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MEDIA STATEMENT
2 May 2024
Australian Hydrogen Council to provide specialised support and advisory services to Australian Government’s Industry Growth Program
AusHETS project will support new technology development and SMEs in hydrogen transition
Melbourne, Australia: The Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) thanks Minister for Industry and Science The Hon Ed Husic MP for funding our new AusHETS project with Cicada Innovations as part of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR)’s Industry Growth Program: Industry Partner Organisation (IPO).
The AusHETs project (awarded to AHC’s registered business: Hydrogen Mobility Australia) has received $920,000 over two years, and will provide specialised advice and support to startups and small and medium businesses participating in the Industry Growth Program. This will focus on growing Australia’s Hydrogen Equipment, Technology & Services (HETS) sector, through the development of new technologies and enabling SMEs to transition from existing industries into hydrogen.
Supporting Australian innovation is critical to strengthening Australia’s position as a global leader in hydrogen, and also opens up new opportunities across the value chain including derivatives, green metals and fuels that use hydrogen, as well as the broader supply chain required to make, store, move and use the molecule.
CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council Dr Fiona Simon said:
“The Australian Hydrogen Council is proud to be a partner in the Industry Growth Program, and delivering the AusHETS project to support new technology, innovation and business approaches required for hydrogen, its derivatives and the broader supply chain in Australia.
“This grant support will enable us to assist referred SMEs in the renewables and low emission technologies sector with specialised advisory services using a range of initiatives including access to facilities, equipment, technical support, expertise, specialised programs and events.
“The growing hydrogen industry needs investment in technology and capacity building, and we are grateful that the Australian Government has recognised this as part of the Industry Growth Program. Our aim is to strengthen our understanding of Australia’s economic complexity and grow our capacity to manufacture key components in an industry that is guaranteed to grow globally.
“We are also excited to be working in collaboration with Cicada Innovations to deliver a number of workshops, such as the Hydrogen Elevate Workshops and Hydrogen Fast Start Program and Climate Salad to tap into its network and take part in industry recognised events.”
CEO of Cicada Innovations, Sally-Ann Williams said:
“Cicada Innovations is excited to partner with the Australian Hydrogen Council on the AusHETS program which brings together Cicada Innovation’s broad networks and deep experience in commercialising science and technology based innovations with the Council’s deep industry knowledge and networks.”
CEO of Climate Salad, Mick Liubinskas said:
“We’re really excited to see all the hard work of the Australian Hydrogen Council continue to turn into growth and momentum of this important industry. We have seen first hand how many great innovations and companies Australia is producing to address these massive, global climate challenges and this program will help maximise this potential.”
The AusHETS project will deliver the following key activities for the Industry Growth Program:
- Bespoke coaching, commercialisation and growth workshops
- Tailored industry engagement including webinars, investor roundtables and events
- Access to facilities
- Development of case studies.
The Industry Growth Program provides expert advice on commercialisation and early-stage business growth to startups and high-growth SMEs operating within the priority areas of the National Reconstruction Fund, and to help build Australian manufacturing for the future.
This advice is provided by Industry Growth program advisers. Industry Partner Organisations will complement this advice, and add value to and enhance the support provided to SMEs by offering specialised advisory services, drawing on their sectoral expertise.
-ENDS-
About Australian Hydrogen Council
The Australian Hydrogen Council is the peak representative body for the Australian hydrogen industry, with members from across the hydrogen value chain. We represent the emerging hydrogen industry and connect it with its stakeholders to collectively create a clean and resilient energy future that has hydrogen as a key part of the energy mix. More information here: www.h2council.com.au.
About Cicada Innovations
Cicada Innovations is the home of deep tech in Australia and supports ventures seeking to create life-changing technology. Since its inception, Cicada has seen an unprecedented $1.3 billion in disclosed exits from six deep tech ventures in the last two decades and helped over 400 companies raise more than $2 billion in funding. It has twice been awarded ‘Top Incubator in the World’ by InBIA, and delivered commercialisation training to thousands working in science & technology. More information here: www.cicadainnovations.com
About Climate Salad
Founded in 2021, Climate Salad is a community of 550 Australian climate tech companies. We support the founders and teams with community, programs, content, events, a data platform, capital raising guidance and programs. We have over 1,000 members, 100 investors and 10,000 supporters. More information here: www.climatesalad.com
Media contact (not for publication):
Melissa Johnson – 0421 807 669 Email: [email protected]
