Expressions of interest are open for WA-based small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the low emissions technology (LET) industry to accelerate business growth through LETs Pitch WA – a supply chain development program launched by National Energy Resources Australia (NERA) in partnership with the WA Government.
The program aims to identify, support and raise the profile of WA-based LET solutions that can help develop WA’s low carbon future.
Sought out startups will be providing innovative solutions in energy efficiency, hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels, low emissions electricity, electrification and fuel switching, non-energy emissions, and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) or Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS).
Following the EOI process, shortlisted SMEs will be given tailored mentoring through a customised pitch readiness program that will help them to clarify their value proposition, develop a business canvas and business capability, as well as other support to increase the likelihood of future success.
With this preparation, the SMEs will then pitch their technology to a judging panel comprising “blue-chip” investors, venture capitals and industry experts.
Winners will be offered the chance to travel to the highly prestigious ONS 2022 exhibition and conference in Norway (running from 29 August – 1 September 2022) as part of the “Team WA” delegation, providing access to a huge and influential international audience.
NERA will subsidise each company to participate in this program, with travel expenses of up to $10,000 covering accommodation, meals and other expenses.
Net zero by 2050 requires “radical transformation”
The Australian Government has adopted a technology-based approach to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Last year, Prime Minister, Scott Morrison announced the plan which emphasises innovation to drive down the cost of low emissions technologies and deploy them at scale. With climate change at the forefront of public policy, LETs Pitch WA is just one of the many programs across Australia helping to cultivate innovation in this emerging sector.
NERA’s CEO, Miranda Taylor said achieving net zero by 2050 requires radical transformation of the energy sector, and expediting low emissions technology development will be integral to WA’s — and indeed Australia’s — decarbonisation.
“For decades the energy sector has powered WA’s economic growth. And now as a nation we have the potential to become a leading source of low emissions energy, technology and expertise. If we can drive a transition cheap, reliable, clean energy, we can grow new manufacturing industries powered by renewable resources.”
“In creating LETs Pitch WA, NERA is driving collaboration and innovation to enable the decarbonisation and diversification of Australia’s energy sector and in turn helping to grow WA LETs businesses to deliver technology solutions both locally and to the world.
To all WA startups with an innovative LET looking for the chance to take advantage of growth opportunities and pathways to domestic and international markets: this may be just the program for you.
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More information on the program can be found here.
The EOI period closes on 19 April 2022 at 10pm (AWST). Successful applicants will be notified on 29 April 2022 and winners from the virtual pitch battle will be announced in late May 2022.