The Green Light accelerator program is dedicated to supporting the development of algae biotech solutions across a broad range of industries in NSW.
Green Light Accelerator Program
Have you got an algae business or business idea that you are ready to grow?
Applications to the fifth cohort of the Deep Green Biotech Hub's flagship Green Light Accelerator Program are now open!
Supported by the Investment NSW "Boosting Business Innovation Program", Green Light is open to all NSW-based SME’s and start-ups, offering you:
- Membership to the world’s first algae biotech accelerator program
- Curated entrepreneurial support across 3 months (July-October 2024), targeting your business goals.
- Access to research mentorship from leading algae experts at the University of Technology Sydney's Climate Change Cluster
- Up to $10,000 in seed-funding
- 6 Months membership to UTS Startups, including desk space, networking, & community events and workshops.
- Connection to workshops and networking opportunities with industry and innovation leaders, academics and entrepreneurial experts within the UTS Innovation Ecosystem.
Submit an Expression of Interest
Watch the video below to learn about the impact of previous Green Light cohorts
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What is Green Light?
APPLICATIONS FOR GREEN LIGHT ACCELERATOR PROGRAM 2024 ARE OPEN UNTIL 17 JUNE 2024
Meeting the sustainability challenges of the 21st century requires rapid, disruptive innovation at a speed and scale never seen before – the world needs entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurs need support to build their solutions. Enter Green Light - the world's first dedicated algae accelerator program - with the overarching aim to bring NSW to the forefront of algae-based innovation in Australia.
Green Light is a 12-week accelerator program running from July - October 2024 dedicated to supporting the development of algae biotech solutions, products and services in NSW across a broad range of industries - from innovations to optimize algae growth and deliver biomass to the wholesale market, or products and services using micro or macroalgae for aqua-and-agriculture, bioproducts, food and materials.
The program leverages the algae biotechnology research strength of the UTS Climate Change Cluster (C3) to support the research and development of algae-related projects put forward by NSW small to medium enterprises (SME’s) and start-ups (including entrepreneurs), prioritising projects underpinned by an approach to sustainability.
Download Green
Light Fact Sheet
Upon success in the program, teams will receive seed funding and comprehensive support from UTS, including research mentorship. Additionally, they'll gain access to selected masterclasses, networking events, and industry gatherings offered through UTS and associated organisations. Plus, you'll unlock a 6-month membership to UTS Startups, providing access to desk space, networking opportunities, and a diverse range of community events and workshops.
Assistance and resourcing will be leveraged for the product to reach proof-of-concept stage; with the graduating teams leaving the program with a plan for further investigation, research, scaling, or production.
Why should you apply?
Read about past Green Light teams
Curated entrepreneurial support across 3 months (July-October 2024), targeting your business goals.
- Access to research mentorship from leading algae experts at the University of Technology Sydney's Climate Change Cluster
- Up to AUD 10,000 in seed-funding
- 6 Months membership to UTS Startups, including desk space, networking, & community events and workshops
- Connection to workshops and networking opportunities with industry and innovation leaders, academics and entrepreneurial experts within the UTS Innovation Ecosystem.
Application criteria
To apply for Green Light, applicants must demonstrate a compelling idea or algae business, that they're pursuing a large market, and that they plan to (or are currently) approaching that market in a scalable fashion.
Any stage of start-up or SME project can apply to join, even if their project is just an idea. Teams will work in conjunction with DGBH and UTS to develop their idea in the application stages for the program, and will work to accelerate their project throughout the course of the program,
Projects can be based in:
- A sustainability-based project (i.e. carbon offset; green chemistry; circular economy).
- Agriculture
- Aquaculture
- Food and beverage
- Beauty and wellness
- Neutraceuticals
- Waste water remediation
- Environmental remediation
- Algal growth or harvesting systems
Eligibility:
Green Light is open to SME's or startups with:
- an ABN registered in NSW.
- A business or business idea that involves an algae-based product or service ("solution")
- Priority selection will be given to those projects with a sustainability aspect.
How do I apply?
Read the Green Light Program Terms & Conditions and Green Light Fact Sheet
- Submit an Expression of Interest to book a consultation with our DGBH staff and researchers to discuss your project plan, research needs, and proposed budget during the recruitment period. You must complete a consultation before you submit an application for Green Light.
- Submit a completed application, developed in consultation with DGBH staff and researchers.
Applications close at 10 am on 17th June 2024!