Miriam Cuellar’s career spans three countries, multiple industries, and a deep commitment to driving impact at the intersection of clean energy and manufacturing. Originally trained as a mechanical and automotive engineer in Mexico and Germany, Miriam transitioned into industry engagement, investment, and innovation when she moved to Australia. In this Q&A, Women in Climate and Energy Fellowship (WICEF) alumni, Miriam, shares how her global perspective shaped her passion for sustainability, why Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) became her startup focus, and how the WICEF program helped her build confidence, community, and clarity around her entrepreneurial journey.
Tell us a bit about you. Who is Miriam Cuellar?
Originally from Mexico, I earned my B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at ITESM (Technological Institute of Monterrey, Mexico) and M.S. in Automotive Engineering at Hochschule Esslingen (Germany). I've worked in global companies as an engineer in R&D and manufacturing, and as a professor in Mexico at ITESM and Tecmilenio.
When we migrated to Australia, my professional career completely pivoted toward industry engagement. As I entered the academic and later government sectors, I discovered Australia's clean tech ecosystem and became more aware of the country's approach to innovation. I also connected with Spark Club, where I met incredibly inspiring people who introduced me to EnergyLab.
I’m also passionate about women’s empowerment, which is why I volunteer with BPW Australia. In my current role at Powering Australia, where I champion local clean tech manufacturing for NSW and ACT, and have an Australia wide remit of networks and carbon —allowing me to contribute to meaningful change and make a positive impact on the world.
You have had a broad career spanning traditional engineering, higher education, public sector and industrial manufacturing. You’ve also lived and studied in three different countries. What unique perspective does your multicultural background bring to solving climate challenges?
My multicultural engineering background gives me a unique lens for approaching climate solutions.
Working in Germany revealed how central R&D is to building global and long-term business success. Mexico's manufacturing sector taught me about resource efficiency and cost optimisation in ways that are directly applicable to clean tech scalability. In Australia, I’ve gained firsthand insight into local capabilities and gaps. When it comes to innovation, sustainability, and manufacturing Australia has showed me how different regulatory environments and market structures can either accelerate or hinder clean technology adoption.
This perspective helps me think about global scalability from day one – not just what works in one market, but how solutions can be adapted across different economic and cultural contexts. The climate crisis requires solutions that work globally, and that means we need diverse perspectives at the table from the very beginning.
Why did you decide to apply for the EnergyLab Women in Climate and Energy Fellowship?
With net zero becoming a global priority, I became certain I wanted to transition into the clean tech sector. During a recent job search, I had an interview process with Qantas where I learned about Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Although I didn't get that role, I became completely hooked on how SAF represented the perfect merging of my interests: contributing to net zero, enabling guilt-free travel to visit family back in Mexico, and my passion for manufacturing.
I started considering entrepreneurship and researching available programs. When I came across WICEF, I knew it was the right fit for me.
'The WICEF program made me realise how achievable ambitious goals can be, even when facing numerous unknowns. Perhaps most importantly, I learned it's okay to be wrong and pivot. In fact, pivoting is often a sign of learning and progress, not failure.'
Tell us about your startup idea. How did the idea come about? What problem are you solving?
During my Qantas interview, it became clear that while SAF is a focus for airlines, the supply challenge hasn't been fully addressed. This represents both a significant challenge and over $130 billion projected market opportunity by 2050 that I wanted to help solve.
My vision was to establish a profitable SAF manufacturing plant. Having grown up around my family's transport business in Mexico, I understand fuel consumption and its optimisation for cost efficiency. I believed I could apply those learnings to this new venture, bringing a practical, operations-focused approach to SAF production.
WICEF program: What has been your biggest learning during the fellowship?
The methodology and how complex concepts were simplified for me were absolutely invaluable. Initially, I had no idea where to start, especially having never run a business in Australia.
The program also showed me I wasn't alone in this journey. Through some of the speakers, it made me realise how achievable ambitious goals can be, even when facing numerous unknowns. Perhaps most importantly, I learned it's okay to be wrong and pivot. In fact, pivoting is often a sign of learning and progress, not failure.
What's next for you? And where can we find out more?
These three months have been quite an adventure, but I'm still in the preliminary stages. My plan is to continue researching and refining my approach – I've already pivoted three times, and I'm open to more changes as I learn.
I'm focusing on deeper market research, building industry connections, and potentially exploring partnerships with existing players in the aviation fuel supply chain. The goal is to move from concept to a more concrete business plan to help bring the vision to life.
It’s about following my Australian dream.
Any advice for women considering applying for the fellowship?
If you're unsure about the path you want to take, just do it. The program is absolutely worth your time, and the knowledge you gain is invaluable. The community is amazing – it's incredibly inspiring to meet like-minded people who share concerns about the planet we'll be leaving for our children.
Don't let uncertainty hold you back. The fellowship provides the structure, support, and community to help you figure out your direction. Even if you start with an idea and it turns out to be completely different from what you imagine. In my view, everyone has a dream, and it is up to you to make it happen.
Interested in joining EnergyLab’s Women in Climate and Energy Fellowship? Head over to our website to fill out an EOI form. If you have any questions, email Milly at [email protected].
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