EnergyLab’s Energy Scaleup Program brings together late-stage startups and innovative energy companies that are ready to move beyond early pilots and into wider deployment. The virtual program focuses on connecting founders with established energy businesses, regulators, investors and peers, with the aim of supporting commercial rollout of new energy solutions.
Applications for the 2026 intake open on 1 December 2025 and close on 2 March 2026, with the program scheduled to run from June to October. Participation is free, and EnergyLab does not take equity.
Designed for companies ready to deploy
The Energy Scaleup Program is aimed at founders who already have proven technology, existing pilot projects or paying customers, and a business model capable of growth. EnergyLab describes the program as being for companies transitioning out of the startup phase and into more complex commercial engagement with the energy sector.
Startups are expected to commit senior leadership time to the program and actively engage with industry participants, mentors and other founders.
A structured pathway through the energy system
The 2026 program is planned to run across three modules, supported by three public-facing online events.
The opening module, scheduled for June and July, introduces participants to the Australian energy market and to each other. It includes briefings from national energy institutions, a pitching masterclass, and one-on-one sessions with a pitch coach.
The industry module in July and August focuses on engagement with distribution and transmission network service providers, energy retailers and renewable energy developers. These sessions are designed to outline operational challenges and provide opportunities for direct discussions between startups and industry partners.
The final ecosystem module in September broadens engagement across the Australian energy landscape, with mentor networking and briefings from climate-focused investors.
Direct access to investors and industry decision-makers
A core feature of the program is structured exposure to active energy and climate investors, including representatives from Virescent Ventures, Kilara Capital, Climate Tech Partners, Investible, Boson Ventures, Full Circle Venture Capital, Southern Cross Venture Partners and Right Click Capital.
EnergyLab also facilitates one-on-one meetings with industry partners, allowing startups to discuss commercial opportunities tied to real operational needs.
Learning from peers who have scaled before
Peer learning is built into the program, drawing on cohorts that include founders from Australia, New Zealand and overseas markets. Alumni span a wide range of energy technologies, including grid software, network planning tools, thermal storage, hydrogen, batteries and consumer energy platforms.
Alumni companies include Neara, Evergen, Infravision, MGA Thermal, Aurtra, Amperon, Camus Energy and Accurassi, among others.
Chris Cox and Cameron Van Der Berg, co-founders of Infravision, said:
“EnergyLab’s Scaleup Program is incredibly beneficial to founders who are transitioning from the startup phase and looking to increase exposure and develop networks and customers in the energy sector. The opportunity to pitch and engage directly with partnered utility decision-makers resulted in a number of new strategic opportunities for Infravision, which has accelerated the adoption of our technology.”
Entering the Australian market with local context
For international companies, the program includes support to build knowledge of Australian and New Zealand market structures, regulatory settings and commercial practices. This is complemented by introductions to EnergyLab’s mentor network and regular check-ins with a dedicated support team.
Dr Kai-Philipp Kairies, CEO of Accure Battery Intelligence, said:
“As a mature scaleup looking to enter the Australian market, Accure has benefited greatly from the industry briefings, market exposure, and industry connections resulting from our participation in the Scaleup Program. If you work in energy and consider Australia a target market, EnergyLab is in a class of its own and simply the place to be!”
Selection process and key dates
The selection process runs from February to May 2026 and begins with an online application, due by 2 March. Shortlisted applicants are invited to interviews in February, followed by partner meetings in March and April.
Some applicants may also be invited to pitch sessions with industry partners as part of the assessment process. Final offers are made to startups assessed as the strongest fit for the program and participating partners.
EnergyLab is seeking companies with committed leadership, commercially proven technology, and clear potential to grow in markets that need their solutions.
Founders with questions about the application process can contact the Scaleup Program team at scaleup@energylab.org.au.
