Liberate Minerals wins Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge #3.

Sydney, Australia, 21 November 2025 – Supercharge Australia today announced the winners of the Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge #3, spotlighting breakthrough technologies shaping the future of Australia’s battery and electrification industries at its annual Awards event in Sydney, MC’d by presenter and science communicator, Lee Constable. The Challenge highlights innovative founders in the lithium battery value chain, advancing solutions across critical minerals, battery materials, energy systems and electrified transport for a fully renewables-powered industrial economy.

Liberate Minerals, an industry-redefining advanced critical and rare-earth minerals processing company, was named the Winner for its high-efficiency, low-emissions extraction process designed to dramatically increase yield percentage and diversity, reduce energy use, operating costs and environmental intensity across Australia and the world’s emerging green-industrial regions.

“Learning from experts how best to present our fluorine-based, world-leading critical and rare earth minerals recovery process so that it’s immediately understandable to investors and partners has been a pivotal outcome of our participation in the challenge,” said Richard Simons, Managing Director of Liberate Minerals.

From left: Derick Gyabeng, Program Lead, Supercharge Australia; Kirk McDonald, Project Manager – Supercharge Australia, New Energy Nexus; Ben Apfel & Richard Simons, Liberate Minerals; and Megan Fisher, CEO & Director at EnergyLab.

Liberate Minerals’ team will receive a hosted tour to any of New Energy Nexus’ global office locations that can best accelerate the growth and sustainability of their innovation. Last year’s Challenge winner visited investors and ecosystem players at San Francisco Climate Week and the Advanced Clean Transport Expo in Los Angeles.

A highlight of the awards event was the announcement of reaching the three-year mark of Supercharge Australia, with 41 startups supported and over A$100 million raised by startups participating in its programs.

Two teams received Top Choice Awards for outstanding technical and commercial promise:

• Next-Gen Energy Technology, represented by CEO, Andrew Cooper, recognised for its next‑generation NCA cathode material platform that significantly boosts energy density, enhances thermal stability, and enables scalable, low‑cost Australian cell manufacturing.
• Green Dynamics, founded by Tong Xie, awarded for its AI‑driven materials discovery and engineering platform accelerating the development of next‑generation battery and energy‑storage materials through high‑throughput simulation, machine‑learning optimisation and automated experimentation.

The audience-voted People’s Choice Award went to UEG Energy, founded by Eugenie Knight and George Knight, reflecting strong peer and industry backing for its urban, grid-scale storage solutions, supporting rapid electricity distribution network decarbonisation with greater contingent benefits for both the networks and surrounding communities.

“Australia has a once-in-a-generation chance to stand up new businesses operating along the full lithium battery value chain – from rocks to recycling – and create thousands of jobs and economic value while leading the net‑zero economy. The economic opportunity won’t wait for us. Let’s leverage the multibillion‑dollar funds available targeting renewables and more manufacturing in Australia to back innovators, build pathways from breakthrough to market, and simplify funding to unlock the opportunity,” said Megan Fisher, CEO of EnergyLab.

Kirk McDonald, Project Manager – Supercharge Australia of New Energy Nexus, added: “Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge #3 highlights the transformative potential of home-grown battery and minerals-processing startups. The technical and business ingenuity on display is exactly what Australia needs to build world-class industries centred on local IP, clean energy and downstream value creation. Early-stage startups exist at a wide range of potential enterprise scales, and each of them needs fast, accordingly generous, non-dilutive and ideally non-matching grants to mature rapidly in this dynamic global decarbonisation era.”

The full cohort of ten graduating startups from Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge #3 with quotes from Professor Elizabeth Thurbon, co-author of the Clean Commodities Trading Initiative, and Kate Chaney MP available here.

About Supercharge Australia

Supercharge Australia is an initiative of EnergyLab and New Energy Nexus, accelerating founders across the lithium-battery value chain – from critical minerals and materials to cell manufacturing, pack integration, second-life applications and recycling.

