Every year, EnergyLab gives 10 of the world’s most promising climate tech startups the opportunity to collaborate with Australian energy companies to help expedite the transition to a clean energy future.
EnergyLab’s Energy Scaleup program was launched four years ago to partner with industry leaders to understand their needs and identify startups with solutions that can help them achieve their goals.
Perth-based AI and IoT powered Management System for solar PV projects, battery systems, VPP and microgrids, My Solar Manager, is one of the startups chosen to join this year’s cohort.
My Solar Manager cofounder Jagpreet Walia said “… as a tech startup for the utilities and large energy sector companies, it is a real challenge to get the access and opportunities to showcase our offerings at scale.
Learnings and relationships forged during this program have been timely for us and will continue to propel us forward as we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Jagpreet Walia, My Solar Manager cofounder
Energy Scaleup Program Lead Tim Bray said the selected group of startups will have an array of opportunities to collaborate with energy organisations throughout the duration of the program.
“We host group discussions with energy companies, case study presentations from the startups and then introduce and arrange one-on-one meetings between the startups and energy companies for them to discuss the potential to engage in paid partnerships or pilot projects.”
“In this year’s cohort we have startups whose products can be used to enhance grid flexibility & capacity, change energy consumer behaviour to increase renewables consumption, and automate asset monitoring,” Tim said.
Village Energy, a Perth-based company that uses cutting-edge technology to help power companies make energy more reliable and affordable for consumers, took part in the program last year.
Co-founder and chief executive officer for Village Energy Wayne Liubinskas said the course helped the company accomplish its goals by increasing market knowledge, building a network of industry relationships, and securing a debut pilot on a commercial basis.
Wayne said he would recommend the program to more established startups that have a solid infrastructure to grow from.
“The program is well run and the access to utility customers is very powerful,”
“I would be cautious about entering the program too early. I think it is helpful to have a foundational sense of what your product is able to achieve because this will help accelerate conversations with the utilities when you get to meet with them during the program.” He said.
Expressions of interest are now open for the 2024 intake.
~~
