The Albanese Government is backing homegrown early-stage startup companies with a $30 million boost to help turn Australian clean energy ideas into commercial technologies.
Through its new Launchpad funding program, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) will support startups developing new technologies in areas like low-cost solar, energy storage, distributed energy, transport, renewable hydrogen and green metals.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said Launchpad would help early-stage Australian energy and climate startups take the next step from developing an idea to bringing it to market.
"Through the new Launchpad program, we're backing Australian ideas, innovation and ingenuity with timely, targeted investment at the crucial early stage," Minister Bowen said.
"Australia has a strong research and innovation base, but a good idea needs backing to get off the ground. This funding will help energy and climate startups develop and demonstrate their technology and attract further investment.
"With Launchpad, we're helping Australian innovators turn their ideas into technologies that can cut emissions, strengthen Australian industry and create new opportunities for skilled jobs."
The program will allocate $15 million to support startups that are typically at an earlier stage than the companies that can apply for ARENA's existing funding programs, with ARENA aiming to support between 15 to 30 startups.
Successful applicants in the competitive funding round will receive $500,000, with a further $500,000 available for projects that require significant spending on equipment and infrastructure (up to $1,000,000 in total).
Alongside direct support for Australian startups, Launchpad will provide a further $15 million to specialist ecosystem organisations that help climate and clean energy startups bring their technologies to market and grow their businesses. Successful applicants in this round can receive up to $5,000,000.
Applications for the startup funding stream close on 28 October 2026, with funding for ecosystem support organisations available until the funding allocation is exhausted.
