Are you trying to find funding and support for your start-up or scale-up in waste innovation or sustainability?
Say hello to the Top 32 Climate Tech Start-Up Accelerators in Australia! Our handpicked list makes your hunt easier.
This guide helps you discover accelerators and incubators that share your vision and push you towards your sustainable start-up goals.
Here are our Top 32 Australian Climate Tech accelerators and incubators every climate tech start-up founder and waste innovator should know about.
We've researched and found these and categorised them by State, type, and any upcoming program dates for you into a Google Sheet to which you will receive access to when you sign up for free.
Some of the accelerators and incubators support start ups from any industry where as others are specifically for the circular economy, agtech, foodtech, hardware, deep tech and so on.
There are also programs, resources and start-up support listed for regional start-ups, female founders, First Nations founders and founders from diverse cultural backgrounds.
It's likely we may be missing some important links on the list so if you would like to add your organisation to the list, please feel free to email the team and contact us.
While we will try and make the list as up-to-date as possible, it's best to do your own research and check out the websites for each accelerator.
Happy scaling!
32 Climate Tech Start Up Accelerators & Incubators in Australia
#1. Taronga HATCH Accelerator Program - For Social Enterprise Founders
The HATCH Accelerator Program is designed to help ecopreneurs take their idea from vision to reality. If you are a not-for-profit or social enterprise founder or start up with a venture that will drive positive change for wildlife, biodiversity and the environment
Applications open 1 November 2023 for 2024 cohort.
Duration: 4 months
Access: In Person on site at Taronga Zoo and weekly online workshops.
Location:
Website: https://taronga.org.au/conservation-and-science/act-for-the-wild/hatch#ideagenerationprogram2022
#2. SparkLabs Cultiv8 - Clean Tech Agri-Food Accelerator - NSW
Applications now open
The SparkLabs Cultiv8 CleanTech Agri-Food Accelerator is a global
6 month program dedicated to improving environmental sustainability.
For founders in clean tech and related areas including Circularity, Climate Adaptability and Emissions, AI, ML and Data Capture, Natural Capital and Biodiversity, Energy Transition and Adoption, Automation and Robotics.
Type: 6 Month Accelerator Program
Intake: 2024 Applications Open - Apply Online.
Access: The accelerator program is a mix of onsite and virtual activities.
Website: https://www.sparklabscultiv8.com/apply
Location: SparkLabs Cultiv8 is based in Orange, NSW.
#3. The Melt - Hardware/ Deep Tech - NSW
Australia's only hardware focussed accelerator. The Melt helps hardware start-ups and scale-ups in advanced manufacturing, climate/cleantech and industrial IoT to grow.
Dates: 2024 to be announced for a 3 Day Program. Register your interest on their website.
Type: Runs programs across the year held onsite for hardware start-ups and scale-ups.
Access: The programs are held onsite at their Muswellbrook HQ.
Intake: Rolling intake across the year.
Location: The Melt Modern Manufacturing Centre, Muswellbrook, Hunter Region, NSW
Website: https://www.themelt.io/
#4 RocketSeeder AgTech Seeds Program - VIC
RocketSeeder's AgTech Seeds is a pre-accelerator program for Victoria-based aspiring entrepreneurs with ideas and early stage start-ups in agriculture tech.
This is a pre-accelerator program so you can apply to work on a business idea.
Applications are currently open for 2024 pre-accelerator cohort.
Duration: 12 Week Program.
Access: Online sessions.
Dates: February 2024 program start.
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Website: https://www.rocketseeder.com/agtechseeds
#5. Startmate Accelerator VIC – Tech Enabled Start-Ups
Startmate based in Victoria, supports tech-enabled start-ups from soloprenuers to teams. The 12 week accelerator program starts January 15 2024.
Applications Close: Sunday, November 5th, 2023
Dates: Incubator starts January 15th, 2024
Type: 12 Week Accelerator
Access: In person
Website: https://www.startmate.com/accelerator
Location: Melbourne, Victoria.
#6. Launch Vic Hugh Victor Mckay Fund - VIC
Launch Vic is Victoria's start up agency supporting entrepreneurs across the state.
The Hugh Victor Mckay Fund is specifically for supporting five early stage Agricultural AgTech start ups over the next 12 months.
Applications are currently open, read more info on the website:
https://launchvic.org/investment/the-hugh-victor-mckay-fund/#guidelines
#7. Launch Vic 30 x 30 Program - VIC
Applications close 20 November 2023 for eligible scaleups.
30X30 is an ambitious program for scaleups to scale 30 Victorian businesses to reach unicorn status by 2030.
The program is for functional leaders within scale-ups, so functional leaders in finance, Operations and HR who are supporting the founder / CEO.
Types: Program for scale-ups
Duration: 3 months duration
Access: In person
Dates: 19 February 2024 program start.
Location: Victoria
Website: https://launchvic.org/programs/30x30/#guidelines
Advance Queensland Programs
Advance Queensland runs a number of start up programs with applications underway for 2024 programs.
