Innovation Bay, Australia’s leading membership community for technology founders and investors, and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) have announced the return of the ARENA Renewables Start-up Showcase for its sixth year.
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Taking place in Melbourne on November 25, this prestigious annual event will connect Australia’s most promising start-ups with the country’s elite investment community (including leading angel investors and the venture capital (VC), private equity and corporate VC community)—creating the connections needed to supercharge future growth in the sector.
Applications are now open for early-stage founders in the renewables, clean tech and climate tech sectors to be featured at the event, which provides a rare opportunity to pitch directly to investors actively seeking impact-focused opportunities. Beyond the gala evening, the program includes several weeks of engagement with Innovation Bay’s founder and investor community, providing valuable insights on refining pitches, preparing for investment, and scaling growth.
Start-ups that have previously been featured have gone on to secure significant funding and partnerships, collectively raising hundreds of millions of dollars and attracting investors such as BP Ventures, Blackbird, SLB, Shell, and Energy Impact Partners. Success stories include Kwetta, Hysata, 5B, RayGen, and Sicona. Alumni such as MGA Thermal, Infravision, Renewable Metals and Novalith have also gone on to secure substantial rounds and strategic partnerships, underscoring the Showcase as a proven launchpad for Australia’s clean tech innovators.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller says, “To meet the emissions reduction task ahead, Australia must continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible and unlock new pathways that future-proof our economy. From ultra-low cost solar to hydrogen and critical energy minerals, we’re not just imagining the future, we’re building it. The Showcase has become a launchpad for some of the country’s most exciting renewable energy start-ups, and by partnering with Innovation Bay we’re shining a light on the bold ideas and brave execution that will power the next chapter of our energy transition and strengthen Australia’s position as a renewable energy superpower.”
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Innovation Bay co-founder and CEO Phaedon Stough says, “The road to 100% renewables will be driven by bold founders and the investors who believe in them. Connecting these two groups is where the magic happens—it’s how we grow the industry, accelerate innovation, and build the future Australia needs. Through our continuous partnership with ARENA, we’re proud to provide a platform where groundbreaking clean tech ideas are discovered, supported, and given the chance to thrive. The Showcase is where tomorrow’s renewable energy leaders take their next big step.”
