Startmate Climate Tech Fellowship

Find your fit in a climate tech startup.

A pathway for people who are sick of standing idly by and want to explore the impact they can have on the climate crisis. Turn your passion into action. If you want to break into climate tech and build a network of people wanting to do the same – you’ll leave with a clear pathway towards a career with impact

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Program Dates: 8 WEEKS, 2 APR–31 MAY

Program Dates:
8 WEEKS, 2 APR–31 MAY

✏️

Applications Close: 11:59PM AEDT, 11 MAR

Applications Close:
11:59PM AEDT, 11 MAR

💸

Cost:
$2,200 (incl. GST)

Cost: $2,200 (incl. GST)

Scholarships

⭐️

Rating: $2,200 (incl. GST)

Program Dates:
8 WEEKS, 2 APR–31 MAY

W22

Raised $1.3M Pre-Seed to roll out insurance-at-checkout vision.

SM12

Raises $72 million Series B to help property managers, lenders and investors make better management decisions.

NZ20

Raises Series A to take its electric boat motors global.

SYD17

Raised $170M Series B to accelerate the manufacture and distribution of its energy efficient, long-range WiFi chips.

S21

Raised $24M Series A to end the world's reliance on petroleum-based plastic packaging.

SM12

Raised $25M Series B to provide comprehensive cyber security risk assessments.

MEL19

Raised $1.28M Seed to make the fashion industry more sustainable with their unique circular wardrobe.

SM13

Raises $30M in Series D to expand its bug bounty platform.

S21

Raises $8M Seed to replace plastics with seaweed.

MEL18

Raises $17.8M Series A helps people with chronic conditions learn to manage their health.

8.5/10 program rating
from 100+ alumni reviews.

8.5/10 program rating

Shishir Pandit

Strategy & Commercialisation Lead - Cleantech @ Helixos

Shishir Pandit

Strategy & Commercialisation Lead - Cleantech @ Helixos

"A fantastic way to quickly understand what is happening in the Climate Tech space and meet some amazing likeminded people. The Fellowship definitely helped me secure my next job in the Climate Tech space"

Romy Mueller

Stakeholder & Community Partnership Manager @ VicReturn

Romy Mueller

Stakeholder & Community Partnership Manager @ VicReturn

"Fantastic opportunity for networking with, and getting to learn from, exceptionally bright people in the industry."

Vinnay Cchoda

Manager @ Responsible Investments

Vinnay Cchoda

Manager @ Responsible Investments

"The Startmate ClimateTech Fellowship is a fantastic opportunity to get across the ClimateTech landscape. It covers a comprehensive suite of topics across 8 weeks of interactive sessions with industry experts. I loved being a part of the inaugural cohort where I found myself surrounded by a like-minded community of passionate individuals committed to addressing the pressing challenge of climate change."

Lauren Holloway

Chief of Staff @ E-liability Institute

Lauren Holloway

Chief of Staff @ E-liability Institute

"I loved learning about all the amazing start ups doing incredible work as disruptors across NZ and Australia, and the people behind them! I feel very inspired by their drive to solve some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges of our time. Plus connecting with like-minded changemakers through the Fellowship who share a commitment to make a positive impact."

Mathew Velcic

Investment Analyst @ 5B

Mathew Velcic

Investment Analyst @ 5B

"The climate tech fellowship has been fantastic for allowing me to dive deep in a broad range of cleantech topics and to develop a network of like-minded individuals."

Toni O'Neill

Commercial Partnerships Manager @ AMP

Toni O'Neill

Commercial Partnerships Manager @ AMP

"The quality of mentors and advisers was out of this world."

Ashby Field

Business Development Officer @ Department for Industry, Innovation and Science

Ashby Field

Business Development Officer @ Department for Industry, Innovation and Science

"This program is an essential prologue for anyone considering taking the leap into the growing ecosystem of Australian climate technology companies working towards sustainability and climate impact. Startmate's reach, network, and delivery are unrivalled, and I would recommend the program for specialists, generalists, and anyone determined to make a positive change."

Anwesha Pati

Industry Outreach Representative @ Trace

Anwesha Pati

Industry Outreach Representative @ Trace

"The direct exposure to incredible industry professionals that are so generous and willing to share their learnings was so incredibly valuable. So grateful for the incredible community I am now a part of."

Sahil Kumar

Renewable Energy Consultant @ UPowr

Sahil Kumar

Renewable Energy Consultant @ UPowr

"I loved how supportive the community was! Everyone wants to help each other and that is always a treat to behold."

Britt Rinker

Vice-President of Growth @ Marketplacer

Britt Rinker

Vice-President of Growth @ Marketplacer

"I was really impressed with the overall value of this fellowship. Each week was jam packed with content and our speakers/advisors were so generous with their time. Jules and the Startmate team also did a standout job coordinating all of the moving parts. I would definitely recommend this fellowship to anyone wanting to enter the Climate Tech space but not sure where to start."