About EnergyLab

EnergyLab is Australia’s largest climate tech startup accelerator and innovation network, backing founders who are building the technologies that will accelerate the transition to net zero. With more than 290 startup alumni, EnergyLab connects entrepreneurs with the mentors, partners, and investors they need to grow and scale. Each year, EnergyLab delivers ten programs that support founders at every stage of development – from early idea to global expansion – helping position Australia as a leader in clean energy and climate innovation.

Winners with Natalie Mendelsohn, Counsellor, Infrastructure and Climate Change, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs

Jakarta, November 19, 2025 – Five Indonesian startups have been selected to receive funding support from the KINETIK NEX Entrepreneurs Program after impressing the judging panel at the Demo Day Pitching during the [RE]Spark Clean Energy and Climate Startup Festival 2025. The support marks a major boost for local innovation that offers real solutions to energy transition and climate challenges, while helping to expand the benefits of clean energy to communities across Indonesia.

The five selected startups represent leading innovators that bring concrete solutions to local clean energy needs and climate resilience. They are:

• Difabike, a Yogyakarta-based startup offering three-wheeled electric motorcycle services designed specifically for persons with disabilities.
• Energi Timur Nusa Power, a Sumbawa-based startup focused on optimizing micro hydropower plants in remote villages.
• Gawirea (Girls and Women in Renewable Energy Academy), an organization that empowers rural women through renewable energy education and entrepreneurship.
• NUSACUBE by PT Alana Green Electric, a technology provider that produces ice blocks and clean water using solar power and wind power.
• Sumba Solusi Alam, developer of PowerWells, affordable solar power units made from recycled electronic waste.

Jonathan Gilbert, Minister-Counsellor, Head of Economic, Investment and Infrastructure at the Australian Embassy in Indonesia, stated that Australia is investing more than AUD 200 million to support Indonesia in expanding access to climate finance, strengthening climate resilience, and accelerating the shift toward clean energy. He highlighted that this support aims to ensure that clean energy innovation reaches not only major cities such as Jakarta but also regions including Kupang, Manado, Sumba, and Sumbawa.

Jonathan Gilbert speaks at the event.

“At the heart of KINETIK is a simple belief that the energy transition must be inclusive and locally led. This means ensuring that women and people with disabilities have equal opportunities to lead and benefit from the energy transition and green economy,” Jonathan said during his remarks on Saturday, 15 November, at Menara Danareksa in Jakarta.

He added that innovations emerging from this program are expected to support Indonesia’s efforts to achieve its Net Zero Emissions target by 2060 or earlier. According to Jonathan, when communities design and own their solutions, those solutions last. They reflect local realities, use local resources, and create local jobs.

Diyanto Imam, Director of New Energy Nexus Indonesia, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting innovators and entrepreneurs across Indonesia. He emphasized that energy and climate transition solutions must come from local areas, drawing from local ideas, knowledge, and wisdom.

Diyanto Imam speaks at the event.

“We strive to harness local knowledge and combine it with our experience over the past six years to continue supporting the growth and real-world impact of innovators across Indonesia,” Diyanto said.

The urgency of these innovations is reinforced by data from the Joint Research Center of the European Commission, which highlights the continued rise of greenhouse gas emissions, increasing atmospheric concentrations, and worsening global warming. In 2024, the Earth’s surface temperature reached a new record of 1.6°C above the pre-industrial average.

One of the funding recipients, Difabike, stated that this support will help accelerate business expansion not only through its Difaride service but also through the development of Difabox and Difatour to strengthen long-term sustainability.

Triyono speaks at the event.

“This support is essential to advance our services. It will help us fully develop Difabox and Difatour so that the quality of Difaride remains strong and the sustainability of Difabike grows even further with new breakthroughs,” said Triyono, CEO of Difabike.

