22 April 2026 – Sydney – Climate KIC Australia has launched its new strategy Collaboration for climate action, outlining an ambitious plan to drive systemic climate solutions across Australia. The strategy arrives at a time of intensifying and interconnected crises, increasing demand for coordinated approaches.
Accompanying the new strategy is Climate KIC Australia’s refreshed and globally aligned brand, signalling an enhanced partnership with Climate KIC, Europe’s largest climate collaboration initiative. The new brand identity positions Australia as an integral part of the global Climate KIC network to drive systems transformation in the Asia Pacific region and beyond.
Placing collaboration at the centre
Collaboration for climate action places collaboration at the centre, emphasising that achieving net zero, resilient, thriving futures requires coordinated action across value chains, regions and sectors.
Climate KIC Australia will continue to serve as an independent convener, facilitating trusted spaces where diverse stakeholders can work through complex challenges together.
Our newly-identified strategic capabilities build on our established track record of orchestrating multistakeholder collaborations and delivering climate initiatives that act on multiple levers of change – from policy and finance to technology, knowledge systems and market transformation.
Climate KIC Australia CEO Chris Lee said Climate KIC Australia was keen to collaborate more closely with Climate KIC over the next strategic period.
“Climate action is fundamentally a collective endeavour. We’re excited to create pathways for shared learning, joint project development and the exchange of systems innovation expertise across continents,” Mr Lee said.
Four strategic priorities for 2026–2028
- Deliver climate initiatives that address interconnected crises
The strategy emphasises expanding a project portfolio designed to tackle the intersections of climate change, biodiversity loss, economic instability and social inequality – enabling positive system-wide outcomes.
- Communicate practical systems change approaches
Climate KIC Australia will amplify stories, insights and evidence from its work, building wider understanding of systems innovation and practical pathways to accelerate climate action.
- Foster a healthy, resilient workplace
Recognising the complexity and pace of the climate challenge, the organisation commits to supporting staff wellbeing, capability development and organisational resilience.
- Strengthen international partnerships
Deepened collaboration with Climate KIC, combined with a growing network of global partners, will strengthen Australia’s contribution to international climate action and unlock new opportunities for joint work across the Asia Pacific.
A new chapter ready for scale
UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) Director Professor Stuart White said that systems innovation is most effective when grounded in rigorous research and long-term partnerships.
“Our partnership with Climate KIC Australia brings together world-class systems research and impact-focused collaboration. By combining ISF’s research excellence with Climate KIC’s global networks, we can accelerate the shift toward resilient and decarbonised systems in Australia and further afield,” Prof White said.
Since its establishment in 2017, Climate KIC Australia has supported transformative projects across energy, industry, climate adaptation, the built environment and more. Its collaboration network has driven progress across multiple systems and helped build the communities and capabilities that support lasting climate impact.
Collaboration for climate action builds on this strong foundation while positioning the organisation for its next phase of growth – one where international alignment, shared innovation frameworks and strengthened global relationships help accelerate systems transformation at scale.
Call to collaborate
Climate KIC CEO Kirsten Dunlop said Climate KIC Australia’s new strategy marks a significant moment in the organisation’s evolution.
“Transformative climate action requires deep collaboration, shared vision and coordinated systemic effort,” Dr Dunlop said.
“Climate KIC Australia’s approach blends research, applied practice and partnerships, allowing them to deliver change at the scale the climate challenge demands,” she said.
Climate KIC Australia invites partners across all sectors to join in shaping a net zero, resilient and thriving future for all Australians.