The AusHETS project is designed to provide advice and support to startups and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to transition to hydrogen.
The AHC thanked the Federal Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, for the funding, delivered 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) will receive $920,000 over two years and will be delivered in collaboration with Cicada Innovations.
The project is designed to provide specialised advice and support to startups and SMEs participating in the Industry Growth Program. The program 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.
The AHC said 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.
AHC Chief Executive Officer, Fiona Simon, said, “The AHC 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,” Ms Simon said.
Cicada Innovations Chief Executive Officer, Sally-Ann Williams, said, “Cicada Innovations is excited to partner with the AHC 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.”
Climate Salad Chief Executive Officer, Mick Liubinskas, said, “We’re really excited to see all the hard work of the AHC 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 is designed to provide 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. IPOs are expected to complement this advice and enhance the support provided to SMEs by offering specialised advisory services, drawing on their sectoral expertise.
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