EnergyLab is excited to announce the launch of the eighth cohort of the Women in Climate and Energy Fellowship (WICEF), a program designed to support women founders to launch climate and energy startups.
The EnergyLab Women in Climate and Energy Fellowship has been running since 2019 and has equipped over 110 women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills and access to investment and support networks needed to succeed. This year’s cohort features 12 talented founders who are ready to make their mark in the climate tech sector.
The eighth cohort of the program is proudly sponsored by Gridcog and Open Solar, two leading startups committed to advancing diversity in the industry.
“The clean energy transition is arguably one the most important challenges the world is tackling right now, so we need to get as many of our best and brightest engaged in the challenge. Programs like WICEF are a great way to do that,” said Fabian Le Gay Brereton, CEO at Gridcog.
Gridcog, an EnergyLab startup alumni, emphasises the importance of giving back to the community. “Gridcog really benefited from our participation in an EnergyLab program in the past, and we have a WICEF alumni on the team, so it's great to be able to give back to EnergyLab. We really want to support and encourage more women to enter and thrive in the climate tech and energy sectors.”
“Founding a startup is hard. Founding a startup in the climate and energy sector is really hard.” Fabian commented, “having been through EnergyLab ourselves, we know how valuable that support and guidance can be in your early days. We've still got a long way to go on our own journey, but it's great if we can help other founders navigate the complexities and challenges of working in this sector.”
The Gridcog team: Pete, Genna and Fabian
Open Solar shares a similar vision of empowering future leaders in the climate and energy space. “Supporting the Women in Climate and Energy Fellowship helps diversify and strengthen the leadership and funding pool in climate and energy,” said Steve Badgery, Global Head of Talent at Open Solar. “This ensures that future solutions are more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable.”
Gridcog and Open Solar’s involvement is not limited to financial support; they are also committed to offering mentorship and support at WICEF events including the pitch night.
“The sector is complex and fascinating, and it's such a privilege to have the chance to see the innovative ideas that new founders are bringing to the sector. It's also a sector that really rewards collaboration. "It takes a village" is a cliche, but it is really true in energy, and so the chance to build relationships early is really valuable.” said Fabian.
Megan Fisher, EnergyLab’s CEO & Director, confirmed the importance of the partnership: “With women under-represented as founders and only 2% of all startup funding in Australia last year going to all women teams, EnergyLab is committed to supporting and promoting women to address this issue. We thank Gridcog and Open Solar for their support of the next generation of women founders.”
If you are interested in joining EnergyLab's Women in Climate and Energy Fellowship, please fill out the expression of interest form.
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