Applications are now open for the third Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge, an accelerator program run by EnergyLab with international partner New Energy Nexus. The initiative is seeking startups with scalable technologies that can help Australia move beyond exporting raw lithium and instead build more value through processing, manufacturing and battery innovation.
According to EnergyLab, Australia currently produces close to 60 per cent of the world’s lithium but retains less than one per cent of the value. Around 98 per cent of the lithium mined locally is refined overseas, leaving most of the opportunities for advanced materials, battery design, energy storage and electric vehicle manufacturing offshore. The organisers see the Challenge as a way to shift more of this activity to Australia by connecting startups with mentors, investors and industry experts.
The Innovation Challenge runs from 30 September to 20 November 2025, with applications open until 14 September. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in mid-September, with successful startups invited to join a two-month program offering mentorship, pitch coaching, investor engagement and industry exposure. Program activities will be run during business hours AEDT, and finalists will present at the Challenge Awards in Sydney.
Up to 12 startups will be selected, focusing on areas such as advanced materials, battery chemistry, automation, energy storage, recycling and reuse, and electric transport. Organisers note that no single solution will solve the sector’s challenges, so the program is looking for a wide range of ideas including deep tech, software and new business models.
While the Challenge is open to international teams, participants must have a base in Australia and a clear intent to grow their local presence. Startups will be matched with experienced mentors from the electric vehicle, advanced manufacturing and battery sectors, and given opportunities to connect with investors and founders who have scaled businesses in the space.
Previous challenges have already shown their impact, with participating startups collectively raising almost $70 million in additional funding. The winning team from this year’s program will also take part in a guided international trip arranged by New Energy Nexus, offering access to investors, climate tech leaders and conferences relevant to their technology.
Past participants include companies such as Veepower, Gelion, Sicona Battery Technologies, Renewable Metals and Vaulta. Last year’s winners, Veepower, used their prize to travel to California, where they met energy and mobility innovators at Stanford University, the EDF Innovation Lab, New Energy Nexus in Berkeley, and the ACT Expo during San Francisco Climate Week.