Website: https://advance.qld.gov.au/entrepreneurs-and-startups/ignite-program
#8 Advance Queensland - Ignite Spark Program
Applications Close 31 October 2023
The Ignite Spark Program aims to support Queensland-based small to medium sized innovation driven enterprises with high-growth potential to progress the development of an innovative product or service closer to market.
Website: https://advance.qld.gov.au/entrepreneurs-and-startups-small-business/ignite-spark-program
#9 Advance Queensland - Female Founders Fund
The Female Founders Co-Investment fund is available to innovative female founded businesses undertaking a new pre-seed or seed capital raise.
The fund aims to support eligible businesses to leverage funding and secure new investment to build business capacity
Applications are currently open until the fund is exhausted.
Website: https://advance.qld.gov.au/entrepreneurs-and-startups-industry-small-business/female-founders-co-investment-fund
#10 Advance Queensland - One Business Program
Applications Open
Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander founders. The program is designed by Indigenous business experts alongside Indigenous business coaches.
Website: https://advance.qld.gov.au/entrepreneurs-and-startups
#11. Advance Queensland - Regional Futures - Collaborative Projects
The Collaborative Projects program supports regional innovation leaders to collaborate with partners to unlock Queensland’s economic potential, whether by solving a significant problem or creating an opportunity for the regions.
Website: https://advance.qld.gov.au/entrepreneurs-and-startups
UPCOMING 2024 ACCELERATOR PROGRAMS
#12 EnergyLab Climate Solutions Accelerator - NSW
Applications open: 1 February 2024
EnergyLab's Climate Solutions Accelerator is for climate start ups in Australia. They are looking for start ups at all stages who are working on climate change solutions.
Duration: 6 month accelerator program - July to Dec 2024.
Access: Hybrid.
Dates: 2024 applications open 1 Feb 2024.
Location: NSW but program is run virtually.
Website: https://energylab.org.au/programs/acceleration/
#13. Boomerang Labs - Circular Economy For NSW Start Ups
Australia's first Circular Economy Accelerator, Boomerang Labs helps support start-ups based in New South Wales that have circular economy business models to grow and commercialise.
Dates: 2024 application dates to be announced.
Type: Accelerator 6 Month Program, 2 Day Bootcamps and Workshops
Access: The accelerator program is in-person and online.
Intake: Set program intake by applicat. 2024 application dates to be announced. Check website for more.
Website: https://boomeranglabs.org.au/
Location: Building 25, 4-12 Buckland St | Chippendale, 2008 NSW
#14 Launch Pad Women & Multicultural Program - NSW
The Launch Pad Women & Multicultural Program is an entrepreneurial skills training program that supports female and multicultural founders of start-ups in Western Sydney.
You can access free training and apply for grant funding to get your climate tech start up idea off the ground.
Types: Entrepreneurship Skills Program.
Duration: 12 Week Program.
Access: Online sessions.
Dates: February 2024 program start.
Location: Parramatta & Penrith, Western Sydney, NSW.
Website: launchpadlive.com.au
#15 Launch Pad Start Up Accelerators - NSW
Launch Pad runs three accelerators for start-ups including a pre-accelerator along with incubators at Parramatta and Penrith.
There is also a program supporting female and multicultural entrepreneurs (see below).
The 2023 cohort is underway, more information on their website.
Duration: 12 Week Program.
Access: Online sessions + in person at Parramatta
Dates: 2024 to be announced.
Location: Western Sydney, NSW.
Website:Website: launchpadlive.com.au
#16 Barayamal Indigenous Entrepreneurship Accelerator & Innovation Hub - NSW
Barayamal supports First Nations entrepreneurs and facilitates connections with the broader tech/business economy. Check out their website for upcoming accelerators and programs.
Types: Accelerators and Incubators
Website: https://barayamal.com.au/
Location: Gunnedah, NSW.
#17. River City Labs - Elevating Female Founders Program -
Tech Enabled Start-Ups - QLD Start-ups.
River City Labs has launched a female founders program. Running for 8 months, the program supports Queensland based female founders. The current 2023 program is underway starting November 2023.
Intake: Annual by application date
Dates: 2024 application dates to be announced.
Type: 8 month structured program.
Access: Online and in person.
Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Website: https://rivercitylabs.acs.org.au/programs/elevating-female-founders-program.html
#18. Startup Bootcamp - Energy Tech Hub - VIC
A 4-month program for founders of clean energy solutions, start ups and scale ups who are ready for growth.
The 2023 program is currently underway but you can register your interest for 2024 via their website.
Intake: Annual by application date.
Access: Delivered online.
Dates: 2024 application dates to be announced. Register interest online.
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Website: https://www.startupbootcamp.com.au/programs/energytechhub
#19. Startup Bootcamp - FoodTech Tasmania - TAS
For early-stage food, aqua and agritech start-ups in Tasmania.
The 2023 program is currently underway but you can register your interest for 2024 via their website.
Intake: Annual by application date.
