We’re seeking visionary startups building scalable, sustainable technologies along the lithium battery value chain for Australia and globally as we launch the fourth annual Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge.
Global demand for lithium-ion batteries is set to grow rapidly over the next decade, driven by the electrification of transport, the expansion of stationary energy storage, and the global push to build more resilient clean energy supply chains. As demand accelerates, so too does the need for innovative solutions across the entire lithium battery 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 supply chain and supporting Australian startups to scale locally and globally. Since launching, Supercharge Australia has supported 50 startups, with participating companies raising more than A$120 million. In Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge #4, we’re seeking the next generation of Australian battery innovators ready to unlock new growth, partnerships and market opportunities.
Key dates for 2026
- Applications open: 9 July - 6 September 2026
- Interviews: 17 August - 9 September 2026
- Program runs: 14 September - 4 November 2026
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’re looking for ambitious startups working across the lithium battery value chain, from the materials that go in, to the systems that make batteries safer and more scalable, to the applications that bring them into the market.
Upstream: Materials, minerals and inputs
Solutions may include:
- Critical minerals exploration and processing
- Lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, manganese and other battery minerals
- Low-carbon refining and purification technologies
- Advanced battery materials, additives and components
- Circular supply of battery materials through recovery or recycling
- Technologies that improve cost, safety, traceability or environmental performance
Midstream: Cells, packs and manufacturing
Solutions may include:
- Battery chemistry and cell innovation
- Cell, module and pack design
- Battery safety, testing and diagnostics
- Battery management systems and software
- Advanced manufacturing, automation and quality control
- Thermal management, performance optimisation and reliability solutions
Downstream: Deployment, use and lifecycle
Covering any phase including but not limited to:
- Stationary energy storage and grid applications
- EV charging, fleet electrification and mobility solutions
- Vehicle-to-grid and bidirectional charging technologies
- Battery analytics, asset management and lifecycle software
- Battery reuse, second life and recycling models
- New business models that accelerate battery adoption in Australia and globally
The winner of the Challenge will:
The winning startup will receive a guided market access experience with New Energy Nexus and EnergyLab, designed around a lithium battery market relevant to their growth ambitions.
For an Australian startup, this may include guided entry into a relevant Southeast Asian market, with curated introductions to potential customers, partners, investors, industry leaders and ecosystem organisations.
For a Southeast Asian startup, this may include guided entry into the Australian battery ecosystem, including support to attend the Sydney Awards event and connect with investors, industry partners, government stakeholders and potential Australian collaborators.
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 in California
Apply now
Applying is easy. Simply fill in an application form and we'll reach out to arrange an interview.
Applications open
9 July 2026
The first step is to complete an application form.
Interviews
From 17 August 2026
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a short virtual interview before you’re invited to participate.
Program offers
From 31 August 2026
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. If you’re still unsure if you’re a good fit for the challenge, reach out [email protected]
Please email [email protected] if you have any other questions.