The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has launched Launchpad, a new $30 million initiative aimed at accelerating the commercialization of Australian clean energy startups and strengthening the country’s climate technology sector.
The program is designed to help early-stage companies move innovative clean energy technologies from research and prototype development to market-ready solutions. It also seeks to support the retention of valuable intellectual property in Australia and encourage the development of domestic clean technology capabilities.
ARENA said early-stage climate and energy companies often face challenges in securing finance because hardware-based technologies require significant capital investment and longer development periods. Launchpad is intended to address this funding gap through two separate $15 million funding streams.
The first stream will provide direct financial support to early-stage startups. ARENA expects to support between 15 and 30 companies through a competitive application process. Successful businesses can receive an initial grant of up to $500,000. An additional $500,000 may be available for projects requiring significant investment in equipment, infrastructure, and hardware development, taking the maximum potential support for an individual startup to $1 million.
The funding will cover a range of clean energy technologies, including low-cost solar technologies, energy storage, renewable hydrogen, green metals, grid management solutions, and clean digital platforms.
The second $15 million stream will support organizations that form part of Australia’s clean technology innovation ecosystem. Accelerators, incubators, and innovation hubs can apply for multi-year grants of up to $5 million. These organizations will help startups through mentoring, industry connections, technical testing, commercialization guidance, and access to potential investors.
ARENA said the initiative is intended to strengthen the pathway between university research, laboratory prototypes, and commercial deployment. By providing early-stage funding and business support, Launchpad aims to reduce investment risks and help attract additional private capital into emerging clean energy companies.
The initiative is also expected to support the development of skilled technical jobs and contribute to Australia’s broader clean energy and emissions-reduction goals.
Applications for the direct startup funding stream are scheduled to close in late October 2026. Applications for the ecosystem organization funding stream will remain open on a continuous basis until the allocated funding has been fully committed.
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