Innovation and startups
Discover our projects on innovation and startups.
2024
The EDF x FACET x Swinburne Startup Programme
The EDF x FACET x Swinburne Startup Programme aims to create synergies between French and Australian companies by facilitating the adoption of startup solutions that address key challenges in the energy transition. This program focuses on identifying and supporting innovative projects related to long- and short-term energy storage, renewables, alternative green fuels green hydrogen and transmission infrastructure. By creating partnerships with key market players, the program will provide startups with essential commercial and technical support, fostering collaboration and driving sustainable technological advancements in the Australian energy sector.
Partners: EDF Australia, EDF Lab Asia Pacific, Swinburne University of Technology
James Katsikas, CEO of EDF Australia emphasized the significance of this partnership:
“We are deeply committed to the global fight against climate change. As an organization we spend A$1B annually on research and development to ensure we remain at the cutting-edge of energy Franceaustraliaenergy.com – 16 Wakefield St, Hawthorn VIC 3122 innovation. This partnership enables us to combine that global expertise with local innovation to work alongside dynamic startups and to find new and impactful solutions that can accelerate Australia’s energy transition. By combining our global expertise with local innovation, we aim to drive the development of cutting-edge technologies that will make a lasting difference. As part of the French energy giant EDF Group, our worldwide network We will aim to provide start-ups with essential commercial and technical support, fostering collaboration and driving sustainable technological advancements. Ultimately our investment in this program will assist us deliver better outcomes in the infrastructure projects we are developing across Australia.in the Australian energy sector. Start-ups will gain access to our robust portfolio of R&D innovation centres that drive advancements in energy transition and sustainability including the EDF Lab Paris-Saclay, a world-class research hub in France focused on low-carbon energy and smart cities."
2025
Climate 4.0 Hub
The Swinburne-FACET Climate 4.0 Hub is a dynamic new initiative accelerating high-impact climate tech start-ups from Australia and France. Located in Melbourne, the Hub aims to act as an accelerator by supporting 5 to 10 start ups annually with hands-on mentorship, access to global investors, cutting-edge R&D, and pilot opportunities. Focused on clean energy, decarbonisation, critical minerals, and climate resilience, the Hub bridges industry and research to turn innovations into scalable solutions. By addressing the key "valleys of death" in climate tech commercialisation, the Hub will unlock new pathways for sustainable growth and position Australia as a regional leader in climate innovation.
"We’re excited to launch the Swinburne-FACET Climate 4.0 Hub and foster climate innovation and collaboration between Australia, France and the Indo-Pacific" says Swinburne's Vice-President, Innovation and Enterprise, Werner van der Merwe.
“Through our accelerated start up program, we’ll be providing targeted support and strong industry ties, which leverages the thriving innovation culture and capabilities offered by our in-house Swinburne Innovation Studio, to foster real-world impact with climate tech start-ups from Australia and France".
Partners: FACET, Swinburne University, Twynam Earth Fund, ARENA, Invest Victoria, Business France, French Australia Chamber of Commerce, CEA, Université Grenoble Alpes