KINETIK NEX is an initiative delivered by New Energy Nexus in collaboration with KINETIK, the Australia-Indonesia Climate, Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Partnership. It is a flagship program aimed at growing Indonesia’s green economy and accelerating energy transition.

Through KINETIK NEX, this partnership promotes inclusive growth by supporting clean energy and climate technology startups in Indonesia. The program empowers local innovators, creates green jobs, and encourages climate solutions beyond major urban centers. It supports bold ideas for a prosperous Indonesia and a thriving planet.

New Energy Nexus is a global accelerator and funding ecosystem that supports clean energy entrepreneurs from early-stage technologies to deployment and adoption. In Indonesia, New Energy Nexus works to strengthen an ecosystem that supports innovators, startups, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders in the clean energy and climate solutions sector.

Photo from the People of Asia for Climate Solutions (PACS) Facebook page

Manila, Philippines, 29 October 2025 – As part of its goal to strengthen renewable energy cooperation between China and the Philippines, New Energy Nexus in partnership with the People of Asia for Climate Solutions (PACS), through the Climate Actions in Renewable Energy (CARE) Project, hosted solar training partners and program alumni in the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Workshop held in China from October 13 to 16, 2025.

The four-day workshop immersed participants in the latest developments in solar PV technologies with one of China’s pioneering solar panel manufacturers. The sessions also provided insights into emerging trends in distributed renewable energy (DRE), solar manufacturing, and potential areas for collaboration between Chinese and Philippine enterprises.

The Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Workshop, organized by New Energy Nexus in partnership with the People of Asia for Climate Solutions (PACS).

“The activity [PV workshop] was an invaluable opportunity to strengthen our local partners’ technical knowledge while building bridges for future cooperation in the renewable energy sector,” said Brenda Valerio, Program Director of New Energy Nexus Philippines.

The visit also contributes to the development of the Project Opportunity Map, CARE’s main output that identifies opportunities for collaboration between Chinese renewable energy enterprises and Philippine stakeholders.

Participants of the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Workshop, organized by New Energy Nexus in partnership with the People of Asia for Climate Solutions (PACS).

The Filipino delegation was composed of New Energy Academy solar training partners and Solar Innovation Program alumni who have been instrumental in expanding the country’s clean energy workforce and promoting solar innovation.

• R.A.R Ventures Incorporated (EcoSolutions)
• Sunstruck Solar Solutions Inc.
• Salfer Engineering and Solar Technology Enterprise
• S.P.A.R.C. Solar Power Installation Services
• Photovoltaic Solar Centre
• SJ Renewable Energy
• G-Power Solartech
• Skipper’s Electronics Engineering Services
• T-North Training Consultancy Services
• Hive Energy PH
• GG Automation Construction Services
• Solar King Electrical Trading
• 10K GDC Commercial Inc.

“This experience reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering our training partners and alumni with global perspectives and technical expertise. Learning from one of the world’s most advanced solar markets, we hope that these technologies and insights can be adopted and made available in the Philippines, helping our local solar industry champions continue to grow and evolve,” said Jacob Taguinod, Partnerships Manager of New Energy Nexus Philippines.

“The PV workshop in China was inspiring, humbling, and deeply encouraging. It showed us how passionate entrepreneurs can unite around a shared vision for renewable innovation and how advanced PV technology has already become, from solar benches to zero-carbon housing.”

These experiences are critical stepping stones that have bolstered our resolve. They encourage us (solar installers) to push beyond mere profit and focus instead on ambitious advocacy. Having seen these advanced solutions realized in practice, we now know the future we envision for our country is not a distant concept, but a tangible reality we can immediately begin to implement,” said Richmond Reyes, President of EcoSolutions Philippines.

The Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Workshop, organized by New Energy Nexus in partnership with the People of Asia for Climate Solutions (PACS).

Through the CARE Project and initiatives such as the PV Workshop, New Energy Nexus continues to advance cross-border knowledge sharing and support solar entrepreneurs to contribute to advancing the country’s renewable energy market.

