A decentralised solution to decarbonise remote infrastructure and a novel process to upgrade low-grade iron ore using methane are just some of the exciting next-generation solutions to enable the global energy transition that will be supported by this year’s National Energy Transition Accelerator (NETA) program, supported by the RTCM Trailblazer.
Eight research teams from Western Australia and Victoria have been selected for the 2025 cohort, receiving bespoke mentorship, guidance, and programming to scale their deep tech clean energy ventures with support from Curtin University’s Manager of Entrepreneurship Programs Ben Sandhu and Investor in Residence Matt MacFarlane as well as the WA Greentech Hub.
Trailblazer Director Rohan McDougall said this year’s cohort reflected a positive trend amongst Australian academics towards a more commercial mindset.
“The strong interest in this program signals a meaningful cultural shift within the research community towards academics increasingly focused on translating their ideas into real-world solutions. By nurturing the next generation of commercially driven innovators, we are unlocking new pathways for research impact and advancing Australia’s clean energy future,” said Mr McDougall.
Designed to support deep tech innovators creating impact in the energy transition, NETA was initiated by the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer to fill a capability gap in two key sectors essential for the energy transition efforts globally – resources technology and critical minerals – teaching participants how to commercialise their energy transition innovation into a thriving business in just seven weeks.
The eight teams who have been selected for this year’s program are:
AZ Synergy
Founder: Nai Shi, Curtin University (Perth)
- A pioneering Solid-State Iron-Air Battery (SSIAB) that offers a safe, cost-effective, and high-energy-density storage solution using iron oxide instead of lithium as its core component.
BATSafe Australia
Founder: Hamid Ilbeygi, Deakin University (Melbourne)
- The team have developed a solution that empowers councils, emergency services, and importers to ensure battery safety before deployment using a Digital Battery Safety Passport (DBSP), a blockchain-secured compliance and lifecycle data tracking platform.
CLEVER-CO2
Founder: Zehua Wang, Curtin University (Perth)
- This team have combined two chemical processes – Co2 reduction and chlorine production – into a single electrochemical system that produces two high-value industrial gases used in PVC production with less cost and energy requirements.
FERMKELP
Founder: Sufia Hena, Curtin University (Perth)
- FERMKELP transforms beach-cast seaweed into bioethanol through microbial hydrolysis and fermentation, offering a marine-based alternative to land-intensive biofuels.
HydroCycle Energy Solutions
Founder: Hussein Znad, Curtin University (Perth)
- Designed for off-grid use, HydroCycle offers a decentralised solution to decarbonise remote infrastructure empowering regional and Indigenous communities to turn local waste into clean energy.
NeoTerra
Founder: Faz Ikram Bin Dzulkifly, Curtin University (Perth)
- Already in use in real-world pilot projects, NeoTerra helps public and private sector customers demonstrate the financial viability and compliance status of energy-positive, walkable, and low-carbon developments.
Turquoise Iron
Founder: Eugenia Benchimol Xavier Phegan, Curtin University (Perth)
- A novel process to upgrade low-grade iron ore using methane which also produces a clean hydrogen byproduct. This breakthrough could help mining companies process resources more efficiently while reducing carbon emissions.
Unpollute
Founder: Tony Pfaff, Curtin University (Perth)
- A sustainable biomining startup using fungi to extract valuable metals from mine waste. By replacing chemical leaching with natural microbial processes, this approach transforms toxic tailings into revenue-generating resources offering a cleaner, greener path for mine site remediation and resource recovery.
NETA will take place in Perth, Western Australia and online in August and September, culminating in the annual Industry Demo Night on Wednesday 8 October 2025.
