National energy provider, Origin, has announced its new newest initiative targeting those in the sector – Originate.
Conceived out of its desire to explore cleaner and smarter energy solutions, the program is keen for startups and innovators in the sector to come forward and present their ideas.
Every few months, Origin will select the best submissions to share with their future energy team, where they have an opportunity to collaborate on trialing or prototyping winning submissions.
Additionally, they’ll be able to cooperate with potential corporate partners, investors and mentors.
This opportunity is significant given Origin has 4.2 million customer accounts across Australia, meaning ideas can be scaled on a mass-market basis.
“We have a long track record working with startups both in Australia and internationally, helping to foster ideas that capitalise on growing trends including the convergence of data and energy, growth in renewables, storage and green fuels,” said Tony Lucas, Origin Executive General Manager, Future Energy & Technology.
Over the past three years, we’ve reviewed more than 2,500 startups and ideas, and know what we are looking for in terms of ideas that we can nurture and help to take that crucial next step. We’re a founding member of the global Free Electrons startup accelerator program and have already commercialised ideas such as Origin Spike – our gamified demand response program developed with US start-up OhmConnect.
Tony Lucas, Origin
Mr Lucas noted that Australia has a rich heritage in innovation citing Wi-Fi, ultrasound and cochlear implants, and more recently an array of innovators in the software and fintech scene.
“We want to tap into the local tech community which we’re confident has ideas on how to make energy easier, smarter and cleaner for our customers.”
While the provider is keen to hear about any new development in the energy arena, areas of interest include growth in renewables, storage and green fuels, the “electrification of everything” and convergence of data and energy.
Innovation hub Stone & Chalk is partnering with Origin for the program.
“The partnership is a fantastic opportunity for both organisations to help shape the future of energy delivery in Australia. We will be connecting our start-ups that offer a range of innovative solutions that can help innovate across Origin Energy’s technology stack,”said Marie-Anne Lampotang, Stone & Chalk General Manager for Sydney.
Stone & Chalk is focused on shaping the future of emerging tech sectors by catalysing the commercial success across our impact network and helping them on the next stage of their journey to scale their businesses.
Marie-Anne Lampotang, Stone & Chalk General Manager for Sydney.
“Origin’s Originate program may be the accelerator that boosts one of our start-ups into its next stage of growth and we are excited to be partnering with them.”
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To find out more about the program, check out the Originate website