About the CARE Project

The Climate Actions in Renewable Energy (CARE) Project is a strategic initiative led by New Energy Nexus (Philippines and China) in partnership with People of Asia for Climate Solutions (PACS). It aims to foster cross-border collaboration in clean energy deployment by supporting Chinese enterprises in navigating the Philippine renewable energy market and promoting knowledge exchange between both countries.

Berkeley, USA – September 16, 2025 –  New Energy Nexus (NEX) today announced that Henri van Eeghen will conclude his tenure as CEO, as the organization moves further into a locally led model catalysed under his leadership.

Over the past year, Henri has guided NEX in placing more decision-making and delivery power with its country Chapters, while focusing the global team on providing the right support and expanding the network’s collective impact and footprint in new markets. With that shift well underway, the responsibilities of the CEO role have evolved, and the Board and Henri have agreed that this is the right moment for a leadership transition.

To ensure continuity and stability, Andrew Chang, New Energy Nexus’ Chief Growth Officer, will step up as CEO. Andrew’s focus will be to lead the global team’s next phase: supporting Chapters worldwide, strengthening partnerships in new markets, and keeping delivery focused and effective.

Janet Dalziell, Chair of the Board, said: “On behalf of the Board, I want to extend our deep gratitude to Henri for his leadership during a pivotal stage in NEX’s journey. He helped advance our shift to a more locally led network: empowering Chapters and setting the organization up for success. As NEX enters its next phase, we’re confident the organization is strong, resilient, and well-positioned to expand its impact.”

Henri van Eeghen said: “It has been a privilege to serve New Energy Nexus at such a crucial juncture. Together, we prepared the organization to operate as a truly networked entity, driven by empowered Chapters and entrepreneurial partnerships. With that direction underway, the timing is right for a leadership transition. I am proud of what we’ve achieved and confident in the global team’s ability to deliver at scale.”

Andrew Chang said: “NEX is built on the strength of its Chapters and the clean energy entrepreneurs we serve. I am deeply committed to the mission, having spent more than nine years at NEX leading a Chapter, growing new markets, and launching new initiatives. That experience has shown me that as a network of local leaders, we are greater than the sum of our parts.

“As CEO, my focus will be on ensuring our Chapters have the support and resources they need to succeed, while deepening the partnerships and programs that help them thrive. Building on the path Henri set for us—and by keeping our global team steady and effective—we will expand NEX’s impact as a truly global network for clean energy entrepreneurship.”

Henri, who will be on hand to advise the new leadership, departs with the respect and gratitude of the entire NEX community. The Board is confident that the CEO will provide stability and clarity as the organization moves forward, and that NEX remains well-positioned to fulfill its mission to accelerate the clean energy transition, with clean energy entrepreneurship at its core.

August 28, 2025, Sta. Rosa — As the Philippines races to meet its 35% renewable energy target by 2030, solar industry leaders said regional support for clean energy innovation will be critical in translating national renewable energy targets into on-ground adoption.

This was highlighted through back-to-back Solar Community Meetups hosted by New Energy Nexus Philippines in Cebu City and Sta. Rosa, Laguna, on August 20 and 28, respectively. Both events convened key government officials, utilities, financiers, and solar entrepreneurs.

Consisting of panel and breakout discussions among the participating stakeholders, the Solar Community Meetup not only surfaced challenges in both Central Visayas and CALABARZON, but also brought out insights and solutions to address these gaps.

“By connecting solar entrepreneurs with potential clients, facilitating dialogues between LGUs and utilities, and offering capacity-building programs tailored to local needs, we’re ensuring that solar adoption doesn’t happen in silos. Instead, it’s driven by a collaborative ecosystem where innovation, financing, and policy support move in sync. That’s the unique role New Energy Nexus fills,” said Jacob Taguinod, Partnerships Manager at New Energy Nexus Philippines.

