In Sydney this month, ten Australian startups are getting ready to build the physical tools Australia needs to cut pollution and clean up its energy system. They've been picked for EnergyLab's 2026 Climate Solutions Accelerator — a program that helps early-stage companies turn bright ideas into real products people can use. What makes this year's group special? Every single one of them is a "hardware" startup, meaning they make physical things like sensors, machines, and systems — not just apps or software. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is backing the program with $1.64 million in funding. The six-month accelerator runs from June through December, when the startups will show off their work at a showcase event in Sydney. Since the program first launched in 2017, it has helped hundreds of founders grow their businesses, find investors, and connect with industry partners. Some past participants — including Infravision, Renewable Metals, Orkestra, and Amber — have gone on to win ARENA funding for their own projects. This matters because building clean energy technology is risky and expensive in its early stages. Many startups struggle to find money when they're still testing ideas and building prototypes. ARENA's support helps bridge that gap by giving founders access to expert advice, mentors, and networks. "Australia's net-zero transition won't happen through software alone; it requires physical assets, hardware and deep engineering," said EnergyLab CEO Megan Fisher. She said this year's cohort represents the kind of innovation needed to clean up the energy grid, heavy industry, and supply chains. ARENA CEO Darren Miller agreed, saying Australia's clean energy goals depend on new ideas becoming technologies everyday people and businesses can actually use. The ten selected startups are working across several key areas. CATCH Power makes home energy systems that coordinate rooftop solar, batteries, and electric vehicle charging all at once. MetroElectro installs solar and battery systems on commercial buildings under subscription deals, so landlords and tenants don't have to pay upfront costs. DC3 Tech designs charging hubs for electric vehicle fleets and data centers. EVX Australia already has ARENA funding and builds public EV charging integrated into existing street infrastructure. Magnefy uses magnetic sensors and AI to spot faults in transformers and inverters months before they break — helping power companies avoid outages and extend the life of expensive equipment. On the industrial side, OzAmmonia — a spinout from the University of New South Wales — converts harmful industrial emissions into ammonia at roughly half the cost of current cleanup technology. Loop Hydrometallurgy is developing a new way to process critical minerals needed for batteries and electronics that's cleaner and produces less carbon than traditional mining. Aspiring Materials turns a rock called olivine into battery materials, low-carbon cement, and hydrogen with zero waste. Alt. Leather makes a plant-based material that replaces both synthetic leather and energy-intensive tanned animal leather, with a carbon footprint 68% smaller than conventional leather. And AGRA Farming Technologies builds indoor plant factories that grow food while also helping balance electricity demand on the grid. Registrations for the December showcase are open, and more details are available on EnergyLab's website.