February 3, the Smart Energy Accelerator Program is an intense prototyping sprint to develop, iterate and deploy IoT solutions. Participants will receive technical support from Definium and business coaching from EnergyLab to bring to life their smart energy or smart cities idea, develop fully functional prototypes, and trial it with local partners.
Thanks to support from TasNetworks and the Tasmanian Government, the Launceston-based program will be completely free-of-charge.
"We want to deliver the energy of today, and inspire the ideas of tomorrow," the CEO of TasNetworks, Lance Balcombet, said.
"Smart technology plays a crucial role in cutting pollution, changing lifestyles and combating climate change. By helping bring the Smart Energy Acceleration program to Launceston, we're helping to drive smart energy solutions, support the ambitions of local inventors, and create new Tasmanian businesses and jobs, all in one," he said.
The city of Launceston, the ideal smart cities hub in Tasmania, Australia
The program will run in the city of Launceston in Tasmania, Australia. With a state-wide Definium LoRaWAN network (think WiFi for the internet of things) that the participants will be able to utilise and a wide range of supportive local partners, Tasmania is an ideal location to trial smart energy and smart city solutions. The natural beauty of Tasmania will also be an asset to attract not only startups from all over Australia but from all over the world.
"It is exciting that EnergyLab is bringing direct access to their international energy and business networks to Launceston. These networks and their combined global talent, will provide valuable partnering and collaboration opportunities for those trying to break into this rapidly growing marketplace.
We are particularly excited about how EnergyLab will reach out to, support and inspire local entrepreneurs and innovators and help strengthen Tasmania's credentials as the clean energy state and cradle of new technology." said Michael Ferguson, Tasmanian Minister for Science and Technology.
Developing IoT solutions, a powerful way to accelerate the clean energy uptake in Australia
During the program, everything will be put in place for the IoT solutions to be translated into tangible outcomes and deployed successfully in a commercial context. The participants will not only get access to Definium Technologies capabilities to build prototypes, but also will attend one-on-one sessions with local partners to explore potential trial deployments.
While this novel program differs from EnergyLab's Acceleration Program in other states by being shorter and solely focused on IoT, the vision to accelerate clean energy uptake in Australia remains the same. IoT is an important element of the emerging field of 'smart energy' that is making our energy consumption, storage and generation more sustainable, reliable and affordable.
"Some of the most promising energy startups are deploying IoT solutions" said EnergyLab CEO, James Tilbury. "By launching this program we're hoping to help create more successful startups like EnergyLab alumni Powerpal and Ohmie".
Applications for EnergyLab's Smart Energy Accelerator Program close on October 16 2019. For more information, head to energylab.org.au/smart-energy.
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