The two regions have made significant progress in solar adoption, from Cebu hosting the country’s first floating solar project to CALABARZON rapidly scaling rooftop installations across factories, malls, and municipal buildings. However, this momentum is slowed by common challenges: cumbersome net metering processes, supply chain constraints, and consumer concerns over unaccredited installers.

Reforms are starting to take shape. Cebu officials are committing to streamlined permitting, while in CALABARZON, MERALCO has begun improving interconnection procedures.

“One of our priorities at the DOE is to ensure that national renewable energy policies are effectively implemented at the local level. In regions like CALABARZON, this means working closely with LGUs to strengthen permitting guidelines, and with utilities to make net metering more accessible,” said Edward V. Neri, OIC-Division Chief at the Department of Energy – Solar Energy Management Division.

“We are committed to making the interconnection process simpler and clearer for our customers who want to adopt solar. Through initiatives like net metering and distributed energy resources (DER), we aim to empower consumers to become prosumers while ensuring that every installation is safe, reliable, stable, and sustainable for the grid. By working hand-in-hand with local governments, solar installers, and industry partners, we can accelerate rooftop solar adoption across CALABARZON,” said Engr. Botany KC Anne Sevilleja-Briones, Executive Assistant to the Chief Revenue Officer at MERALCO.

“To make the solar adoption easier, Cebu City will ensure, with the new administration, that the Office of the Building Official streamlines net metering requirements by minimizing red tape,” said Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera. “Cebuanos should expect changes that will make the process faster and simpler, with more incentives for those who choose renewable energy.”

Civil society groups such as the Clean Energy Advocates Association of the Philippines (CEAAPI), which was formed as a result of previous Solar Community Meetups, and the Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance (PSSEA) are also pushing to raise industry standards and build consumer confidence.

Meanwhile, solar installers highlighted that stronger policy support at both the national and regional levels is critical to accelerating adoption.

“Beyond financing and market competition, installers face challenges from unclear or inconsistent implementation of standards. Stronger national and regional policies that enforce safety and quality, while supporting accredited practitioners, will raise industry standards and protect the installers and consumers,” said Bernard Torralba, Owner of Solar Hyperion, a solar installation company.

New Energy Nexus builds ecosystems that enable clean energy entrepreneurs, including those in the solar business, to scale their solutions in the Philippines and beyond. The Solar Community Meetups are part of its ongoing programs backing the country’s solar industry — more information can be found here.

Cebu City, Philippines, 20 August 2025 — Clean energy leaders revealed how Cebu City is an emerging hub for solar energy at a convening today of government and industry leaders, highlighting the massive potential to scale if financing, supply chain constraints, and bureaucratic delays in net metering are addressed.

“Our [New Energy Nexus Philippines] goal is not just to convene, but to strengthen the solar community by helping set standards, address bottlenecks, and connect stakeholders across the value chain. What we saw in this meetup is that Cebu has the workforce, demand, and commitment—it just needs the right ecosystem support. That’s where NEX Philippines comes in.” said Sheryl Estella, Academy Manager of the New Energy Academy, a learning platform for clean energy professionals and entrepreneurs – powered by New Energy Nexus, GSES, and OpenSolar.

Key leaders in government, utilities, finance, and the local solar industry came together for New Energy Nexus Philippines’ Solar Community Meetup, its second run in the city. The event included panels and breakout discussions on scaling the local clean energy economy and the adoption of renewables in the Central Visayas.

The region’s solar landscape has seen promising yet modest growth over the past few years. Notably, Visayas now hosts around 472 MW of rooftop solar capacity, according to the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities’ SPECTRUM platform, which is still only a fraction of the Philippines’ total potential. Cebu Province is also home to pioneering projects such as the country’s first megawatt-scale floating solar facility in Toledo City – which has a capacity of nearly 5 MW. Meanwhile, battery storage integration is starting to emerge, while interest from households and SMEs continues to grow.

