Eleven Australian lithium battery start-ups and innovators will receive hyper-accelerated business support, helping build Australia’s role in the global US$400 billion lithium battery market.
Sydney, 2 February 2023 – Australia’s lithium battery value chain – currently only representing 1% of global product value despite the nation producing 60% of the world’s lithium – is about to get a major boost through support to eleven startups that are participating in the inaugural Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge.
The Challenge is an initiative of Supercharge Australia, which aims to drive local lithium battery innovation to capture more of the value chain in Australia. Startups will be matched with mentors and experts, receive pitch coaching and collaborate with each other to bolster a vibrant national battery ecosystem. Winners will be announced at a gala event in Sydney on March 30.
The 11 startups in the Challenge range from developers of novel cell chemistries to electric vehicle upscalers and critical metals recyclers. Competitively selected and to be judged by an expert panel from CSIRO, Boundless, New Energy Nexus, and Australia and New Zealand’s largest climate tech startup accelerator EnergyLab, they are:
Supercharge Australia will bring the industry together to understand where innovation is required and leverage New Energy Nexus’ global expertise, including its role in the US Department of Energy’s Lithium Bridge project to accelerate the development of a robust and secure domestic supply chain for lithium-based batteries. This will be supported by EnergyLab’s extensive innovation network in Australia connecting the startups with the mentors, advisors, peers and investors they need to succeed.
“Australian innovators are uniquely placed to supply emerging and mature global markets with low impact lithium products and resources to support our energy transition with better batteries,” said Danny Kennedy, CEO New Energy Nexus.
“This Supercharge Australia startup cohort is the vanguard of a decarbonised export powerhouse for our region and the world. Australia is now understanding the vast opportunities that its mineral and renewable energy endowment offers, and the decarbonisation responsibilities it demands,” said Kirk McDonald, Project Manager Supercharge Australia.
“We are looking forward to supporting these innovative founders with our networks and mentors to build a strong, supercharged ecosystem in Australia,” said Kate Neary, Programs Manager EnergyLab.
“EnergyLab is proud to bring its Australian climate tech innovation network to supporting founders in the lithium battery value chain,” said Megan Fisher, CEO EnergyLab.
“We’re excited to be offering a focused program for the first time in this part of the clean energy ecosystem, supporting this amazing cohort of 11 startups on their journey to success.
Find out more about Supercharge Australia at: energylab.org.au/superchargeaustralia
Media contacts:
Supercharge Australia:
Kirk McDonald, Project Manager Supercharge Australia, kirk.mcdonald@newenergynexus.com (+61)412336848
EnergyLab:
Kate Neary, Programs Manager EnergyLab, kateneary@energylab.org.au (+61)424334152
New Energy Nexus:
Tristan Tremschnig, Communications Director New Energy Nexus, tristan.tremschnig@newenergynexus.com (based in California)