Last Updated: Wednesday 6 August
Sixteen innovative Victorian startups have been chosen to take part in the CivVic Labs EnergyTech Challenge, developing breakthrough technologies to support Victoria’s transition to renewable energy.
Delivered by LaunchVic, Victoria’s startup agency, and funded by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, the latest challenge gives startups the opportunity to test, refine and grow their ideas with the aim of delivering practical solutions for the state’s energy system and consumers.
They’ve been asked to address the key question: How can we use technology to accelerate the transition to renewable energy?
Each participating team will receive $10,000 in equity-free funding and take part in a 12-week program running from August to October 2025.
At the conclusion of the program, four standout startups will receive an additional $35,000 to accelerate the development of their solutions.
Meet the Cohort
From AI-powered grid maintenance and smart solar batteries to next-generation EV charging and more, the latest CivVic Labs cohort is tackling the challenge from all angles.
This time around the cohort is spread across two streams: Empowering People and Communities and Powering the Grid of the Future.
Empowering People and Communities
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Denise Law | A dual-incentive solution for renters and landlords to enable solar panel installations for rented properties. |
| Marcella Palma | An end-to-end home electrification solution, streamlining coordination between homeowner and tradespeople. |
| BATSafe Australia | A Digital Battery Safety Passport system to reduce safety risk and administrative burden of lithium-ion batteries. |
| ELIoT Energy | Smart plug-and-play solar batteries for energy-consuming refrigeration use. |
| TouchGreen | A gamified app empowering users to control their carbon footprint using the Consumer Data Right system. |
| Equoia | Mobile plug-and-play renewable energy batteries for high-power, off-grid use. |
| Vehicle Charging Solutions Australia (VCSA) | An EV charging solution for users who lack off-street parking, using their own household supply. |
| RegenX | A financial platform connecting investors and businesses to verified solar and battery projects, simplifying clean energy investing. |
Powering the Grid of the Future
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| HexMap | A digital twin map of Victoria, consolidating large datasets to enable efficient and sustainable power grid expansion. |
| FleetOPT | Optimising energy and transport operations of EV fleets with a physics-based digital twin. |
| Solstice AI | Using AI with satellite imagery to provide accurate short-term solar forecasting for solar farm operators. |
| TransitionAU | An AI-driven platform, enabling commercial solar owners to shift between BTM and FTM operations in real-time. |
| Solar Drone | Autonomous end-to-end solar farm maintenance with AI-powered drones. |
| Repose Analytics | A virtual geospatial consultant using AI and ML to deliver instant feasibility and risk assessments for renewable energy projects. |
| Nick Dobie, Zac Schade and Justin Eaton | Autonomous drones to maintain renewable energy infrastructure. |
| ROBAU | Autonomous AI-enabled robots to inspect solar farms. |
