Innovation Bay & ARENA 2025 Renewables Startup Showcase: Applications now open

Applications are now open for high-growth renewable energy and climate tech start-ups – positions filled on a rolling basis until 29 September 2025.

Innovation Bay, Australia’s leading membership community for technology founders and investors, and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) are proud to announce the return of the ARENA Renewables Start-up Showcase for its sixth year. Taking place in Melbourne on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, 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 (A$16m Series A led by Blackbird), Hysata (US$111m / A$172m Series B), 5B (A$55m Series B, with more than A$81m raised to date), RayGen (A$127m Series D), and Sicona (A$22m Series A plus a A$15m international licensing deal). 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.

Collectively, Showcase alumni have raised hundreds of millions of dollars to date, attracting global investors and partners such as BP Ventures, Blackbird, SLB, Shell, and Energy Impact Partners. Success stories include Hysata’s US$111m (A$172m) Series B, 5B’s A$55m Series B, RayGen’s A$127m Series D, and Sicona’s A$22m Series A plus international licensing deal. These outcomes highlight the Showcase as a proven launchpad for Australia’s most ambitious clean tech innovators.

Darren Miller, CEO of ARENA, 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.”

Phaedon Stough, CEO and Co-Founder of Innovation Bay, 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.”

HOW TO APPLY

Early-stage founders in the renewables, clean tech and climate tech sectors that are primed for funding are now invited to apply to be featured at this prestigious event, with applications closing at 11:59PM AEST on Monday, 29 September 2025. Applications can be submitted here.

Applications will be rigorously reviewed on a rolling basis by a carefully selected committee of technology, innovation, renewable and climate/clean tech leaders. Start-ups will be selected each month until all positions are filled, so companies are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible. Ultimately, six companies will be selected to present at the gala to an audience of Australia’s elite investment community.

HOW TO ATTEND THE GALA

Tickets to the 2025 ARENA Renewables Start-up Showcase can be purchased here: https://events.humanitix.com/innovation-bay-and-arena-2025-renewables-startup-showcase

In addition to the hand-selected start-up features, guests will be treated to thought leadership on the future of emerging technologies in the renewable energy sector, a cocktail gala event experience and, as always, incredible networking opportunities.

2024 speakers included Alexandra Clunies-Ross (Artesian), Angela Karl (HMC Capital), and Katerina Kimmorley (NSW Net Zero Emissions Commission), while previous years saw Mike Cannon-Brookes (Atlassian), Robyn Denholm (Tesla Chair, Blackbird Operating Partner), Dr Alan Finkel (Australia’s former Chief Scientist), and Kate Vidgen (Global Head of Industrial Transition and Clean Fuels, Green Investment Group) joining the speaker line-ups. 2025 speakers will be announced shortly.

About Innovation Bay
Innovation Bay is the leading community for technology start-ups, scale-ups and investors in Australia and New Zealand. Since 2003, Innovation Bay has created valuable connections across the tech landscape, bringing founders, investors and leaders together to share experiences and learn from one another through curated events, programs and content.

About ARENA
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) supports the global transition to net zero emissions by accelerating the pace of pre-commercial innovation, to the benefit of Australian consumers, businesses and workers. Its purpose is to support improvements in renewable energy competitiveness, increase supply, and facilitate the achievement of Australia’s emissions targets through financial assistance and shared knowledge.

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