Meet the teams through to the CivVic Labs EnergyTech Challenge Announcements 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 NameDescription Denise LawA dual-incentive solution for renters and landlords to enable solar panel installations for rented properties. Marcella PalmaAn end-to-end home electrification solution, streamlining coordination between homeowner and tradespeople. BATSafe AustraliaA Digital Battery Safety Passport system to reduce safety risk and administrative burden of lithium-ion batteries. ELIoT EnergySmart plug-and-play solar batteries for energy-consuming refrigeration use. TouchGreenA gamified app empowering users to control their carbon footprint using the Consumer Data Right system. EquoiaMobile 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. RegenXA financial platform connecting investors and businesses to verified solar and battery projects, simplifying clean energy investing. Powering the Grid of the Future NameDescription HexMapA digital twin map of Victoria, consolidating large datasets to enable efficient and sustainable power grid expansion. FleetOPTOptimising energy and transport operations of EV fleets with a physics-based digital twin. Solstice AIUsing AI with satellite imagery to provide accurate short-term solar forecasting for solar farm operators. TransitionAUAn AI-driven platform, enabling commercial solar owners to shift between BTM and FTM operations in real-time. Solar DroneAutonomous end-to-end solar farm maintenance with AI-powered drones. Repose AnalyticsA virtual geospatial consultant using AI and ML to deliver instant feasibility and risk assessments for renewable energy projects. UpGridAutonomous drones to maintain renewable energy infrastructure. ROBAUAutonomous AI-enabled robots to inspect solar farms. Sign up for updates Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about showcase events, program updates, and opportunities to connect with the teams. Subscribe Related Posts Announcements 31 Jul 2025 Now Open: The CivVic Labs Experience Victoria Challenge Announcements Expressions of Interest are now open for the CivVic Labs Experience Victoria Challenge, an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to test their startup idea. DEBUG VALUES: post date: 31 Jul 2025 Case Studies 03 Apr 2025 Acumind AI is on a mission to revolutionise farm safety Case Studies AFL great Justin Koschitzke and AI expert Leneila Lynne are on a mission to protect the health and wellbeing of Australia’s farming communities. DEBUG VALUES: post date: 03 Apr 2025 Case Studies 24 Oct 2024 EnAccess Maps is taking the anxiety out of everyday trips for mobility aid users Case Studies Meet Sabrina from EnAccess Maps, a platform to help people using mobility aids find accessibility information on the places they’re planning to visit. DEBUG VALUES: post date: 24 Oct 2024
