Green Light is dedicated to supporting the development of algae biotech solutions across a broad range of industries in NSW.
What is Green Light?
Meeting the sustainability challenges of the 21st century requires rapid, disruptive innovation at a speed and scale never seen before – the world needs entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurs need support to build their solutions. Enter Green Light - the world's first dedicated algae accelerator program - with the overarching aim to bring NSW to the forefront of algae-based innovation in Australia.
Green Light Fellowship | New in 2026
The Green Light Fellowship is a practical, industry-focused program designed to support NSW SMEs and startups working in algae biotechnology. This highly competitive Fellowship helps teams take their algae innovations from concept to laboratory application. Selected teams will gain access to a PC1 laboratory at UTS, providing a hands-on technical space to develop and test their ideas.
Building on the success of our flagship Green Light Accelerator Program, the Fellowship represents an exciting next step, shifting the focus early-stage development to practical experimentation and technical validation.
Before applying to the Green Light Fellowship, all teams are required to attend at least one Algae Masterclass. These expert-led sessions cover topics ranging from algae biotechnology fundamentals through to cultivation and harvesting techniques. Designed to be practical and accessible, the Masterclasses equip participants with the technical knowledge and skills needed to make the most of the Green Light Fellowship.
More information about the program, including how to apply for the Algae Masterclasses and Green Light Fellowship, can be found below.
How do I apply?
Applications for the Fellowship will open in September 2026
To apply for the Green Light Fellowship, applicants must have attended at least one Algae Masterclass, agree to the terms and conditions, be willing to obtain relevant insurances (please refer to the terms and conditions for more information), and submit a research proposal using the template provided when applications open.
All research proposals will be reviewed by an internal panel and assessed on their commercial viability, innovative potential, and overall project merit.
Frequency Asked Questions about the Fellowship can be found here
Algae Masterclasses
Algae Masterclasses are practical sessions led by experienced algal research experts from the Climate Change Cluster, designed to support the growth of algae businesses, particularly startups and SMEs.
Three Algae Masterclasses will be offered, covering:
Macroalgae
Wednesday 29th August 11:00am - 12:30pm
Macroalgae cultivation fundamentals
Media preparation: sterilisation and storage
Photobioreactor (PBR) designs
Scaling up macroalgae growth
Species identification
Species of interest and potential applications
Macroalgae
Wednesday 9th of September 11:00am - 12:30pm
Microalgae cultivation fundamentals
Media preparation: sterilisation and storage
Photobioreactor (PBR) designs
Scaling up microalgae production
Species identification
Species of interest and potential uses
Biomass Harvesting & Data Collection
Wednesday 23rd September 11:00am - 12:30pm
Harvesting methods (microalgae focus)
Brief overview of macroalgae harvesting
Biomass handling and processing basics
Storage of biomass and compound preservation
Data collection and data management
Sterilisation techniques and contamination management and identification
To attend a Masterclass, please submit an Expression of Interest below. These Masterclasses are open to NSW based SME's, Startups or individuals working in algae biotech, food, or climate innovation. These Masterclasses are also offered free of charge.
Submit an Expression of Interest to attend an Algae Masterclass
Fellowship
The Green Light Fellowship is a highly competitive program that provides selected SME's and/or Startups with eight week access to a PC1 laboratory, dedicated desk space, and UTS start-up events to support the advancement of their algae biotechnology innovation.
Attend at least one Algae Masterclass (see above)
Submit a research proposal using the template provided when applications open
Willing to obtain relevant insurances (please refer to the terms and conditions for more information)
Flagship Green Light Accelerator Program (2016-2025)
Founded in 2016, the Green Light Accelerator Program is a 13-week program dedicated to supporting the development of algae biotech solutions within NSW. Merging the entrepreneurial expertise of UTS Startups and the technical and scientific support of the Climate Change Cluster 3-month, this program is a world's first algae-specific accelerator program.
The Green Light Accelerator Program
Green Light is a 13-week accelerator program running from July - October 2025 dedicated to supporting the development of algae biotech solutions, products and services in NSW across a broad range of industries - from innovations to optimize algae growth and deliver biomass to the wholesale market, or products and services using micro or macroalgae for aqua-and-agriculture, bioproducts, food and materials.
The program leverages the algae biotechnology research strength of the UTS Climate Change Cluster (C3) to support the research and development of algae-related projects put forward by NSW small to medium enterprises (SME’s) and start-ups (including entrepreneurs), prioritising projects underpinned by an approach to sustainability.
Successful applicants received various individualised support and guidance over the 13 week program and opportunities to work with and ask experts questions across the start-up and algae sectors. This support included;
Curated entrepreneurial support across 3 months (July-October 2025), targeting business goals.
Access to research mentorship from leading algae experts at the University of Technology Sydney's Climate Change Cluster
Up to AUD 10,000 in seed-funding
6 Months membership to UTS Startups, including desk space, networking, & community events and workshops
Connection to workshops and networking opportunities with industry and innovation leaders, academics and entrepreneurial experts within the UTS Innovation Ecosystem.
Download Green
Light Fact Sheet
Teams received seed funding and comprehensive support from UTS, including research mentorship. Additionally, they attended masterclasses, networking events, and industry gatherings offered through UTS and associated organisations, plus, a 6-month membership to UTS Startups.
Pitch Night 2025
Pitch Night was held on the 9th of October, and celebrated innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurial spirit.
This milestone event marks the grand finale of our 6th Green Light Cohort, as founders unveil their exciting algae startups. Discover how these change makers are harnessing the power of algae to solve real-world challenges with creativity and impact.
Watch the Livestream from Pitch Night Here
Featured Teams:
East Coast Algae with their short film Light Eaters, which reveals the hidden world of microalgae and phytoplankton.
SeaHide produces textiles from seaweed waste to replace synthetic materials in circulation and simultaneously reduce the environmental impact across the value chain.