Despite this momentum, barriers persist. A recent report highlighted challenges such as high upfront costs, limited financing access, bureaucratic delays in net metering, and supply chain constraints, which threaten to slow down solar adoption across the country.

“To make the solar adoption easier, Cebu City will ensure, with the new administration, that the Office of the Building Official streamlines net metering requirements by minimizing red tape. Cebuanos should expect changes that will make the process faster and simpler, with more incentives for those who choose renewable energy,” said Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera.

One solution is the formation of the Clean Energy Advocates Association of the Philippines (CEAAPI), which emerged from the 2024 Solar Community Meetup in Cebu City. CEAAPI is a network of installers, service providers, and advocates working together to accelerate clean energy adoption in the region. By promoting certifications, transparency, and quality standards, the organization also helps address the growing issue of fly-by-night installers and low-quality systems that undermine consumer zhetrust. CEAAPI is also the official hub partner for the 2025 run.

This year’s meetup comes at a pivotal moment, with a large-scale floating solar project starting in the city and local government buildings being upgraded to solar. Establishing strong relationships between the solar industry, local government, and other key stakeholders can be a powerful catalyst for solar adoption – streamlining permitting processes, improving access to financing programs, and integrating solar into public infrastructure plans.

New Energy Nexus Philippines is set to conduct another SCM in the CALABARZON Region on August 28, part of their ongoing and future programs equipping the local solar community with the tools to scale their solutions. More information can be found here.

A resident of Bungin Village, Indonesia, uses solar-powered cold storage to store fish catch. Photo by Yudha Baskoro

Jakarta, 25 June 2025 — Up to 15 early-stage climate and clean energy startups will be eligible to win grants totaling IDR 1.6 billion (US$98,000), as well as mentoring and access to investors under a new program to support innovation across Indonesia. 

The KINETIK NEX startup incubation program is led by New Energy Nexus and supported by KINETIK, the Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Climate, Renewable Energy and Infrastructure.

Five start-ups will be awarded funding for a total of IDR 1.6 billion to pilot their climate solutions.

The program will end with [RE]Spark, a clean energy and climate startup festival, where selected startups from the cohort will pitch their climate solutions to potential partners and investors. Under the program, journalists will also be trained in climate and clean energy reporting.

The KINETIK NEX aims to support Indonesia’s pledge to reach net-zero emissions by 2060 or earlier. Climate startups, which are critical to solving local challenges with homegrown solutions, continue to face barriers in accessing capital, market opportunities, and regulatory support. The initiative will prioritize women-led startups and those based in Eastern Indonesia.

According to a recent Climate Policy Initiative report, achieving Indonesia’s net-zero electricity target by 2060 will require renewable energy financing to increase more than five times, from around US$3 billion per year to approximately US$16 billion annually.

“Indonesia’s clean energy transition cannot succeed without empowering local innovators and ecosystem builders,” said Diyanto Imam, Director of New Energy Nexus Indonesia.

“Indonesia had huge clean energy potential, but fossil fuels still powered 80% of the country’s electricity. Through KINETIK NEX, we’re helping diverse startups to thrive and enabling local communities to drive clean energy solutions,” said Mr Imam.

“This is about unlocking talent and ideas from every corner of Indonesia, and making the energy transition inclusive, equitable, and locally driven.”

About KINETIK NEX

KINETIK NEX Initiative drives inclusive growth by supporting clean energy and climate startups and businesses across Indonesia.

Led by New Energy Nexus Indonesia with support from KINETIK, the Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Climate, Renewable Energy and Infrastructure, we champion local innovators, grow green jobs, and bring climate solutions to life beyond urban centres.

KINETIK NEX backs bold ideas for a prosperous Indonesia and a protected planet.

About New Energy Nexus Indonesia

New Energy Nexus is the world’s leading ecosystem of funds and accelerators supporting diverse clean energy entrepreneurs. In Indonesia, New Energy Nexus works to support the development of ecosystems that can support the needs of not only innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs, but also other stakeholders in the clean energy and climate solutions sectors.

