University of Newcastle innovators tap accelerator networks to advance energy storage and water security technologies
Two University of Newcastle spinouts are demonstrating how support from accelerator and commercialisation programs has refined their business models, secured industry interest and prepared technologies developed in the Hunter region for real-world deploymentment.
Two University of Newcastle ventures developing solutions for energy storage and water security are demonstrating how accelerator and commercialisation programs can help researchers navigate the path from technical development to market engagement.
Energy Diversions and Hydro Harvester are among a growing number of research-based ventures emerging from the University that have used funding programs, industry partnerships and accelerator initiatives to advance technologies designed to address practical challenges in the energy and water sectors.
Their progress comes as organisations including EnergyLab, CSIRO and the University’s Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) continue to expand support for researchers seeking to commercialise their work.
Energy Diversions advances mine-based energy storage concept
Founded by University of Newcastle PhD candidate Dr Benjamin Tonnot, Energy Diversions is developing PROMETHEUS, a long-duration energy storage system that repurposes decommissioned open-cut mines.
The technology combines gravity and low-pressure compressed air principles to transform former mine voids into energy storage assets capable of supporting renewable energy generation and grid reliability.
According to CSIRO, the venture aims to convert mine rehabilitation liabilities into revenue-generating infrastructure while providing long-duration storage for electricity networks.
Energy Diversions participated in EnergyLab’s Climate Tech Lab to Market program, which is funded by the NSW Government and designed to help researchers assess commercial opportunities for climate-focused technologies.
In July 2025 whilst reflecting on his EnergyLab experience, Tonnot said the program helped test assumptions and improve engagement with potential customers and industry stakeholders.
“Following the program, my immediate focus is on securing funding and partnerships to build a 100 kW pilot installation.”
The venture has also progressed through the University of Newcastle’s I2N Accelerator program. In 2025, Energy Diversions was selected among the final 12 teams in the accelerator cohort and entered pilot discussions with Hunter Water and Idemitsu.
CSIRO reported that during the ON Accelerate 10 program the company validated customer and regulatory requirements, developed a commercial model for future deployment and engaged stakeholders across industry and government. It also secured early interest from potential partners for future feasibility studies and is now preparing for a capital raise.
The venture's achievements were further recognised when Tonnot received the 2026 Stanford Australia Foundation Hawkins Ueland CSIRO ON scholarship, which provides executive education opportunities through Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Hydro Harvester moves toward commercial deployment
Another University of Newcastle technology progressing through the commercialisation pipeline is Hydro Harvester, a system designed to produce drinking water from atmospheric moisture.
Developed by Laureate Professor Behdad Moghtaderi and researchers at the University’s Centre for Innovative Energy Technologies, the technology uses solar thermal energy or waste heat to generate hot, humid air before extracting water through a cooling process.
The project received $1.7 million from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund to help scale the technology from an early pilot producing 20 litres of water per day to a modular system capable of generating up to 1,000 litres daily.
The University says the technology is intended to support drought-affected communities by producing drinking-grade water locally, while also offering applications in emergency livestock water supply, disaster response and temporary community water provision during infrastructure outages.
The technology could help address growing concerns related to the water use by data centres, and hydrogen production.
In 2026, Hydro Harvester was selected as part of CSIRO’s ON Accelerate 10 cohort, where the team refined its value proposition through customer engagement, strengthened its funding approach and secured an agreement for an on-site demonstration pilot.
CSIRO said the venture is now working toward early commercial traction after obtaining a customer agreement to trial the technology.
Professor Moghtaderi said industry engagement remains central to the next phase of development.
“We look forward to connecting with a range of potential partners to explore how our communities can benefit from this technology.”
Building a pathway for future researchers
The experiences of both ventures illustrate how commercialisation programs are increasingly being used to bridge the gap between academic research and market adoption.
EnergyLab’s Climate Tech Lab to Market program focuses on customer discovery and commercial validation, while CSIRO’s ON Accelerate program supports researchers in developing commercial capability, building investor relationships and establishing industry connections.
For researchers considering a similar path, Tonnot told EnergyLab that engagement beyond the laboratory is essential.
“My advice is threefold:
Start with Customer Discovery: Engage early with potential users, industry partners, and stakeholders. Their insights will shape your development roadmap and help you avoid unnecessary work.
Protect Your IP Strategically: Secure clear IP ownership and seek professional guidance early. This will give you the freedom to explore partnerships and funding opportunities with confidence.
Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with mentors, accelerators, and collaborators who understand both the technical and commercial dimensions of your work. Their guidance can be transformative.”
The progress of ventures such as Energy Diversions and Hydro Harvester demonstrate how research developed locally can access commercialisation support, attract industry interest and pursue deployment opportunities while addressing challenges linked to energy reliability, water security and the future use of former industrial assets.
