Green Light Accelerator Program

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• 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:

  1. 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

  1. Microalgae 

  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

  1. 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. 

  Fellowship Terms and Conditions 

  Please note, to apply for the Green Light Fellowship, teams must; 

  • Attend at least one Algae Masterclass (see above)

  • Submit a research proposal using the template provided when applications open 

  • Agree to terms and conditions

  • Willing to obtain relevant insurances (please refer to the terms and conditions for more information)

    Submit your proposal for the Greenlight Fellowship here.

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• 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.