The Queensland government has doubled down on its activities to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 with the launch of a Low Carbon Accelerator Program.
The new program was launched by Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon and aims to drive industry uptake of low carbon technologies through the delivery of an accelerator connecting program participants
with industry partners that have the ability to pilot technologies.
Queensland Chief Entrepreneur Wayne Gerard said it would get local companies involved in solving climate related challenges. “The program will also help to position Queensland as a leading global climate solutions hub, to attract talent, investment, while creating more jobs.”
The Low Carbon Accelerator Program comprises three stages of support with one competitive application process. The stages include:
- Stage One – 20 participants will be invited to complete a two-day selection boot camp where they will receive support, mentoring, critical business feedback and be assessed for potential to advance to Stage Two.
- Stage Two – 10 participants will receive $10,000 to direct resources over a six-week period to develop a robust business plan and secure an agreement with an established industry partner.
- Stage Three – 5 participants will be offered a funded Proof of Concept (pilot) opportunity, and receive grants of between $20,000 to $80,000, matched by their industry partner.
The activities augment a series of initiatives taking place locally and nationally to support climate change and low carbon technologies, including a Techstars Startup Weekend Sustainability Australia being delivered online. The Startup Weekend aims to encourage aspiring and existing entrepreneurs, sustainability champions and businesses explore ideas, challenges and opportunities at the nexus of innovation and sustainability.
These activities follow Climate Salad’s largest ever showcase attended by over 200 climate tech founders, investors and mentors held at Queensland’s innovation hub, The Precinct on August 17th 2022, where over 30 climate tech companies pitched with four venture funds participating in a reverse pitch. The showcase followed other successful events in Sydney and Melbourne.
The Low Carbon Accelerator is being managed by Innovation Architects on behalf of the Queensland Government.