Queensland climate right for green energy startups
“There’s never been a better time for climate tech in Queensland.”
That’s according to Audun Fiskerud, EnergyLab Program Lead for Investment-Ready Startups – and he’s hoping to inspire a new generation of green energy innovators, at a free network and pitch event at CQUniversity Gladstone next month.
The Gladstone Regional Enablers Program event is on Tuesday 2 September from 4pm - 6pm, and combines experienced innovators with young enthusiasts, for a session sure to spark inspiration.
Based on the Gold Coast, Mr Fiskerud has more than 20 years of experience in startups, innovation, strategy, research, and learning programs.
“It’s an exciting time as the Queensland Government supports the startup ecosystem through the Venture Capital Development Fund, and there’s plenty of support from accelerator program providers like EnergyLab,” he said.
“I can also share trends about climate tech investment in Australia’s venture capital community, and what’s driving the popularity nationally, and in Queensland.
“And of course, I’ll be talking about why this is a great time to launch a climate startup in Queensland!”
The session will also include a workshop by CQUniversity’s Social Impact Lab (formerly Office of Social Innovation), to explore energy data and design data-driven solutions.
Plus, hear from the future, with Year 9–12 students who participated in CQU's Enterprise Builders Program innovation challenge earlier this year, returning to pitch their ideas.
The Gladstone Regional Enablers Program is a three-year initiative supported by the Queensland Government, to boost local opportunities for innovation-driven enterprises to start and grow across Queensland's diverse regions.
CQUniversity was one of 15 regional innovation organisations successful in Round 1 of the program, earning nearly $300,000 funding.
The initiative is led by CQU’s Associate Professor Linda Pfeiffer, and includes a series of student innovation challenges to inspire and develop emerging talent.
“Energy transition and environmental innovation is everyone’s business, and this program is designed to be inclusive,” Assoc Prof Pfeiffer said.
“It offers the local community in regional Queensland the opportunity to be a part of Gladstone’s energy future.”
Gladstone is emerging as a future clean energy capital for Queensland, building on its industrial history, infrastructure and innovative local community.
CQU Gladstone’s Centre for Hydrogen and Renewable Energy provides world-class research, training and support to the emerging hydrogen and renewable energy industries in the region.
The September event is the Gladstone Regional Enablers Program’s second network and pitch event, book your free ticket now.
