Applications are open for the fourth cohort of EnergyLab’s Climate Tech Lab to Market Program, which helps researchers explore how their work could be developed into commercial products, services and startup businesses.
The NSW Government-funded program is designed for established researchers, PhD students and early to mid-career researchers working on technologies that could contribute to decarbonisation.
Delivered entirely online, the program is accessible to eligible researchers in the Hunter and across Australia, providing an opportunity to explore entrepreneurship without needing to relocate or have an existing business idea.
Participants will learn how to identify commercial applications for their research, understand potential customers, develop business models and navigate the practical requirements of establishing a startup.
Connecting climate research with business
EnergyLab is an Australian not-for-profit organisation established in 2017 to support entrepreneurs developing clean energy and climate technologies.
The organisation works with researchers, startup founders, investors and industry partners to help emerging businesses develop technologies and services addressing climate change.
Its programs support entrepreneurs at different stages, from exploring an initial idea to developing a business and seeking opportunities for commercial growth.
EnergyLab’s broader activities have also received support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), which announced $1.64 million in funding in August 2026 for the organisation’s accelerator activities.
The Climate Tech Lab to Market Program focuses specifically on researchers considering entrepreneurship as a pathway for commercialising their work.
From research ideas to potential startups
Over nine weeks, participants will explore the steps involved in taking research beyond the laboratory and assessing its potential in the market.
The program covers identifying problems that research could help solve, testing assumptions with prospective customers, developing a value proposition and understanding the legal and financial requirements of starting a business.
Workshops also address intellectual property protection, technology development, pitching and fundraising.
Participants receive two individual mentoring sessions and access to EnergyLab’s network of more than 400 mentors, which includes experienced entrepreneurs and professionals working across technology, business development and commercialisation.
The program concludes with an opportunity for participants to pitch their ideas to a panel of EnergyLab mentors.
Each cohort has 20 places, with participants expected to commit approximately three hours a week to evening workshops, alongside mentoring sessions and independent activities.
Ten subsidised places available
EnergyLab is offering the first 10 successful applicants who receive an offer a fully subsidised place in the program.
The subsidised places are supported by contributions from EnergyLab’s founder community and its Pay It Forward campaign.
Once these places have been allocated, the standard program fee of $450, including GST, will apply.
Applicants do not need previous industry experience or an existing startup idea, although they must have relevant research and an interest in exploring its commercial potential.
Applications opened on 6 November 2026 and close on 6 January 2027. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to virtual interviews in January, with offers expected later that month.
The program runs from 2 February to 1 April 2027.
