Calling for startups with established proof-of-concepts to join us and build the future of the Australian lithium battery value chain as we launch the inaugural Supercharge Australia Incubator

The Supercharge Australia Incubator recognises that clean energy solutions are fundamental to addressing climate change and ensuring energy security. Developing a functional, market-ready product in the climate tech space demands more than a great idea; it requires rigorous testing, iteration, and refinement. The Supercharge Australia Incubator, a program from EnergyLab and New Energy Nexus will provide dedicated access to expert support and technical capability to empower startups to bring pioneering solutions in the lithium battery value chain to life. This program doesn’t just foster growth for individual startups; it strengthens Australia’s position as a leader in the lithium battery innovation landscape, driving sustainable impact on a global scale.

Key dates for 2025

  • Applications open: 13 January - 28 February 2025
  • Program Onboarding: 3 March 2024 - 4 April 2025
  • Program runs: 7 April - 27 June 2025

Advance technology commercialisation

When you join our Supercharge Australia Incubator we'll provide you with tools and resources and connect you with mentors and advisors to accelerate your product development.

Accelerate with dedicated mentorship

You'll be matched with experienced mentors across the lithium battery ecosystem including investors, industry and technical experts and experienced founders.

Meet founders with similar ambitions

You will join a cohort of innovative startups giving you the opportunity to learn from and support one other, find synergies and discuss shared challenges.

Expert Speakers

You will hear from seasoned experts, industry leaders, and thought pioneers who are shaping the future of clean energy and lithium battery innovation

Accelerated product development

You will be provided with specialised equipment and software to build, test, and refine their prototypes

Technologies include

Raw material extraction and processing, material innovation, battery cell manufacturing, battery pack development, battery integration and applications, second life application, recycling and end-of-life management, supporting technologies and so on.

Expression of Interest

Simply fill in the expression of interest for and we will reach when applications open

Applications open

13 January 2025

The first step is to complete an application form.

Interviews

From 3 March 2025

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a short virtual interview before you’re invited to participate.

Program offers

From 17 March 2025

Successful applicants will be invited to join the program shortly after the interview process.

Selection criteria

We’re all about providing the right support, at the right time. Besides having an invention in the lithium battery value chain, the Supercharge Australia Incubator is for you if you have these qualities:

Proof-of-concept (POC)

You should have developed proof of concept

Time commitment

You commit to attending workshops, and mentor meetings

Australia based

You should be based in Australia or immediate plans to do if based internationally.

FAQs

A proof-of-concept demonstrates that your technology or solution works in a controlled environment and has the potential to scale. These include lab-tested prototypes or models, initial data or reports or evidence of small trials or deployments which show the feasibility of the solution. You are encouraged to apply if your POC is not fully developed but shows potential.

Possibly! We are taking a very broad view of technologies and business models along the lithium battery value chain. If you’re still unsure if you’re a good fit for the challenge, please complete the expression of interest form and we’ll tell you for sure.

No, the program is free; we don’t charge cash or equity for participation.

No. All sessions and mentoring will be available online. If you and your mentor are located in the same area, we encourage you to meet up.

Yes, you can participate in the program from anywhere in the world. However, we are looking for startups that are Australia-based or have a presence in Australia and are aiming to make that presence significant. Please note that any cohort activities will be run between 9am - 5pm AEDT.

Only one, as long as that person is a founder or CEO. In addition to this person, you're welcome to invite up to two other team members to participate.

The expected time commitment is approximately 2-3 hours per week for twelve weeks. The Incubator will include meeting with your mentor/s once a week for an hour at a time decided between the startup and mentor. There will also be one group session per week lasting 1-2 hours.

The Incubator cohort will be made up of 8-12 startups.

Please email [email protected] if you have any other questions.