Update: Applications are still open until June 29 — apply now!

Ho Chi Minh – She Wins Climate is a global initiative by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) aimed at accelerating women-led climate startups and increasing their access to climate investment. The Southeast Asia acceleration program, supported by the Government of Canada and the Government of Australia, and delivered in partnership with New Energy Nexus (NEX), is a 12-month program designed to propel 25 promising women climate entrepreneurs in the region to lead the transformation of climate action.

Women entrepreneurs continue to face significant barriers to scaling their businesses. Only less than 7% of climate tech venture funding in Q1 2023 went to women founders — likely even lower in Southeast Asia, where data remains incomplete.[1].

“Women-led climate startups have the potential to drive transformative change, yet they face systemic barriers, including limited funding and restricted access to networks,” said Thao Tran, Country Director at New Energy Nexus Vietnam. “This program is designed to equip female founders with the tools, connections, and confidence they need to scale their solutions and attract investment.”

The twelve-month program aims to enhance investment readiness, expand market access, and strengthen the business capabilities of women entrepreneurs tackling climate challenges. Selected participants will receive tailored mentorship, pitch coaching, and networking opportunities with investors and industry leaders.

The application window for She Wins Climate Southeast Asia is open from May 5 – June 13, 2025. The program kicks off in August with a virtual event, setting clear objectives and fostering collaboration. Participants will engage in a series of curated workshops addressing key challenges faced by women-led climate startups. This hybrid-format program will provide in-depth virtual sessions including mentoring, expert sharing, and peer learning, as well as in-person workshops covering essential topics such as investor pitch networking, overcoming gender biases in the climate business ecosystem, and accessing female-focused markets.

To ensure personalized support, the program includes one-on-one mentoring sessions, expert-led discussions on critical topics such as funding and legal strategies, and peer learning opportunities with the cohort members. Participants will also gain exposure to investors through pitch networking sessions and an investor matching event, helping them navigate the climate investment ecosystem and strengthen their investment readiness.

Additionally, participants will have opportunities to access a network of investors, join the She Wins Climate global alumni community, and increase visibility to showcase their work at IFC and the World Bank Group’s platforms.

About IFC​​

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record $56 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

Derrick Tang, the head of programs for New Energy Nexus California.

With over 15 years of experience in climate investments, venture capital, and clean energy entrepreneurship, Derrick Tang brings a wealth of expertise in funding and scaling climate solutions that prioritize equity and innovation. His experience and passion for cultivating the clean energy ecosystem in California made him an ideal choice to head up programs at the California chapter.

A Cornell University graduate with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Derrick combines technical expertise with investment and policy leadership to drive systemic change in the clean energy sector.

His career has been defined by launching and managing high-impact programs that support underrepresented entrepreneurs and accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy:

As Deputy Director of Venture Capital at IBank California, he was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to lead the state’s first public venture fund, deploying $250 million to underrepresented founders, underserved communities, and climate justice initiatives.

At the Bay Area Air District, he founded and led the Climate Investments team, creating the agency’s first loan program and California’s first loan guarantee program for climate startups. He also embedded racial and social equity into investment strategies.

In his prior role at New Energy Nexus, Derrick helped launch CalSEED, a grant and economic development initiative supporting early-stage clean energy entrepreneurs.

“I feel honored to take on this role at New Energy Nexus and shape the programs we offer to energy entrepreneurs throughout California,” said Tang, “The success of the innovations we have supported over the years proves our programs’ impact. Now we face new challenges and new opportunities, and I’m excited to help lead our efforts to meet this moment.”

Please join us in welcoming Derrick back to the New Energy Nexus team, this time in a leadership role. He will drive programs that empower diverse founders and accelerate the clean energy transition!

Subscribe to the California newsletter for monthly updates about the programs and startups this chapter supports.

