From breakthrough algae science to a life-saving shark deterrent, the Green Light Accelerator Program from the Deep Green Biotech Hub at UTS is helping bold ideas move from concept to impact, giving passionate innovators funding, mentorship and space to test ambitious ideas.
Sparking sustainable innovation with Green Light
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Green Light participants, mentors and industry experts collaborating throughout the program
Designed to support early-stage ventures tackling real-world challenges, Green Light has become a launchpad for emerging founders and research-driven entrepreneurs. The program provides a dynamic environment where ideas can be challenged, refined and transformed into viable solutions with the potential to make a lasting difference.
For participants, Green Light offers something that can be hard to find in the early days of innovation: belief, momentum and a community committed to helping ideas succeed.
Supporting discovery and innovation
For algae biotechnology company ALBON, Green Light funding arrived at a critical moment. The team was working to deepen the scientific foundations underpinning their business, but like many start-ups, resources were limited.
"Green Light gave us room to really dig into the algae science that everything else at ALBON is built on. And the funding landed at exactly the right time, we were still bootstrapped, so that support meant we could keep moving instead of stalling out,” said the co-founder.
Green Light gave us room to really dig into the algae science that everything else at ALBON is built on.
The investment allowed ALBON to focus on advancing its research, generating knowledge that will continue to support future product development and growth.
The team were able to strengthen the scientific foundations of their work and maintain momentum during a critical stage of development.
Turning ideas into reality
For ALLIGA, the experience was transformative.
Founder Teresa credits Green Light with helping turn an initial concept into a functioning business and product prototype.
"From my first conversation with the team at Green Light with my initial idea to the very end of the experience at the final pitch night I was challenged, supported and inspired. Their commitment and knowledge were inspiring,” she said.
Teresa particularly appreciated the program's ability to adapt to the evolving needs of participating teams.
From my first conversation with the team at Green Light with my initial idea to the very end of the experience at the final pitch night I was challenged, supported and inspired. Their commitment and knowledge were inspiring.
"The program was never fixed in stone but always dynamic to the needs of the teams involved. I learnt so much, and the program really is responsible for ALLIGA coming to life."
Within a short period, Teresa and her co-founder James were able to establish the company and develop their first prototype.
"The timelines, funding, and team environment enabled us to build the company and prototype our first product in a very short period."
More than funding
While financial support is an important part of the Green Light program, participants point to the value of mentorship, collaboration and connection.
By bringing together founders, researchers, industry experts and investors, Green Light creates an ecosystem where ideas can develop faster and with greater confidence. Teams gain access to guidance, networks and expertise that help bridge the gap between innovation and implementation.
The result is a growing community of entrepreneurs who are not only developing innovative products and services but also addressing pressing environmental, social and economic challenges.
Creating impact and innovation
The stories emerging from Green Light highlight the importance of supporting innovation at its earliest stages. Whether enabling breakthrough scientific research or helping founders bring entirely new products to market, the program provides the catalyst many ventures need to take their next step.
As ALBON and ALLIGA demonstrate, when innovators are given the right support, ideas that might otherwise remain on the drawing board can become real-world solutions with the potential to create meaningful impact.
About the Green Light program
The Deep Green Biotech Hub (DGBH), based within the UTS Climate Change Cluster (C3), is an innovation hub for algae biotechnology. DGBH supports the translation of algae research into real-world applications by connecting researchers, entrepreneurs and industry to develop sustainable solutions across sectors including food, agriculture, aquaculture, biomaterials and climate technologies.
One of DGBH's flagship initiatives is the Green Light Accelerator Program, the world's first accelerator dedicated to algae biotechnology. Since its launch in 2019, Green Light has supported early-stage startups and small to medium enterprises with business mentoring, scientific expertise and access to the UTS innovation ecosystem, helping founders progress innovative ideas towards commercialisation.
Building on the program's success, DGBH launched the Green Light Fellowship in 2026. The Fellowship begins with a series of Algae Masterclasses, currently open to anyone interested in algae biotechnology. Following a competitive selection process, participating businesses will gain access to UTS laboratory facilities, technical expertise and specialist support to further develop and validate their technologies during the 2026–27 summer program.