The NSW government has awarded more than $26 million to 13 clean technology startups aiming to fast-track emissions reduction across sectors like shipping, aviation and agriculture.
Announced on Tuesday, the latest round of the Clean Technology Innovation grants will fund cutting-edge solutions, ranging from robotic hull cleaners and drag-reducing aircraft films to next-gen solar and biohydrogen systems.
The grants provide companies working on early-stage technologies up to $5 million from $275 million Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative to bridge the gap between research and commercialisation.
Collectively, the projects have also attracted $46.9 million in private investment, underscoring industry confidence in NSW’s clean tech pipeline.
NSW Climate Change and Energy minister Penny Sharpe said the state was backing new technologies to drive the state’s transition to net zero, while translating research projects “practical, real-world solutions for emissions reduction that also boost innovators, investment and new jobs”.
With decarbonisation identified as one of three key state missions alongside housing and local manufacturing, Innovation, Science and Technology minister Anoulack Chanthivong said the grants are a key pillar of NSW’s industry policy and its Innovation Blueprint and “a perfect example of our Industry Policy in action”.
Among the 13 recipients is Novalith Technologies, which will use its $1.5 million grant to scale up a cleaner lithium extraction process to support Australia’s “once-in-a-generation opportunity to lead the global energy transition”, according to chief executive Steven Vassiloudis.
“This support from the NSW Government recognises the vital role homegrown solutions like Novalith’s can play in building resilient supply chains and accelerating the world’s shift to a low-carbon future,” Mr Vassiloudis said.
Other funded companies include:
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FPR Energy: $4.85 million to commercialise particle-based concentrated solar thermal systems for long-duration green heat and power. The company is targeting applications across industrial, commercial and residential energy storage
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MicroTau: $2.5 million to expand manufacturing of its sharkskin-inspired riblet film, which reduces drag on aircraft to lower emissions
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HydGene Renewables: $2.5 million to convert agricultural waste into green hydrogen and ammonia via scalable, on-farm technology
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PlasmaLeap Technologies: $2.58 million to trial a low-emissions fertiliser production unit for regional NSW farms
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Kardinia Energy: $2.26 million to establish the world’s first commercial facility for manufacturing Printed Solar, a flexible solar tech
- Hullbot received: $2 million to scale its robotic hull-cleaning technology, aimed at reducing marine fuel use, toxic coatings and invasive species transfer
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Renewable Metals: $1.1 million to assess a NSW-first battery recycling refinery to support local supply chains for clean tech materials
The funded projects must be completed by 2028 and are required to demonstrate real-world applicability and commercial viability through testing, prototyping and pilot deployments.
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