Green-tech business comp opens for Aussie start-ups

Innovators, entrepreneurs and early stage start-ups have the chance to grow their clean-tech ideas into sustainable businesses with the launch of a global green business competition.

The Australian 2019 edition of ClimateLaunchpad is looking for people with an innovative idea to tackle climate change – whether it’s through renewable energy, food and agriculture, water, or transportation solutions.

The competition will be co-led by the Curtin University Sustainable Policy Institute (CUSP), a research centre that looks to integrate ecological, social, economic and cultural perspectives into policymaking processes.

“CUSP are always striving to be champions for innovation and sustainability in Western Australia and beyond, so we are excited to help support great local ideas to make a global impact through this competition,” CUSP director Professor Greg Morrison said.

“Together with our industry experts, competitors can transform their ideas to help address climate change by developing a sustainable business.”

Successful applicants will receive training at a two-day boot camp led by a renowned start-up trainer. Selected teams will also receive mentoring from industry leaders and former participants before pitching their ideas to an expert judging panel.

The two most promising start-ups from each state will then pitch their ideas at the national finals in October, through which two Australian winners will be chosen.

These winners will take part in the global grand final in November – facing off against competitors from more than 50 countries across five continents.

Global finalists will present their ideas to an audience of start-up accelerator programs, angel investors and professional networks.

The world’s top 10 best ideas will win access to the EIT Climate-KIC accelerator program, which markets itself as “the world’s first real-life business school for clean-tech entrepreneurs”.

The overall winner of the global grand final also receives a cash prize of €10,000 (A$16,000), while the runner up gets €5,000 (A$8,000).

Cesira Leigh and Glen Ryan are the founders of solar-thermal energy company Sunovate, and were the winners of last year’s competition.

Leigh said participating in ClimateLaunchpad was a fantastic experience.

“It provided us with the opportunity to test our idea on a range of potential customers and really home in on our niche target market,” Leigh said.

“I would highly recommend ClimateLaunchpad to anyone with an innovative early stage green idea that is keen to learn what it takes to turn it into a business.”

Information about how to enter the competition can be found here.