Joseph Faust

Chief Digital Officer @ GoSee

Joseph Faust

Chief Digital Officer @ GoSee

"The climate tech program was a whirlwind tour covering all aspects of this critical space and I loved meeting so many emerging and established climate leaders across Australia and New Zealand!"

Bailey Thomas

Relationships Manager @ One Girl

Bailey Thomas

Relationships Manager @ One Girl

"This fellowship was eye opening to the opportunities around us where we can make an impact. In particular it has motivated me to join the power-force Climate Tech community who are creating positive solutions to the climate problem!"

Meet some of the
incredible fellows from past cohorts

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Applications close 11:59PM AEDT, 11 MAR for the next Climate Tech Fellowship cohort

Register interest for the next Climate Tech Fellowship cohort

Apply nowRegister interest

Meet our Launch Clubbers
who went onto the Accelerator

What is the
Climate Tech Fellowship?

Natural disasters and devastation have become the norm. We’re oscillating between burning, flooding and freezing, and we're no where close to meeting targets. 

The Climate Tech Fellowship is designed to channel your frustration into action by providing clear pathways for people to be a part of the solution. 

Each week we’ll deep dive into a new dimension of the crisis while uncovering what part you play in combating climate change. You'll hear from subject matter experts, meet industry leaders and be inspired by startups innovating at the cutting edge. 

You’ll come away from this journey equipped to land a role in climate tech and with a clear direction of where you want to turn your passion into action.

🌍

Land a job in climate tech

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Walk away with connections to some of the most iconic climate startups in Australia and New Zealand

🤺

Join a climate army of lifelong allies on a mission to solve the climate crisis

92%

increased their network in climate tech through the program

83%

feel more confident to move into climate tech after the program

94%

increased their knowledge and understanding of climate tech, climate change & solutions as a result of the program

Proudly supported by

Boundless Earth’s mission is to ensure Australia is on track to become a renewable energy superpower by 2030. Boundless Earth deploys philanthropy, investment and direct advocacy to achieve its goal. Boundless Earth is a non-profit organisation backed by Mike Cannon-Brookes as part of his $1.5B climate pledge committed in 2021. "Boundless Earth backs Startmate to recruit the next wave of ambitious innovators into the climate tech sector"

Are you a wildly ambitious founder and pre Series A fundraise?
The Accelerator is for you.

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We're industry agnostic.

We've invested in companies spanning an insanely diverse range of industries. From ed-tech, health-tech, prop-tech and climate-tech to space-tech, fin-tech and legal-tech.

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You're never too early.

67% of Accelerator companies had no revenue when they appliedand every cohort has had at least one company that is idea-stage and pre-MVP.

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We strive for equal representation.

Diversity builds smarter solutions. Since 2021, 40% of our companies have 1 or more women co-founders.

Want to have a outsized impact on the climate crisis?
Climate Tech Fellowship is for you.

🙋‍♀️

Driven to solve climate change, but not sure where to start

Identify the industries and problems you’re most passionate about to get started.

Working in consulting, corporates or industry, and are fed up with the snail-like progress and bureaucracy

Learn how to transfer your skills to work on pressing issues effectively.

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Experienced in STEM and want to apply your skills to climate

Connect your skills with relevant startups, jobs and industry leaders.

Program Syllabus

Apply for the upcoming
Startmate Climate Tech Fellowship

A pathway for people who are sick of standing idly by and want to explore the impact they can have on the climate crisis. Turn your passion into action. If you want to break into climate tech and build a network of people wanting to do the same – you’ll leave with a clear pathway towards a career with impact

📆

Program Dates:
8 WEEKS, 2 APR–31 MAY

Program Dates: 8 WEEKS, 2 APR–31 MAY

✏️

Applications Close:
11:59PM AEDT, 11 MAR

Applications Close: 11:59PM AEDT, 11 MAR

💸

Cost: $2,200 (incl. GST)

Cost: $2,200 (incl. GST)

Scholarships
What you’ll get out of the Accelerator 
  1. Investment: We invest AUD 120k in each company so that all your energy is focused on building your startup.
  2. Founder friends: You’ll be surrounded by a cohort of equally ambitious founders on the same journey.
  3. Pitch perfect: We’ll tear your pitch deck to shreds and by the end of the Accelerator you’ll have a bulletproof deck ready for investors.
  4. Launch your startup to the world: Pitch your startup to an audience of thousands at Demo Day.
  5. A product people want: You’ll spend 12 weeks laser-focused on your customer, how you can improve your product and the results to drive meaningful growth
  6. Mentorship: You’ll be partnered with ANZ’s most successful founders, operators and investors who have skin in the game and will run through brick walls to see you succeed 
  7. SME: We’ll connect you with subject matter experts who can provide tailored industry advice on how to approach your business
  8. Community: You’ll gain access to ANZ’s largest startup community of founders, operators and investors who are ready to support you on your journey.  
  9. World-class talent pool: Within our 2000+ startmate fellowship alumni are the hires you need to take your startup to the next level at your fingertips: pre-vetted, upskilled, and hungry to join a high-growth startup. 
  10. The best platform in ANZ to raise capital: Having the Startmate brand behind you will be a stamp of approval to every potential investor or employee you meet.

