French climate technology startups explore Australian opportunities through Swinburne accelerator

Six French climate technology startups are exploring new research, commercialisation and investment opportunities in Australia after completing the inaugural FACET Climate 4.0 Hub Flagship Accelerator program.

The five-month program formally concluded with a Demo Day at Melbourne Town Hall on 9 November, bringing together startup founders, business and government representatives, research leaders and investors.

The inaugural cohort, including Amplicity, BeeZ-FM,  Storabelle, and Sollys Energy, presented their innovative solutions and outlined their visions for future growth and impact.  

They also shared their outcomes from the accelerator program, which covered market entry, competitive landscape exploration, legal support, commercialisation and investor readiness.  

Several startups are now planning to establish Australian entities, while others are undertaking research projects with Swinburne University of Technology or exploring local partnership and investment opportunities. 

Heath Evans, Associate Director of the Climate 4.0 Hub, said the startups are already establishing foundations for long-term success in Australia.

"We're bringing some of the world's most innovative climate tech startups to our shores and then creating the conditions that ensure they hit the ground running the moment they land," he said.

The accelerator supported startups in navigating the Australian market, exploring the competitive landscape, accessing legal advice and preparing for commercialisation and investment.

A three-month intensive phase at Swinburne's Hawthorn campus also connected participants with researchers, businesses, investors and potential opportunities to pilot their technologies.

Franco-Australian Indo-Pacific Centre for Energy Transition (FACET) Co-Director Sarah Cumming explained that in addition to their technology, having the French startups onsite was integral to their market entry and ongoing success.

" It’s critical to be immersed in the market to build trusted relationships, understand how it works and, crucially, securing that first pilot that can open the door to what comes next," she said.

Throughout the program, participating startups received mentoring from seasoned entrepreneurs and attended sessions from industry experts, investors, government and potential partners.

For several participating startups, this has allowed them to bring emerging climate technologies to Australia's uniquely advanced market. 

Gabriel Schiano, co-founder of Amplicity, said the program had helped his company build valuable connections and accelerate its entry into the Australian market. 

"One of the key benefits from this program is definitely to be put in contact with the right person, especially through the mentors we have access to," he said. 

"Being part of this program is a competitive advantage to enter a new market, and this has helped us move so much faster in Australia."

About FACET

Established in 2023, FACET is a France–Australia climate partnership funded by both national governments. It is led by CEA, Université Grenoble Alpes and Swinburne, which hosts the Centre at its Hawthorn campus.