Innovative solutions for a Net Zero City

The Open Innovation Pitch Competition this year did not disappoint! 

This year we invited innovators, entrepreneurs, businesses, students and the community to come up with innovative solutions that will accelerate Melbourne's transition to a zero-carbon city.

After six weeks of exploring how to use data and technology to make Melbourne a more sustainable city, the 6 finalists presented their best ideas at the Open Innovation Competition pitch showcase on June 26. 

All the solutions on display were incredibly impressive and included: 

• Brightspace
• CForge
• ELIoT Energy
• WastePlant
• AIRENERGY, INC.
• Amped

Although scoring the highest Brightspace graciously offered the prize money to a startup more in need of the $15,000 prize money. 
 

Judged for their pitch, innovation and practical application to decarbonising the city of Melbourne, the winners were: 

• 1st Place ELIot Energy receiving $15,000
• 2nd Place Amped receiving $10,000
• 3rd Place Airnergy receiving $5,000

Winner ElIot Energy founder, David Hauser pictured below. 

Each finalists received prizes from the generous sponsors: 

• Amped: 
  • Antler prize
  • MAP Velocity prize
  • Startup Network prize
  • 50% scholarship for Illume Foundation programs
• CForge: 
  • StartSpace prize
  • MAP Velocity prize
  • Startup Network prize
  • 50% scholarship for Illume Foundation programs
• Brightspace: 
  • Stone & Chalk prize
  • RMIT prize
  • Startup Network prize
  • 50% scholarship for Illume Foundation programs
• Wasteplant consulting: 
  • Startup Network prize
  • 50% scholarship for Illume Foundation programs
• ELIot Energy: 
  • Startup Network prize
  • 50% scholarship for Illume Foundation programs
• AIRNERGY: 
  • Illume Foundation (they receive a fully funded scholarship for Illume Foundation success programs, including the VC fellowship, for startup to learn about Investment Readiness from leading investors, and the Deeptech fellowship for founders building deep tech startups) 
  • Startup Network prize