Frequently asked questions

What is Climate Tech?

Climate technologies are those that are designed for the main purpose of combating climate change. They can range from SaaS- to hardware- solutions and across the broad spectrum of climate.

What is the time commitment?

9-week program, with a break week in the middle

~4-5 hours per week

Where will the program take place?

The Fellowship will be delivered remotely and primarily outside of standard business hours following Sydney/ Melbourne timezones.There will be in-person offerings and other opportunities in major cities across Australia and New Zealand.

Are there group discounts?

Yes! Want to join this program with your team members? Reach out to Kaya to discuss (kaya@startmate.com.au)

Scholarships and discounts

Startmate offers a range of discounts and scholarships.

Our discounts include, but are not limited to:

  • 10% past Startmate fellows, mentors, coaches, and first believers
  • 50% founders of Startmate-funded companies (i.e. Accelerator or Small Bets Fund)
  • 10% employees of Startmate-funded companies
  • 20% if signing up as team of 3 or more from the same company

For more information about scholarships, click here.

What will the sessions look like?

Fellowship sessions will be delivered virtually and primarily outside of standard business hours on Monday and Wednesday evenings (AEDT). There are also bonus lunchtime sessions dotted around the week. All sessions are typically presentations, workshops or themed panel discussions with climate leaders across ANZ’s startup landscape.

In addition to sessions, there is a self-driven program-long project alongside other Fellows as well as in-person offerings and other opportunities in major cities throughout the program. 

And don’t let our sessions and offerings hold you back - Fellows love connecting outside of the program, too!

I’m already in climate tech - is this Fellowship for me?

Depends! Are you interested in exploring another career pathway or industry in climate tech? If the answer is yes, then this is the place for you!

But if you’re already in climate tech, happy where you are and are interested in contributing to the Fellowship (e.g. as an expert advisor, guest speaker, sponsorship/partnership), we’d love to hear from you! Fill out this EOI form and we’ll be in touch.

Join a community that will help you go from idea to IPO

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Hiring

We have over 3000+ of ANZ’s most talented operators in our community. Our incredible Startmate fellows are hungry to join a high-growth startup and ready to support you on your journey.

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Investors

We have built an army of over 250 early stage investors who are inspired by your commitment to changing the world. They are here, ready to be your First Believers, and invest.

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Funding

We invest in you from day one and continue to believe in you forever after. This is a unique fund in ANZ that automatically invests all Startmate pro-rata for our alumni, which means you can go into your fundraising conversations already knowing you have the Startmate pro-rata committed

Essential Reading

Apply for the upcoming
Startmate Accelerator

If you’re ready to move faster than you ever thought possible, build a better product with more users, and get the best platform in ANZ to raise capital, apply for the Startmate Accelerator. 

📆

Program Dates: JUL 14–OCT 10 2025 (12 WEEKS)

✏️

Applications Close: 11:59PM NOV 10

What you’ll get out of the Accelerator 
  1. Investment: We invest AUD 120k in each company so that all your energy is focused on building your startup.
  2. Founder friends: You’ll be surrounded by a cohort of equally ambitious founders on the same journey.
  3. Pitch perfect: We’ll tear your pitch deck to shreds and by the end of the Accelerator you’ll have a bulletproof deck ready for investors.
  4. Launch your startup to the world: Pitch your startup to an audience of thousands at Demo Day.
  5. A product people want: You’ll spend 12 weeks laser-focused on your customer, how you can improve your product and the results to drive meaningful growth
  6. Mentorship: You’ll be partnered with ANZ’s most successful founders, operators and investors who have skin in the game and will run through brick walls to see you succeed 
  7. SME: We’ll connect you with subject matter experts who can provide tailored industry advice on how to approach your business
  8. Community: You’ll gain access to ANZ’s largest startup community of founders, operators and investors who are ready to support you on your journey.  
  9. World-class talent pool: Within our 2000+ startmate fellowship alumni are the hires you need to take your startup to the next level at your fingertips: pre-vetted, upskilled, and hungry to join a high-growth startup. 
  10. The best platform in ANZ to raise capital: Having the Startmate brand behind you will be a stamp of approval to every potential investor or employee you meet.