The accelerator for NZ’s clean energy startups!
POWERED BY MINISTRY OF AWESOME
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ORION ENERGY
Unleashing startup innovation.
Powered by Orion Group & Ministry of Awesome, the Orion Energy Accelerator supports high impact energy innovations that will help New Zealand move towards a carbon neutral future.
The Accelerator is supported by Callaghan Innovation & Ara Ake, Aotearoa New Zealand’s future energy centre established to accelerate the demonstration and commercialisation of low emissions energy innovation.
Our 2023 Startup Cohort
Meet the amazing startups who completed the 2023 Orion Energy Accelerator.
"Red Phase had a strong tech background – but not much start-up exposure. The Orion Energy Accelerator rapidly expanded our knowledge of the tech start-up world – topics including VC’s, pitching, lean business plans, governance boards, PR and marketing traction, networking, etc. A year on we’re regularly in touch with MoA, Orion and other companies from the cohort. The education and contacts from the Orion Energy Accelerator has been instrumental to guiding the path of Red Phase and has directly resulted in our successful (pending) close of a pre-seed funding round."
- Robert Turner, RedPhase Tech
Startup Testimonial
What an inspiring Demo Night!
It was standing room only with 200 people on hand to watch 8 amazing startups pitch their ventures to a panel of judges. Our startups had 5 minutes to pitch to a panel of expert judges
Orion Innovation Award
Awarded to the startup deemed the most innovative solution. This award and $15,000 cash went to CiRCLR, a matchmaker for commercial green waste and bioenergy producers.
Orion Innovation Award
Awarded to the startup deemed the most impactful solution. This award and $15,000 went to Alimentary Systems, a startup converting wastewater sludge into biofuel.
The Judges
Debra Hall
Director & Investor, AANZ
Maria Johnston
CEO, Ruby Play Network
Nigel Barbour
CEO, Orion Energy
Jason McDonald
Director, Orion Energy & Connectics
Pam Walklin
Head of Commercialisation, Ara Ake
HTK Cultural Growth Award
Awarded to the startup that showed the most integrity and positive impact. This award went to Sunfold, a Christchurch-based startup with a novel solution to help solar installers and developers lower costs and increase efficiency, by rapidly deploying ground-mounted solar panels, at any scale.
McDonald Engineering Award
McDonald Engineering Award went to the startup that demonstrated the most innovative engineering in their solution. Awarded to Overlay, a startup transforming how electricity services are delivered, creating community-based solutions with a wide range of benefits.
“The energy sector has a big role to play in addressing the climate crisis. It’s vital we explore how we can do things smarter and innovate faster. Orion is committed to working with startups and innovators to identify cutting-edge innovations at their infancy and provide the support they need, so they can grow quickly and maximise their impacts.
This country has a history of innovation in technology, and this is a call to action for our innovators to lend their thinking to solve the biggest issue threatening the future of the planet.”
— Paul Deavoll, Head of Customer ＆ Communications, Customer and Stakeholder of Orion
What startup founders experience during an accelerator
A world-class, ambitious 12-week programme focused on market analysis, market validation, go-to-market strategy, and commercialisation
One-on-one mentoring from experts in energy, business, investing, and startup growth
Networking with some of the most important industry players, including an on-site visit with Ara Ake, NZ's future energy centre
Coaching and preparation to identify appropriate investor partners for your business and to pitch them effectively
Methods to scale your venture sustainably within the cultural values of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
We recognise the challenges marginalised entrepreneurs face and need your ideas, opinions, and voices to create the most inclusive solutions imaginable.
We know diversity drives better outcomes
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