Supply chain development program for WA SMEs

Western Australian SMEs working in the low-emissions technology (LET) sector have the chance to see their business boom thanks to LETs Pitch WA, a new program developed by NERA.

LETs Pitch WA is a supply chain development program designed to support the growth of low-emissions technologies by providing small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) with the chance to take advantage of bespoke growth opportunities and vital pathways to domestic and international markets.

Launched by NERA in partnership with the Western Australian Government, LETs Pitch WA will identify, support and raise the profile of WA-based LET solutions that can help develop WA’s low-carbon future.

Miranda Taylor, NERA CEO, says achieving net zero by 2050 requires radical transformation of the energy sector, and that expediting low-emissions technology development will be integral to Australia’s decarbonisation.

“For decades the energy sector has powered WA’s economic growth, and now as a nation we have the potential to become a leading source of low-emissions energy, technology and expertise,” she said. “If we can drive a transition to cheap, reliable, clean energy, we can grow new manufacturing industries powered by renewable resources.

“By supporting low-emissions technology development in WA, the state can both help to expedite the decarbonisation of its primary industries and, importantly, grow new, globally competitive technology supply chains that can service local and international markets.

“In creating LETs Pitch WA, NERA is driving collaboration and innovation to enable the decarbonisation and diversification of Australia’s energy sector and in turn helping to grow WA LETs businesses to deliver technology solutions both locally and to the world.”

Expressions of interest are sought from WA-based SMEs with solutions in energy efficiency, hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels, low-emissions electricity, electrification and fuel switching, non-energy emissions, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) or carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS).

Following the EOI process, shortlisted SMEs will be given tailored mentoring through a customised pitch readiness program that will help them to clarify their value proposition and to develop a business canvas and business capability, along with other support to increase the likelihood of future success.

With this preparation, the SMEs will then pitch their technology to a judging panel comprising blue-chip investors, venture capitalists and industry experts, with the winners offered the chance to travel to the highly prestigious ONS 2022 exhibition and conference in Norway as part of the Team WA delegation, providing access to a huge and influential international audience.

Each company will be provided one full-week conference pass to ONS 2022, including admission to the exhibition that consists of nine exhibition halls, technical sessions, centre court, net zero markets and scale-ups forum (value $2500). NERA will subsidise each company to participate in the program. This stipend is intended to cover travel, accommodation, meals and other expenses associated with the tour (value $10,000). Also, as members of Team WA at ONS, winners will participate in a curated program connecting them with industry leaders and major innovation centres.

Find out more about LETs Pitch WA here.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/bas121