Sydney, 8 April 2025 – Supercharge Australia is proud to announce the cohort selected for its latest program, the inaugural Supercharge Australia Incubator, designed to accelerate Australia’s lithium battery manufacturing and innovation capabilities through support of early-stage companies in prototype phase.

From battery chemistry breakthroughs and AI-powered energy technologies to materials innovation, recycling, second-life systems, and electrified mobility and infrastructure, this diverse group of startups represents a wave of transformative solutions for Australia’s battery value chain.

“Supercharge Australia aims to dramatically increase the flow of Australian founders and new businesses in the lithium battery value chain that can be supported by and take advantage of new funding programs like the AU$500M Battery Breakthrough Initiative, the AU$15B National Reconstruction Fund and the AU$23B Future Made in Australia program,” said Kirk McDonald, Project Manager for Supercharge Australia.

“This cohort is a great reflection of the breadth and ambition of Australian startup innovation in the battery sector,” said Megan Fisher, CEO of EnergyLab. Strengthening Australia’s innovation capability is critical—not only to securing our clean energy supply chain but also to fostering new companies, future employers, and manufacturers that will drive our economy forward.”

The first-ever Supercharge Australia Incubator cohort, during the virtual kickoff.

Meet the 2025 cohort:

• Adoxima (VIC) – Co-founded by Dr. Vyom Parashar and Kristoffer Collopy, Adoxima produces high-purity metal oxides for battery applications and clean hydrogen as a by-product.
• CarboPhite (VIC) – Dr. Mehrdad Parsa and his team are developing a cutting-edge, cost-effective, and eco-friendly carbon-coating technology for sustainable anode production and enhancing battery performance.
• InnoVoltIQ Tech (NSW) – Dylan Wei Zhang is leveraging existing technology to build an Australian battery and cell manufacturing capability.
• Li-ion Energy (WA) – Founded by Sarai Ball and Justin Manton, Li-ion Energy is reconditioning, recycling, and transforming lithium battery waste into reusable energy solutions.
• Naut (NZ) – Led by Fiona Bycroft and Lindsay Faithfull, Naut builds high-powered electric propulsion systems that go into the boat of your choice.
• Net Zero Engineering Solutions (SA) – Portia Rooney is providing consumer-focused bidirectional charging solutions for EVs
• Noizend (NSW) – Founded by Paul Monsted, Noizend is bringing people together through physics-informed active noise control for battery energy storage systems
• Powerblocks (NSW) – Julie Leung and Robert Mortimer are making energy storage for better communities – safe, modular and beautiful.
• Sustainable Lithium Cells Australia (QLD) – Founded by Andrew Chadwick, this startup uses second-life batteries to bring affordable energy storage to Australians
• Voltavate (VIC) – Amir Hooshang Taheri is revolutionising battery manufacturing with nanofiber-engineered separators that double battery life, improve safety, and reduce production waste and cost.

Over 12 weeks, the incubator provides hands-on support, strategic guidance, and ecosystem and investor connections for Australian founders building the future of energy storage and electrification. For more information on the Supercharge Australia Incubator, click here.

Supercharge Australia, a joint project of New Energy Nexus and EnergyLab, is accelerating Australia’s lithium battery value chain, catalyzing sovereign capability across the battery supply chain—from critical minerals to manufacturing, deployment, second-life and recycling.

About EnergyLab

EnergyLab is Australia’s largest climate tech startup accelerator and innovation network dedicated to reaching net zero emissions. EnergyLab connects talented founders to the mentors, advisors, partners, peers and investors they need to succeed and has so far supported over 240 startups and 150 aspiring founders through its various programs.

In addition to running 10 programs, EnergyLab operates a climate focused angel platform with a network of over 200 angel investors, a mentor network with over 450 experts, coworking and events space at UTS in Sydney all of these services are leveraged to support the clean energy and decarbonisation startup ecosystem in Australia.