From solar breakthroughs to innovative forms of energy storage, Australia’s climate tech researchers are turning world-class ideas into real-world ventures. Last month, 13 future founders graduated from EnergyLab’s Climate Tech Lab to Market program - designed to help researchers step out of the lab and into the startup world.
Proudly funded by the NSW Government, the Climate Tech Lab to Market (previously Ignite for Researchers) program was launched in 2024 to support climate tech researchers to understand how their research might be commercialised through entrepreneurship.
From Megan Fisher, EnergyLab CEO and Director
“Australia is home to world-leading climate tech research, but too often those ideas stay stuck in the lab. We currently rank below the OECD average for research commercialisation - so programs like Lab to Market are essential to bridge that gap. By giving researchers the commercial skills and confidence they need, we can help bring their innovations into the world, contributing to the decarbonisation of our economy and creating new industries”.
Over the past nine weeks, researchers from leading institutions across Australia - including the University of New South Wales, Monash University, and the Australian National University - have immersed themselves in the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. From refining their value propositions, to testing assumptions with potential customers, and pitching their ideas with confidence, the cohort transformed their research into commercial concepts with the potential to create meaningful, lasting impact.
Hear from Benjamin Tonnot, PhD researcher at the University of Newcastle, on how the program has supported him to commercialise his research.
"At ENERGY DIVERSIONS, we developed PROMETHEUS, a novel mechanical energy storage system designed to repurpose decommissioned open-cut mines into long-duration, grid-scale storage assets. Developed at the University of Newcastle, the system leverages gravity and compressed air principles to store and dispatch energy with high reliability and minimal degradation over time.
ENERGY DIVERSIONS aims to commercialise this technology through strategic partnerships with utilities, mining companies, and manufacturers, with initial deployment planned in Australia and India.
[EnergyLab’s Climate Tech Lab to Market] program challenged me to critically assess my assumptions, engage directly with potential users and stakeholders, and refine the value proposition based on real-world feedback. This process not only strengthened the commercial case for PROMETHEUS but also helped me articulate the problem-solution fit more clearly to investors and partners. Following the program, my immediate focus is on securing funding and partnerships to build a 100 kW pilot installation."
When asked what guidance they would provide to researchers exploring entrepreneurship as a means of commercializing their research, Ben responded:
"My advice is threefold:
- Start with Customer Discovery: Engage early with potential users, industry partners, and stakeholders. Their insights will shape your development roadmap and help you avoid unnecessary work.
- Protect Your IP Strategically: Secure clear IP ownership and seek professional guidance early. This will give you the freedom to explore partnerships and funding opportunities with confidence.
- Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with mentors, accelerators, and collaborators who understand both the technical and commercial dimensions of your work. Their guidance can be transformative."
Want to turn your research into climate impact? Express your interest in our 2026 Climate Tech Lab to Market Program.
The Climate Tech Lab to Market program is proudly funded by the NSW Government.
return to blog