Geelong, Australia – We are thrilled to announce the latest cohort of innovative startups selected for ClimateLaunchpad, the world’s biggest cleantech and green business ideas competition. These ventures have been chosen for their groundbreaking solutions aimed at addressing pressing environmental challenges, while being underpinned by sound business logic, setting them up to make a significant impact in their respective industries.

For the first time, Climate-KIC Australia has brought the ClimateLaunchpad program to Geelong, thanks to the support of the City of Greater Geelong. The cohort, therefore, is largely drawn from the Greater Geelong region; a remarkable indicator of the depth of enterprise and creativity in the region.

The selected startups for the ClimateLaunchpad pre-accelerator program are:

Australian Modular Solutions: Australian Modular Solutions offers modular buildings for events that can be easily transported with an impressive 80% reduction in transport requirements. These structures not only minimize the number of trucks needed for events but also incorporate solar panels on the roof and battery systems in the floor. By eliminating the reliance on diesel-powered generators, Australian Modular Solutions is paving the way for greener and more sustainable events.

Cedar: Cedar is a climate emissions data and reporting platform designed for companies to track and manage carbon emissions across their supply chains. With Cedar, businesses gain valuable insights into the carbon emissions associated with their operations and can generate comprehensive scope 3 emissions reports. This transparency empowers companies to take effective action towards reducing their environmental footprint.

Cycleau: Cycleau has developed a compact greywater treatment system that can be retrofitted across sinks, showers, and laundry units. By recycling wastewater for potable use, Cycleau’s innovative technology promotes water conservation and minimises pollution in waterways caused by sewage. With increased resilience to public water contaminants, users can contribute to a healthier environment while reducing their reliance on traditional water sources.

Environmental Service Pod: Environmental Service Pod aims to revolutionise the fragmented building services sector by offering a comprehensive and modularised system. Their prefabricated solution provides electrical, building conditioning, and water services, with off-grid potential and a focus on renewable energy sources. By integrating healthy radiative conditioning systems and energy recovery ventilation, Environmental Service Pod ensures environmentally responsive building services that enhance sustainability.

FlexAI: FlexAI is developing an intelligent and flexible material armed with artificial intelligence capabilities. This sustainable material can be used in various industries, including construction, fashion, and transportation. Its ability to adapt to different forms and functions, coupled with its recyclability, reduces waste and overproduction.

Forever Blooms Floral Hire: Forever Blooms Floral Hire tackles the environmental impact of the floral industry by offering artificial floral arrangements for events. With over 50% of flowers sold in Australia being imported, this startup aims to reduce land use, water consumption, and waste associated with single-use flowers. Their professionally designed arrangements provide the aesthetic appeal of real flowers without seasonal limitations, allergy triggers, and the cost and waste factors often linked to traditional floral arrangements.

GreenCoat: GreenCoat addresses the significant contribution of the built environment to global greenhouse gas emissions. They are developing a next-generation plasma coating for windows that dramatically increases the energy efficiency of buildings. By adjusting window opacity in response to environmental conditions, GreenCoat reduces heat transfer, minimising the need for energy-intensive heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. With its IoT-enabled design, GreenCoat enables seamless integration with building management systems, optimizing energy consumption.

Pass the Parcel AU: Pass the Parcel AU is revolutionising gift wrapping by replacing single-use materials with fabric wraps made from recycled or organic materials. These reusable fabric wraps are designed as hemmed squares with attached ribbons, accommodating gifts of various sizes and shapes. In addition to promoting sustainable gift-giving practices, Pass the Parcel AU aims to build a global community by tracking the fabric wraps’ regifted journey and quantifying the carbon emissions saved along the way.

Waste Free Events: Waste Free Events supports schools and community groups in organising events with minimal waste generation. By advocating for monitored bins and the use of reusable items, Waste Free Events offers a comprehensive solution to reduce event-related waste. They provide presentations, resources, and consultations to guide organisers on waste reduction strategies. Additionally, Waste Free Events offers Zero Waste Kits, Bin Stations, and Reusables for hire, aiming to increase awareness and accessibility to sustainable event practices.

Over the course of the ClimateLaunchpad program, they will receive extensive training, mentoring, coaching, and pitch opportunities to refine their business models and prepare for scaling their ventures.

The ClimateLaunchpad pre-accelerator program represents a pivotal stepping stone for these startups, equipping them with the resources and knowledge to navigate the competitive landscape of green entrepreneurship. Unlike many pre-accelerator and incubator programs, ClimateLaunchpad is focused on helping their participants find their first customer, rather than targeting venture capital or other forms of investment.

“We want our ClimateLaunchpad startups to be laser-focused on the problem their customers have,” said Sina Lengelsen, Principal of Innovation Programs at Climate-KIC Australia. “We get involved with our participants at a very early stage in their startup journey, often before they have a product or even a prototype. So focusing our program around customer needs and creating customer value enables our cohorts to develop solutions that are really of use in the marketplace, will have a market, and will get customers. And of course, investment can flow from there.”

For more information about the 2023 edition of ClimateLaunchpad, visit our CLP23 portal.