Calling all energy sector disruptors
EnergyLab's Scaleup Program is designed to help the most innovative startups and energy companies work together to roll out technology that will help decarbonise the energy sector. During this virtual program, founders will be provided with the connections and exposure they need to unlock their next wave of growth.
Key dates for 2025
- Applications Open: 2 December 2024 - 10 February 2025
- Selection Process: 10 February - 21 April 2025
- Partnership Module, Investment Module & Showcase - Exact Dates to be Confirmed: 19 May - 15 September 2025
Alumni
A selection of program alumni. For a complete list refer to the Alumni page
Program benefits
Introductions to industry decision-makers
You'll meet some of Australia and New Zealand's most innovative energy companies.
Exposure to active energy sector investors
You will receive feedback from investors with the most expertise in scaling up clean energy startups.
Peer-to-peer learning
The program attracts the most talented clean energy entrepreneurs in the world and we'll help you learn from each other.
Mentorship from energy sector entrepreneurs
You'll get to spend time with the founders of Australia's most successful energy startups.
Extensive public exposure
We'll run a showcase event and use our social media channels to give you a platform to promote your business.
Expand to the Australian and New Zealand
If you're an overseas startup, we will help you develop Australian and New Zealand knowledge and networks.
Access to EnergyLab's mentor network
You will be able to request introductions to EnergyLab's extensive mentor network.
A dedicated support team
You will touch base with EnergyLab regularly to discuss how we can further support you.
Ongoing assistance
Upon graduation, you will join our alumni network of the most successful and impactful clean energy founders.
Work with the region's most innovative energy companies
2024 Scaleup Program Partners & Industry Participants
Meet Australia's most active energy investors
Program structure
EnergyLab's 2025 Scaleup Program will be structured over three modules and three public facing online events. Currently scheduled to run between May and September in 2025, the final timeline will be confirmed during the selection process.
Module 1
May 2025
You'll start the program by getting to know the other participants, discussing strategies for building successful partnerships with EnergyLab alumni and take part in our pitching masterclass. We will also be arranging industry briefings from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), Australian Energy Market Operator (AER), Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), and the Australian Energy Market Commision (AEMC).
Module 2
June 2025
In the industry module you will receive industry briefings from our industry partners including DNSPs, TNSPs, Energy Retailers, and Renewable Energy Developers as they describe their key strategic challenges and place in the Australian energy market.
Startups will also get the chance to learn 1:1 from our pitch coach.
Following a 1-week break, you will have the chance to meet with industry partners 1:1 to discuss your products and services and explore commercial opportunities!
Module 3
August 2025
In our final module we will introduce you to the broader Australian Energy ecosystem with expert mentor networking, introductions to a broader cross-section of industry partners, as well as briefings and AMAs from Australian climate investors.
Industry Case-Study Event
July 2025
A chance to pitch to and present real world case studies to a broad cross-section of industry participants.
Climate Investor Pitch Event
September 2025
A chance to pitch to Australia's best climate tech investors.
Public Showcase Event
September 2025
To cap off the program, we'll arrange a public showcase event to give you further exposure to energy companies, investors and the broader EnergyLab community.
Participate for free
EnergyLab's Scaleup Program is completely free to join - we won't charge a cent or take any equity in your business.
