Join Dr. Greg Trainor and Neil Belford for a special panel discussion with Megan Fisher, CEO of Energy Lab, alongside two breakthrough startups from their portfolio: Dr Thomas Nann, CEO and Co-founder of Allegro Energy, and Nick Hazell, CEO and Founder of Algenie.
Energy Lab has spent nearly 10 years building Australia's premier climate tech accelerator, supporting 280 startup alumni through 10 different programs—from launching ventures to scaling internationally. With 450 mentors, 240 angel investors, and deep connections across the energy industry, they're filling a critical gap in specialist support for founders tackling the hardest problems in decarbonisation.
This episode showcases two companies at different stages of their journey. Allegro Energy has developed a breakthrough microemulsion electrolyte for long-duration flow batteries, solving cost and safety challenges that have plagued competing technologies. After completing commercial trials with Origin Energy and CSIRO, they're scaling towards grid-scale deployments of 100+ megawatts. Algenie is reimagining algae cultivation with helical photo bioreactors made through plastic extrusion—slashing costs so dramatically that gigatons of CO2 could be sequestered into bioplastics, textiles, food, and fuel. Their technology thrives on intermittent renewable energy, turning grid constraints into competitive advantages.
(04:00) Energy Lab overview: programs, mentors, and supporting climate tech founders
(10:00) Allegro Energy's microemulsion electrolyte breakthrough for flow batteries
(18:00) AR Genie's helical photo bioreactor and the gigaton CO2 opportunity
(28:00) International expansion strategies and mentor network value
(38:00) Manufacturing in a renewable world and embracing intermittency
(44:00) Academic to commercial transition and shifting incentives
(50:00) Raising ambition to gigaton scale and making climate impact
The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker during this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer or any other organization they may be affiliated with.Our guest shares personal experiences and insights based on their individual journey, and listeners should understand that these reflections are meant for informational purposes only.Any advice or opinions presented in this podcast should not be construed as professional guidance, and individuals are encouraged to seek their own counsel regarding their specific situations.
