Climate Tech Week at CORE Innovation Hub
What a week at CORE as we delved into all things Climate Tech with our friends at Climate Salad, Meshpoints and WA+.
Investor Connect Monday 26 February
Kicking off Climate Tech Week at CORE, in partnership with Climate Salad, we hosted a WA Climate Tech Investor Round Table event. Led by Climate Salad Co-Founder and CEO, Mick Luibinskas, the event centred on entrepreneurs and investors’ interest in climate tech and developing technologies and services that will move the needle significantly for our future.
The group highlighted the inertia faced by industries, particularly mining and energy companies, which are among the largest emitters of greenhouse gases. While the agriculture sector was identified as particularly promising, accessing capital posed a significant challenge.
The group discussed the necessity of partnerships with universities and access to testing infrastructure to accelerate the development of deep tech solutions in climate tech. There was also a consensus on the need for supportive partners across all stages of development to facilitate scaling.
The event raised questions about the existence of a gap in the market for hard tech accelerators and emphasised the potential of leveraging the knowledge base within mining companies for innovation. Additionally, there was discussion about the importance of understanding the full landscape of the investment space beyond venture capital, as well as exploring alternative funding options. Participants also debated how to improve deal flow in Western Australia and whether the challenge lies in accessing deals or securing capital.
It was fantastic to see such insightful discussions happening around some of the big challenges and opportunities facing innovators.
A big thanks to the group of investors who shared their ideas and insights in this session!
Climate Tech Meet Up Monday 26 February
The Investor Round Table was followed up with a Climate Tech Meet Up with more than 120 people in attendance.
Hosted by WA+, Meshpoints and CORE Innovation Hub in collaboration with Climate Salad, teh WA Climate Tech Meet Up aimed to connect climate tech entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, scientists, advocates, and anyone interested in learning more about this burgeoning sector. Attendees delved into the reasons behind climate tech's rapid growth, its attractiveness to investors, and how innovative founders were tackling pressing global challenges.
Highlights of the event included updates from Mick Liubinskas, Founder & CEO of Climate Salad, insights on innovation in Western Australia from Hon. Minister Stephen Dawson, and presentations from key players in the industry including Sylvia Tokic, Founder and CEO of Electro Base and Derek Gerrard, Director of Purpose Ventures. Guests had the opportunity to network over drinks and food, connecting with like-minded individuals in the climate tech space.
Key discussions focused on the necessity of collaboration between government, industry, and startups, the imperative for driving towards net-zero emissions and energy transition, and the challenges faced by startups regarding intellectual property security and the lengthy runway to market for manufacturing new technologies. Additionally, Horizon's mention of their open-source innovation funded by IRENA presented opportunities for startups in the sector.