Hear from some of our alumni
“ EnergyLab's Scaleup Program is incredibly beneficial to founders who are transitioning from the startup phase and looking to increase exposure and develop networks and customers in the energy sector. The opportunity to pitch and engage directly with partnered utility decision-makers resulted in a number of new strategic opportunities for Infravision, which has accelerated the adoption of our technology. ”
Co-Founders, Infravision
“ An invaluable program for startups looking to scale their business and amplify their message in Australia. The EnergyLab Program Lead, Support Team, Industry Partners, and Mentors delivered on all fronts: industry partner meetings, showcase opportunities, industry briefings, investor contact, trade event support and networking with key industry and public sector leaders. The EnergyLab Scale Up Program is the first choice for any new and innovative businesses with decarbonising solutions. ”
Co-founders, VizAR
“ As a mature scaleup looking to enter the Australian market, Accure has benefited greatly from the industry briefings, market exposure, and industry connections resulting from our participation in the Scaleup Program. If you work in energy and consider Australia a target market, EnergyLab is in a class of its own and simply the place to be! ”
CEO, Accure Battery Intelligence
“ The EnergyLab Scaleup Program is uniquely helpful due to the collective wisdom on the scale-up challenges ‘beyond start-up’ – market expansion, deep customer relationships and scalable sales processes. ”
CEO and Co-Founder, Aurtra
“ EnergyLab's Scaleup Program was a great place to meet like minded founders and connect with the industry to discuss strategic opportunities and the evolution of the energy system. ”
CEO and Managing Director, Evergen
“ The EnergyLab Scaleup Program was great. Pairing off with end users to talk about piloting, meeting a large pool of potential investors, and lots of opportunities for peer to peer learning were all blended in a way that provided good value to time-poor founders. ”
Co-Founder, MGA Thermal
“ EnergyLab's network of companies, mentors and staff is the best way to learn more about the Australian energy market while expanding your business! ”
CEO, Amperon
“ For V-Labs, EnergyLab’s Scaleup Program was a great and efficient way to get a first foothold in the Australian energy market. Thanks to the program, we managed to land a great customer, which has allowed us to expand our activities in this fantastic country further! ”
Managing Director, V-Labs
“ We found the agenda to be extremely well designed, structured & executed. The entire EnergyLab team has a keen appreciation for what is required to bridge the commercial engagement gap between start-ups and energy utilities. This ensured the program was pragmatic & focused on enabling the greatest likelihood of tangible opportunities to result. It was also fantastic getting to know other global companies navigating similar trajectories and customer engagement. ”
Founder and CEO, Neara
Selection process
The selection process is scheduled to run from February to April.
Online application
Due 10 February 2025
The first step in the application process is to complete an online application form. Prior to that you can submit an expression of interest and if you have any questions you can reach out to Scaleup Program Lead, Tim Bray at [email protected]
Interviews
Feb 2025
The best applicants will be invited to attend an interview with the EnergyLab team during which we will clarify parts of your application and discuss your suitability for the program.
Partner meetings
March/April 2025
A portion of the interviewed applicants will be invited to meet partners that are interested in exploring the fit between their needs and your technology. You may also be invited to attend hybrid virtual/in-person pitch days with some of our key industry partners.
The startups with the best fit will be offered a spot in the program.
What we're looking for
Startups with strong leadership, relevant technology, existing pilot or paid customers and potential for scale.
FAQs
Strong leadership - A founder/CEO/executive is committed to participating in the program. Your team will take full advantage of the program and treat everyone respectfully.
Relevant technology - You're commercialising proven technology that is relevant to our energy industry partners.
Potential for scale - You have a proven business model that will enable your startup to grow rapidly and are targeting a large market that needs your solution.
The 2025 program will run from May to September 2025. Applications will open for the 2025 intake in December 2024, you can submit an expression of interest here.
Possibly! EnergyLab's Scaleup Program is focused on the technology that will help our energy company partners solve their challenges. If you're unsure if you're a good fit for this program, please complete an expression of interest form and we'll tell you for sure.
Yes, as the program will be delivered 100% online, you can participate in the program from anywhere in the world. However, you will need to regularly attend virtual meetings and events.
Make sure you're committed to being able to operate effectively in the Australian time zones for the duration of the program.
No. Your business can be registered anywhere in the world. If you're not an Australian company, our only requirement is that you're serious about exploring the Australian market.
No, the program is free; we don't charge cash or equity for participation. Our partners cover the cost of the program so that you can participate.
No, but we'll introduce you to Australia's most active energy sector and climate tech investors.
No, the program is virtual, but we have offices in Sydney should you want to use them. During the selection process Australian startups may be invited to participate in hybrid virtual/in-person pitch events with international startups joining virtual. In-person attendance will never be a requirement for any of these sessions, however,
Only one, as long as that person is a company executive or founder. You're welcome also to invite other team members to participate in the program sessions.
Program sessions will require an executive or founder to be present. Other team members can also join sessions.
The structured program sessions run over three two-week modules. During these modules, we will aim to run one 2hr session at the same time each day (3-4 days/week during program weeks) so you can balance the program with your other commitments.
To get the most out of the program, we encourage participants to devote time to conversations with EnergyLab's partners, mentors, alumni and investors.
The 2025 Scaleup Program cohort will be made up of 8 to 15 companies.
We respect that you have limited time and need to prioritise. That's why we have an expression of interest form that only takes a few minutes to fill out. We will use your answers to determine whether our Scaleup Program can help you achieve your goals.
Please email [email protected] if you have any other questions.