Northern Rivers hosts Clean Energy Hackathon

The Hackathon will be the first in the Northern Rivers region to focus on clean energy startups and will be delivered in partnership with EnergyLab, Australia’s leading clean-tech business accelerator.

The Hackathon brings together industry experts and mentors to help teams rapidly develop ideas that could revolutionise the clean energy industry. Culminating in a live pitch to a panel of expert judges, the successful team will receive prizes and support to make their idea a reality.

The ultimate prize awarded to the winning team is the ability to progress into the EnergyLab Pre-Accelerator Program. This program helps startups refine their business idea and map a path to launching their company, while also acting as a potential pathway into the Accelerator Program - a program which offers $50,000 in seed funding to eligible participants.

“We are thrilled to be continuing our partnership with EnergyLab to host the Northern Rivers Clean Energy Hackathon,” said Mr Ben Roche, Vice President (Engagement) of Southern Cross University.

“One of the goals of this partnership is to boost clean energy businesses in our region, and the Hackathon is an exciting opportunity for local innovators to work through the phases of inspiration, ideation, and development to create something that will have positive impact on the clean energy future of the Northern Rivers and Australia.

“This is an example of Southern Cross University’s impact agenda in action – we are applying our strengths to challenges in our back yard and developing solutions for the front yard and the rest of the world.”

EnergyLab and the Enterprise Lab encourage all people to participate in the event. Hackathon registrations are open to everyone and participants can come as part of a team or come as an individual and receive help finding a team on the day.

“We are committed to supporting new energy businesses that reflect the diversity of the communities they serve and we strive for equality, inclusivity and accessibility”, said EnergyLab’s National Events Manager, Odette Lawler.

“We provide participants with everything they need for the day-and-a-half hackathon - including all food and drink, as well as inspiration from speakers with potential challenges to solves, and expert mentors to provide guidance on ideation. Previously-formed ideas are welcome, and there’s plenty of scope to come up with new ideas on the day.”

This is an exciting opportunity for innovators in the Northern Rivers to work on clean energy solutions in a stimulating and fast-paced environment. For more information, including instructions on how to apply, follow the link: https://northern-rivers-clean-energy-hack.eventbrite.com.au

About the EnergyLab and Enterprise Lab partnership

The hackathon is a part of a wider series of events run through the Enterprise Lab and EnergyLab partnership. EnergyLab’s Acceleration Program, founded in 2016 and principally sponsored by Origin Energy, was the first in Australia to focus on energy startups and is now the largest acceleration program in the Australian energy sector.

EnergyLab’s Accelerator Program will be delivered through the Enterprise Lab at Southern Cross University’s Lismore campus. The program is designed to boost clean energy startups in the Northern Rivers and offers support throughout the program from six to 24 months.

Startups joining the program will have access to the Southern Cross Enterprise Lab’s free co-working space, mentors, legal and accounting support and business training. This includes the fastest optic fibre broadband in the region. Startups accepted into the Early Stage Acceleration Program who meet additional criteria are also offered $50,000 in seed capital from Artesian Venture Capital firm, manager of the Clean Energy Seed Fund. Follow the link to apply: https://energylab.org.au/acceleration