Access: Hybrid, face to face and virtual.
Dates: 2024 application dates to be announced. Register interest online.
Location: Tasmania
Website: https://www.startupbootcamp.com.au/programs/foodtech-tasmania
#20. SproutX Accelerator - Agriculture & Food Tech - VIC
For start-ups in agriculture, food, and clean energy. The 2023 accelerator program is underway but applications are open for their 12 week Business of Agriculture program for Autumn 2024 is open for application.
Duration: 6 month accelerator program.
Access: Hybrid and face to face events.
Dates: 2024 application dates to be announced. Register interest online.
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Website: https://www.sproutx.com.au/
#21 Sydney Start Up Hub
A community for entrepreneurs and founders based in Sydney. The Sydney Start-Up Hub offers working space, events and sponsorship for eligible start ups.
Types: Start-Up Hub
Website: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/innovation/sydney-startup-hub/
#22 Sydney Start Up Hub Female Founders Program
An 8-week startup program for NSW-based female-founded start-ups offering training, networking and mentoring. The 2023 program is underway.
Types: Program
Duration: 8 Weeks
Website:https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-rebates/female-founders-program/
#23 First Nations PowerMakers Program - QLD
The First Nations Clean Energy Network has launched their inaugral PowerMakers program in 2023, a 5 day program for First Nations people to learn about and participate in the ownership of clean energy solutions on Country.
The program is currently underway during October 2023. Please register your interest for future programs on the website.
Types: 5 Day Program.
Access: On-site.
Website: https://www.firstnationscleanenergy.org.au/powermakers
#24 Darwin Innovation Hub - Startup NT Program
The Darwin Innovation Hub supports start ups and businesses to find applications and funding for their ventures and technologies, scale into new markets and commercialise.
Start NT provides a pathway for companies looking to scale and become “investment ready” in the Northern Territory.
There is a Start NT scholarship available where eligible businesses can access 6 months of support at the Darwin Innovation Hub.
Types: Scholarship Program
Intake: Annual
Duration: 6 Months
Access: On site.
Dates: Register your interest on the website below.
Website: https://darwininnovationhub.com.au/innovation/business-growth-northern-territory/start-nt-program/
#25 Startup WA
Startup WA is a non for profit organistion supporting the start-up community in Western Australia.
Location: Western Australia
Website: https://www.startupwa.org/
#26 Indigenous Business Australia
IBA supports the economic development opportunities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia.
A full range of support is available for start-ups and businesses wanting to scale up.
IBA serves, partners and invests with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who want to own their future.
Location: Australia-wide. Check website for your nearest office.
Website: https://iba.gov.au/
#27. Seed-Start Program SA
The Seed-Start program provides innovative, early-stage South Australian startups with grant funding to support the commercialisation of an innovative product or service.
The program is run out of Department for Industry, Innovation and Science, South Australia.
Website: https://industry.sa.gov.au/research-and-innovation/rif/seed-start
#28 Regional Angel Investor Network
The Regional Angel Investor Network (RAIN) is focused on building and supporting the growth of an effective angel and early stage funding ecosystem across regional areas of Australia.
Learn about their start-up pitch events and their process on the website.
Website:https://regionalangels.com.au/our-process/
#29 Enterprize Born Tasmania
Duration: 12 Week Program
Dates: Application dates to be announced late 2023 for 2024 intake.
Location: Hobart & Launceston
Website: https://enterprize.space/programs/born-global-incubator/
iAccelerate NSW
iAccelerate is a pre-accelerator, accelerator and incubator program where you can nurture your start up idea or scale-up your existing business.
There are three scholarships available:
#30 iAccelerate Ignite Female Founders Program
Supporting female founders from diverse backgrounds. This is iAccelerate's pre-accelerator program to support women embarking on entreprenuership.
Offered under scholarship
Applications Now Open
Applications Close 01/12/23
Website: https://www.iaccelerate.com.au/apply/
Location: iAccelerate Centre (239), Innovation Campus,
University of Wollongong, Squires Way,
North Wollongong, NSW, 2500
#31 iAccelerate Regional Entrepreneur program
The Regional Entrepreneur program supports new and existing regional businesses with practical workshops, online learning and a network of experts to help grow and scale.
In 2024 the program will focus on businesses in several key industries, including
• Circularity
• Aquaculture
• Advanced manufacturing
Offered under scholarship
Applications Now Open
Applications Close 01/12/23
Location: iAccelerate Centre (239), Innovation Campus,
University of Wollongong, Squires Way,
North Wollongong, NSW, 2500
Website: https://www.iaccelerate.com.au/apply/
#32 iAccelerate Social Enterprise Program
The Social Enterprise Program is designed for those looking to make a positive social or environmental impact.
Offered under scholarship
Applications Now Open
Applications Close 01/12/23
Location: iAccelerate Centre (239), Innovation Campus,
University of Wollongong, Squires Way,
North Wollongong, NSW, 2500
Website: https://www.iaccelerate.com.au/apply/