Startupbootcamp moves ahead with search for energy disruptors

Startupbootcamp

Leading accelerator program, Startupbootcamp, will stream its upcoming demo day online, where energy enthusiasts can tune in to witness the sector’s next ‘big thing’ being pitched to industry experts and potential investors by start-ups from around the globe.

This year’s start-up community, spanning nine countries and every continent, have spent the past 13 weeks testing their concepts through web platforms, not allowing the COVID-19 pandemic to impede their progress of meeting the future energy needs of Australian customers.

EnergyAustralia managing director Catherine Tanna said she hoped as nations come together to beat COVID-19 that we build a global muscle for sharing and developing big ideas, wherever they spring up.  

“The ideas seen at demo day prioritise customers, making them more informed about their energy, more in control, more sustainable and more efficient,” she said.

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“Those things mean resilience and this attribute will be highly prized in a post-corona world. The demo day couldn’t have come at a better time as a timely reminder that the future is still out there, and it’s exciting.”

Startupbootcamp managing director Trevor Townsend said the opportunity provided to the nine selected groups is unparalleled.

“The start-ups have had direct access to all levels of the program’s major partner EnergyAustralia, even in light of the current pandemic, on top of learning from global experts and developing solutions with their peers to help Australia transition to a lower emissions future,” he said.

“The opportunity to work so closely with a utility is rare and is why global start-ups choose this program to grow and scale their business. The work we are doing has put Melbourne on the map as a world-leading energy tech ecosystem. Similar to our Startupbootcamp alumni – we cannot wait to see the good work they do in future.”

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Since the London-based accelerator program arrived in Australia three years ago, around 44 jobs have been created, six start-up groups have set up a presence in Melbourne and more than $61 million has been raised toward next-generation energy services and programs to serve customers.

Usually held in the Melbourne CBD and host to around 500 attendees, the nine start-ups chosen from an initial pool of 1000 applicants will pitch their concepts from home. The session will involve group and individual virtual rooms moderated by a host. An open event, viewers can get involved by asking questions of their favourite start-up, discuss business opportunities and connect post-event.

The Startupbootcamp demo day live stream begins at 1:50pm on Thursday, April 23. You can register your attendance here.

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