ARENA has announced a new $30 million (USD 21.4 million) funding program to help early-stage startups turn clean energy innovations into commercial reality. Branded Launchpad, the targeted funds will support two stream of $15 million each.
The Startup funding stream has capacity to support 15 to 30 companies and targets innovative pre-seed to seed-stage startups, offering $500,000 to successful applicants and a further $500,000 for projects with high capital expenditure requirements.
The Ecosystem funding stream is for accelerators and other organisations delivering multi-year programs to help businesses develop and grow, with grants of up to $5 million.
ARENA Chief Executive Officer Darren Miller said Launchpad would help renewable energy innovators step towards commercialisation and address the funding gap preventing innovations from progressing.
“Australia has no shortage of talented founders and ambitious ideas, but early-stage funding can be difficult to secure for technologies that take time and capital to develop, particularly for energy and climate startups,” Miller said.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris 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,” Bowen said.
Applications for the startup funding stream close on 28 October 2026, with funding for ecosystem support organisations available until the funding allocation is exhausted.
