2024 Queensland Women in
Climate Tech Fellowship

Information and Eligibility Requirements

Connect with like-minded mentors, investors and other entrepreneurs, while developing skills and knowledge to support the growth of your climate tech solution

About

This 8-week program supports women founders based in Queensland to develop and supercharge their climate tech startup. Develop skills, knowledge and connections through weekly workshops, presentations, mentoring, and guidance offered by a diverse array of entrepreneurs, investors, industry specialists, and trailblazers committed to supporting your journey. Find out about our 2023 Queensland Women in Climate Tech cohort here.

Program Highlights
  • Practical workshops in key areas of developing a climate tech startup
  • Connections with other passionate women entrepreneurs developing climate tech solutions
  • Mentoring with climate tech startup experts
  • Flexible program components that won't distract from everything else in life
  • Pitch coaching with market specialists
Key Information


Program Timing
  • Applications open: 13 May 2024
  • Applications close: 14 June 2024
  • Interviews and selection process: 17 - 21 June 2024
  • Offers: 24 - 28 June 2024
  • Program: Weekly from 15 July - 6 Sept 2024

Who is this fellowship for?

The fellowship is open to women entrepreneurs in Queensland who are actively working on climate tech solutions, which could include areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, carbon capture, waste reduction, circular economy and more. Don’t worry, we’re not expecting you to solve climate change on your own! And if you’re new to the climate tech or startup space, this is a great entry point to help you find your feet.

Eligibility Criteria
  • Identify as a woman
  • Have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • Have no more than 50 full-time-equivalent employees
  • Headquartered in Queensland
  • Committed to 8 weeks of learning
  • Have access to reliable internet
  • Want to build a climate tech solution
  • You’re open and willing to commit to learn
  • We welcome applications from entrepreneurs at various stages of development – from early-stage startups with a promising idea to those who have already developed a prototype or recently launched a product. The key is a strong commitment to addressing climate challenges.


We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and women with disability. Companies must be able to cover all travel and accomodation costs.

FAQs

+ What is 'climate tech'?
It’s important to know that ‘climate tech’ is still being defined, as the technology and space is evolving. However, we define climate tech as a scalable tech-enabled product (hardware or software) that helps solve climate or environmental problems. You can find examples of climate tech companies in the Climate Salad community in our directory.
+ What is 'hardware' and 'software'?
Hardware refers to a physical product, machine or tool. Software refers to a computer-based program.
+ What is a ‘technology-based solution’?
A ‘technology-based solution’ refers to your product relying on technology to work or be used. For example, while a community group that collects food waste from local cafes to use at a community garden is a wonderful initiative that may mitigate climate change, it is not a technology-based solution. On the other hand, a device that speeds up the composting process would be a technology-based solution.
+ What is a 'prototype'?
A ‘prototype’ is the first version of your product or idea. This might be a working but simplified version of your solution. Typically, it’s something that you’re able to share with others to get feedback.
+ What if I don’t have a product?
If you don’t have a product but you have a technology-based climate solution, we’d still love to hear from you. We’d welcome your application and you may like to book in a chat to discuss it further. See below for if you’re at the idea development stage.
+ What if I have an idea but haven’t done anything with it yet?
If you have a great climate tech idea and you’re committed to researching and developing it, you may still be eligible for this program. We’d welcome your application and you may like to book in a chat to discuss it further.
+ What if I’ve launched my solution?
If you’re further along, for example, you’ve launched and already have some customers, you may still be eligible for this program. We’d welcome your application and you may like to book in a chat to discuss it further.
+ I’m not sure if my solution is climate tech, is this right for me?
If you’re not sure whether you’re solution could be categorised as ‘climate tech’, we’d still welcome your application and you may like to book in a chat to discuss it further.
+ What is expected of fellows during the program?
Fellows are expected to actively participate in workshops, engage with mentors, collaborate with fellow participants, work on refining their climate tech solutions and agree to having photos and videos taken which may be published on the Climate Salad and Queensland Government social media and websites. Commitment and dedication to the program are key.
+ How are fellows matched with mentors?
Mentorship matching will be based on the specific needs and goals of each fellow. We will strive to pair fellows with mentors who have expertise and experience relevant to their venture and its challenges.
+ I juggle a bunch of things, is this right for me?
We understand that life is busy! This program is mainly online and there is some flexibility in attending online workshops and having sessions with mentors, however, in order for you to get the most out of it, we do ask for your commitment to the program. If you’re committed and have unique circumstances, or you’re not sure whether this is right for you, book in a chat to discuss it further.
+ What is the time commitment?
The time commitment for the fellowship program is designed to be flexible and accommodating of the busy schedules of our participants. On average, fellows can expect to dedicate approximately 2-3 hours hours per week to the program. This includes attending workshops, engaging in mentorship sessions, and working on refining your climate tech solution outside of the formal sessions.
+ Is the fellowship remote or location-based?
The program is designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing participants to join remotely. While there is an opportunity to connect face-to-face, all other workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking events will be conducted virtually.
+ I live in regional Queensland, is this right for me?
This program is mostly online, with opportunities to connect in Brisbane during the program. And while we’d love to see you in real life and it’s a wonderful opportunity to network, we understand if you’re not able to make it. You will need working internet to access the program.
+ How much does this program cost?
This program is being delivered by Climate Salad on behalf of the Queensland Government as part of the Building Queensland’s Climate Tech Industry, and is free of charge.
+ How do I submit my application?
Applications for the 2024 Queensland Women in Climate Tech Fellowship are now closed. You can register your interest for the 2025 Fellowship here.

    Applications for the 2024 Queensland Women in Climate Tech Fellowship are now closed. You can register your interest for the 2025 Fellowship here.

    If you have any other questions that haven’t been answered here or would like to chat through the application process or program, please email alison@climatesalad.com or book a time here. We’d love to hear from you and help you to decide whether this is the program for you.

    Privacy Statement
    Information supplied will be used by Climate Salad staff, approved assessors and delivery partners to evaluate program eligibility. Information will not be shared beyond this group and will remain confidential at all times.Applicants should note that successful applicants, agreed outcomes, and the level of funding awarded may be published by the Queensland Government. Some information may be used to promote funded projects. Your personal information will not be disclosed to any other third party without your consent, unless required by law or for the purposes of the Information Privacy Act 2009. For audit purposes, the Queensland Government is required to retain the applications and other supplied supporting material. The provisions of the Right to Information Act 2009 apply to documents in the possession of the Queensland Government.

      Climate Salad Vision and Mission

      Vision
      We see a world where Australian climate tech startups create an outsized global impact.
      Mission
      By 2030, we will help 1,000 climate tech companies with 10 reaching global scale.