Clean Energy Innovation Fund Grant

About this grant

The Clean Energy Innovation Fund (CEIF) is a venture capital fund managed by Virescent Ventures on behalf of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), an Australian government-backed entity. The fund invests in early-stage to late-stage growth companies developing technologies and business models that address climate change and the transition to zero emissions. Virescent Ventures was born out of the Clean Energy Innovation Fund and continues to manage it alongside its own Virescent Ventures Fund II, with over $500 million under management in total. The fund focuses on deep tech and business model innovations across four key sectors: clean energy transition (including low-cost renewables, green hydrogen, and decentralised generation), mobility and smart cities (electrification and transportation), food and agriculture (sustainable farming, digitisation, and regenerative agriculture), and circular economy and industry (efficient production and new industrial processes). Investments span hardware, software, and scientific innovations aimed at remaking the physical economy. Virescent Ventures invests from pre-seed through to late-stage growth capital, supporting founders and companies across the full lifecycle of their development. The fund has backed a large portfolio of Australian climate tech companies including names such as Hysata, Loam Bio, SUNDRIVE, Samsara Eco, JET Charge, and many others.

Eligibility

The fund targets founders and companies developing technologies or business models that help achieve zero emissions and address the largest, hardest-to-abate sources of emissions. Investment is primarily directed at Australian climate tech companies, given the fund's origins within the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and the predominance of Australian portfolio companies. Eligible applicants span pre-seed through to late-stage growth, and the fund considers both deep tech and software/hardware ventures. Investees are typically wholesale investors as defined under Australian Corporations Act 2001.

How it's scored

Applications and investment opportunities are evaluated based on emissions impact, commercial viability, and the quality and ambition of the founding team. The fund seeks investments that simultaneously address significant emissions reduction and demonstrate strong commercial potential. Sector fit across clean energy, mobility, food and agriculture, and circular economy is also considered. Specific scoring criteria, weightings, or panel composition details are not disclosed on the page.

Key requirements

• ✓Deep tech or business-model innovation in clean energy, mobility, smart cities, food and agriculture, or circular economy and industry
• ✓Company stage from pre-seed to late-stage growth
• ✓Alignment with CEFC investment thesis and sustainability outcomes

Recent past awardees

Knowing who's won the last rounds tells you whether you're in the strike zone.

• AgriWebb
• All G
• Birra Technologies
• Carbon Revolution
• DeCarice
• Downforce Technologies
• GreenSync
• Gridcog

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for Clean Energy Innovation Fund?

Eligibility covers organisations in GLOBAL; startup, sme, large-company. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Renewable energy funding covers solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal and bioenergy, from early research to grid-scale deployment. Public money tends to back demonstration, grid connection and access to energy in emerging markets, while procurement notices buy installation, operation and maintenance. Calls often ask for proof of resource assessment, permitting progress and local partners.