Australian Innovation
“Business is essential to solving the climate crisis because that is what business is best at: innovating, changing, addressing risks, searching for opportunities.” – Richard Branson.
Global studies and accolades regularly declare Australia as one of the most creative and innovative countries in the world.
Australia:
- is home to the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP) — world leaders in solar research and development.
- is at the forefront of green hydrogen development.
- is well-placed to become a sustainable vehicle-making powerhouse for light electric vehicles, EVs and hydrogen vehicles.
- developed one of the the world’s largest carbon capture and storage research projects.
- built the largest high-concentration solar array in the Southern Hemisphere.
- created the world’s only solar roof tiles that can provide both electricity and heated water.
Australian Innovation Highlight
Ultra low-cost solar research receives a major boost
Australia’s emission reduction target looks more achievable with $45m in federal funding for ultra-low-cost solar development recently allocated to ACAP (Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics).
ACAP is funded by ARENA (Australian Renewable Energy Agency) and led by UNSW’s School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering. The Centre, which includes 18 members recognised in Stanford University’s top 2% of scientists in the world, also involves CSIRO, Australian National University, University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, University of Sydney and Monash University.
Incoming ACAP Director, Professor Renate Egan said, “We’re looking forward to working with ARENA to deliver low-cost solar technologies through ongoing research. Solar is going to be a big part of our energy future. And we’re only just beginning.”

Australian climate innovation database
We have gathered a list of Australian innovators examples.
If you know of any Australian innovators that are missing from our list, please contact us and let us know.