Innovators get chance to push a clean green idea
ENTREPRENEURIAL programs are a vital stepping stone in the process of turning ideas into innovations.
And who knows what innovations will emerge in 2019 that will significantly contribute to the clean energy future of Australia.
Last month the Enterprise Lab at Southern Cross University hosted a Hackathon event, where local innovators from Northern NSW were given the opportunity to gather and create clean energy start-ups for a greener future.
The idea was simple — Southern Cross University partnered with EnergyLab, one of Australia’s leading clean-tech business accelerators and the first accelerator in Australia to focus on energy start-ups, to provide space, time, and expertise for startups to rapidly develop their ideas over two days. The accelerator is about creating a clean-energy future in Australia through empowering and supporting start-ups through their programs.
The winner of this Hackathon, awarded for the most innovative and novel idea, was ‘Amped Classics’ — a start-up business that converts classic cars to battery operated electric vehicles.
Amped Classics founder Andy Naughton had a passion for classic cars but wanted to make this niche market more sustainable for the clean energy future of Australia.
Naughton, along with other successful applicants, will now go through to the EnergyLab Pre-Acceleration Program where they will continue to develop their start-ups.
His idea is a prime example of how passion, commitment and innovation to sustainability combine to create a cleaner future. He draws on experts from the field to create outstanding levels of engineering in a quality package that uses the latest conversion component technology.
Feedback from Mr Naughton and other participants described the Hackathon as a valuable experience and platform.
As the Enterprise Lab manager, I have the privilege of seeing these start-ups transition
AS THE ENTERPRISE LAB MANAGER, I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF SEEING THESE START-UPS TRANSITION FROM THEIR EARLY PHASES INTO MORE SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MODELS
from their early phases into more sustainable business models, through accessing expert mentorship and networks which helps rapidly develop the ideas.
During the Hackathon, teams were able to spend time with a range of experts who provided mentoring in engineering, legal, marketing, finance, business modelling, tech, pitching and environmental sustainability.
Teams who meet additional criteria in the Acceleration Program may be eligible for $50,000 in seed funding. Online applications are now open for the next round of Hackathons and Acceleration Programs, closing on 12 May 2019.