The Victorian government has announced its support for 16 technology startups that focus on renewable energy innovations. These startups aim to tackle key challenges in electric vehicle (EV) charging and grid integration. The initiative, known as the CivVic EnergyTech Challenge and partnered with LaunchVic, seeks to promote the development of solutions that can change the state’s energy landscape and speed up the adoption of electric vehicles. This structured approach will help the startups test, improve, and develop their ideas to create practical solutions for Victoria’s energy system and its consumers. At the end of the program, four top-performing teams will receive an extra AU$35,000 to further boost their solutions.
The CivVic EnergyTech Challenge is divided into two main areas. The “Powering the Grid of the Future” stream aims to create technology that can change how energy is generated, stored, and distributed. Both areas address innovations related to EV charging, focusing on consumer solutions and the larger challenges of grid integration. Victoria’s Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, highlighted the vital role of these startups in creating practical solutions for the state’s shift to renewable energy and for lowering electricity costs. The government’s backing of EV-focused startups comes during a notable rise in electric vehicle sales across Australia.
Data from the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) shows that a record 29,244 new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were sold between April and June 2025. It should be mentioned that this number marks a significant 63.3% increase from the previous quarter, boosting BEVs to a 9.3% share of the total new light vehicle market—a new record for Australia.
When including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which had 11,902 sales, the total for plug-in vehicles reached 41,146 units for the quarter. This total made up roughly 13.1% of all new light vehicles sold during that time, highlighting a growing consumer interest in electric powertrains. Further examination of the data indicated that medium SUVs have emerged as a key market segment for EV adoption. Reports indicate that in this category, the combined sales of BEVs and hybrids exceeded those of internal combustion engine vehicles for the first time. BEVs secured a 22.24% share of all new medium SUV sales, closely followed by hybrids at 23.92%. This trend highlights the rising popularity of electric and hybrid models in a highly competitive and sought-after segment of the automotive market.
The combination of government support for technological innovation and the significant growth in EV sales highlights Victoria’s effort to build a strong and sustainable energy ecosystem. It should be mentioned that, by investing in startups that address real-world problems like EV charging and grid maintenance, the state is preparing to meet its renewable energy goals and lead the way in clean energy and transport solutions.
