The climate tech industry was in the spotlight in Brisbane on 9 November with two inspiring events designed to connect and grow the sector community in Queensland and beyond.
A ‘Women in Climate Tech Fellowship Program’ lunch provided an opportunity for female entrepreneurs to meet and share ideas within the Queensland climate tech ecosystem.
The Queensland Climate Tech Showcase at the State Library of Queensland drew over 200 participants to a series of dynamic panels, workshops, demos, and pitches to explore and highlight the rapidly expanding climate tech sector.
With 18 speakers, booked-out workshops, nine startups presenting innovations, 21 startup pitches, and two dedicated networking sessions, the event was set for success.
During the afternoon, industry experts Alezeia Brown from Main Sequence, Beth Keddie from Pollination, Phil Ceulen of Mandalay Venture Capital, and Georgia Barkell from Sprint Ventures led a workshop on crafting investment-ready pitches to provide invaluable tips to participating startups.
The second workshop, led by Sarah Pearson from Main Sequence explored best practice in measuring the impact of climate tech solutions, ensuring that innovations are not only groundbreaking but also effective.
Keynote speeches by Julia Spicer, Queensland Chef Entrepreneur, and Mick Liubinskas, Co-Founder of Climate Salad, kicked off an exciting evening of climate tech solutions and ideas.
Ms Spicer said that the Queensland climate tech community is well positioned to develop climate tech solutions.
“It was great to see so many stakeholders from across the Queensland innovation ecosystem at the event - startups, government, investors, researchers – all looking to see how Queensland can play a global role in solving climate challenges,” Ms Spicer said.
“It is going to definitely take everyone in the village, and Queensland is well positioned to lead on climate, food and AgTech solutions.”
Along with panels discussing ‘Surprising Climate Tech Solutions’ and Queensland Government policy, an informative session on climate tech investment featured experienced investors and entrepreneurs sharing their knowledge and providing guidance on opportunities in the sector.
Another highlight was the quick-fire pitches by 21 of Queensland's innovative climate tech founders on their cutting-edge ideas.
Both events were presented by the Office of the Queensland Chief Entrepreneur, Advance Queensland, Trade and Investment Queensland, and Climate Salad, a community of entrepreneurs, employees, scientists, mentors, and investors helping to grow climate tech companies.
Climate tech is one of many technology-led industries experiencing high growth in Australia. Innovators and startups play a significant role in developing the industry which is currently comprised of over 170 companies valued at $4.2 billion.
According to the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), climate tech was worth around US$14 billion globally in 2021, and is forecasted to grow to around US$148 billion by 2032.
Learn more about joining the sector community and current initiatives to build Queensland’s climate tech industry.
