What is happening in the Energy sector and how you can be part of it.

The global energy markets are undergoing the most profound shift in a century. Enabled by the rise of technology, framed by the need to eliminate greenhouse gases and powered by a tsunami of new capital, this decade will witness a fundamental shift in the energy supply chains that fuel our economies and sustain our communities.

Despite what we are fed in the mainstream media, there are plenty of interesting developments in terms of technology. But we are still in the early stages of a massive shift in progress and thinking.

In the UK, the Tesla Model S just became the biggest selling car, there are now over 7million EVs on the road but EV sales still represent barely 3% of the ca100m annual car market.

Over 3 million wind turbines and 2.5billion solar PV panels have been installed - but the world needs an order of magnitude more capacity to begin addressing atmospheric greenhouse levels. Solar panels, wind turbines and other renewable energy capabilities are not the whole solution. There is much more to it. To ensure we are adequately protecting our environment for the future we need to build new energy capabilities within every part of the supply chain to make an impact. As many in this sector say “there is no silver bullet- more like silver buckshot” when it comes to saving the environment.

This is both a massive challenge and an extraordinary opportunity for which no one has all the answers and no-one holds all the cards. This is why SBC is working with large corporate clients in the energy sector to develop a sustainable future for Australia. SBC seeks out and screens the latest and best energy innovations from all over the globe and helps the startups to commercialise their technology in Australia.

The team at SBC is just coming off a couple of months of meetings with start-ups from all over the world. I can say first hand that the level of innovation is simply breathtaking. Whether it is isotope-batteries, stick-on solar panels or digital green bonds, these innovations are pushing the boundaries of technology to a whole new level. It’s equally fascinating to see that these revolutionary ideas are being released in conflict countries as well as the well-funded research centres of Europe and the established innovation centres of North America. Energy innovation is also well represented in the Asia Pacific and, I dare say there are some potential world leaders among the Australian innovators we have met.

Personally, I find this deeply energising and cause for soaring optimism that we can deliver a better planet to future generations than the path we have followed for much of our recent history.

But as anyone involved with start-ups knows, this is a high-stakes, high-risk Darwinian game where failed ventures outweigh success stories 10-1. As a co-founder myself, of a digital start-up that listed on the ASX and is now rolling out globally, I know that there were many times when the odds seemed to be stacked against us. We got there, but looking back there were many occasions when I - and the team more broadly - could have benefited from some sage guidance. And this is where the best mentors can add so much value for up and coming startups - drawing on their experience to help founders ask the right questions and make the best decisions.

Mentors are a huge part of the SBC ecosystem and play a valuable role in the success of the young businesses that join our programs. We are recruiting for a range of programs at present - located in different countries and following different themes.

If you want to get involved as a mentor to various energy startups developing technologies that will transform this sector, register here.