We’re seeking visionary startups building scalable, sustainable technologies along the lithium battery value chain for Australia and globally as we launch the third annual Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge
Global demand for lithium-ion batteries is set to skyrocket over the next decade, rising from approximately 700 GWh in 2022 to an estimated 4.7 TWh by 2030. This surge is driven by the rapid electrification of transport and the expanding need for energy storage. As battery demand accelerates, so too does the need for innovative solutions across the entire value chain. Supercharge Australia — a collaboration between EnergyLab and New Energy Nexus — is building a thriving ecosystem for lithium battery innovation, enabling greater value capture across the entire supply chain. Participants in the previous innovation challenges have raised almost $70 million in additional funding; in Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge #3, we hope to uncover more opportunities for rapid support and growth for Australian solutions.
Key dates for 2025
- Applications open: 10 July - 14 September 2025
- Interviews: 15 - 22 September 2025
- Program runs: 30 September - 20 November 2025
Meet some of our alumni
Program Benefits
A 2-month highly personalised acceleration experience will be undertaken by a cohort of 8-12 startups. Following the support offered during the challenge, startups will meet with a panel of highly qualified Australian and international judges for a pitch, interview and Q&A. At the Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge Awards, the startups will pitch to an audience filled with active participants in the ecosystem with the group of exceptional startups announced as the winners.
Accelerate with dedicated mentorship
You'll be matched with experienced mentors in the lithium battery startup ecosystems, EV, advanced manufacturing, including investors, industry and technical experts and experienced founders.
Exposure to active investors
You will hear from experienced investors that are active within this space and have expertise in scaling up startups.
Extensive public exposure
Throughout the program we will use our social media channels to give you a platform to promote your business. Some teams will have the opportunity to pitch and present at the All Energy Conference in Melbourne. The program will culminate in an awards event where you will have the opportunity to pitch to an audience that is active in this space.
Cohort of like-minded founders
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.
Pitch coaching
In the lead-up to the Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge Awards, you will receive expert pitch coaching and feedback from a communication and pitching expert specialising in the startup space.
A dedicated support team
You will touch base with the team at Supercharge Australia regularly to discuss how we can further support you.
Startup Focus
We call for startups, entrepreneurs and innovative teams
Focusing on:
- Faster, cleaner production at greater scale;
- Accelerated decarbonisation; and
- Significant long-term economic outcomes for Australia
This will take not one but many solutions, hopefully including your startup!
Solutions may include:
- Deep tech;
- Software innovation; or
- Novel business processes
Solutions need to be focused on the mass EV Retrofit opportunity
Covering any phase including but not limited to:
- Critical minerals exploration and processing
- Advanced materials and battery chemistry
- Cell and pack design
- Manufacturing and automation technologies
- Battery management systems and software
- Grid and energy storage applications
- Electric transport, such as electric vehicles, boats
- Battery reuse, second life, and recycling
- Enabling technologies (AI, robotics, diagnostics, etc.)
The winner of the Challenge will:
Embark on a New Energy Nexus guided trip to a lithium battery destination relevant to their startup, gaining unparalleled access to top investors, climate tech leaders, and international conferences.
Veepower founders Kyle and Courtney Van Berendonck, winners of Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge #2: Retrofit Nation, leveraged their success to embark on a strategic tour of California—meeting with leading energy and mobility innovators at Stanford University, the EDF Innovation Lab, New Energy Nexus in Berkeley, and the ACT Expo in Los Angeles during San Francisco Climate Week.
Apply now
Applying is easy. Simply fill in an application form and we'll reach out to arrange an interview.
Applications open
10 July 2025
The first step is to complete an application form.
Interviews
From 15 September 2025
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a short virtual interview before you’re invited to participate.
Program offers
From 22 September 2025
Successful applicants will be invited to join the program shortly after the interview process.
FAQs
Head to these links for more information on Supercharge Australia and New Energy Nexus.
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. Your Founder/CEO will also be required to be in Sydney to pitch at the Innovation Challenge Awards.
Possibly! We are taking a very broad view of technologies and business models application to the lithium battery value chain, so if you are solving problems in the industry including supporting cleaner production, decarbonisation and increasing economic outcomes for Australia, we’d love to hear from you! If you’re still unsure if you’re a good fit for the challenge, reach out to [email protected]
No. Your business can be registered anywhere in the world. If you’re not an Australian company, our only requirement is that you currently have a presence in Australia with the intention of having a significant presence in Australia.
No, the program is free; we don’t charge cash or equity for participation.
No but we will introduce you to active investors in the ecosystem.
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. Your founder or CEO will be required to be in Sydney for the Innovation Challenge Awards.
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 eight weeks. The Innovation Challenge 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 Innovation Challenge cohort will be made up of 8-12 startups.
We respect that you have limited time and need to prioritise. That's why we have a quick to fill in expression of interest form that only takes a few minutes to fill out. We will use your answers to determine whether our Innovation Challenge can help you achieve your goals.
Please email [email protected] if you have any other questions.