Energy-efficient ‘enlightened’ innovator wins Cleantech Competition 2012

A low-cost LED lighting design which provides energy savings of up to 93% has won the Australian Clean Technologies (Cleantech) Competition 2012.

Mark Dreyfus, Parliamentary Secretary for Industry and Innovation, announced Sydney company enLighten Australia as the competition winner at an awards gala dinner in Melbourne last week, attended by Australia’s leading innovators in the cleantech community.

“The Cleantech Competition has attracted over 100 entries this year. It’s brought together emerging technology developers with venture capitalists and mentors experienced in the commercialisation of new products,” said Dreyfus.

“The winner, enLighten, is helping consumers dramatically improve their energy efficiency and reduce Australia’s carbon footprint. Their energy-saving lighting is already being used in Australian universities, local councils and high-density residential apartments.”

Runners-up were Melbourne-based VR Tek, which reclaims rubber from used tyres to provide high-value inputs to production; and Biofiba, of Gosford, NSW, manufacturer of biodegradable shipping pallets made out of non-food crops.

“This sort of ingenuity and innovation gives Australian businesses a commercial edge over competitors and helps create high-skill, high-wage jobs,” said Dreyfus.

enLighten will now represent Australia at the international Global Cleantech Open Ideas Competition in the United States, where the company will compete with entrants from 90 countries for more than $100,000 in services.

Along with other finalists, enLighten will also be introduced to investors, business services and other entrepreneurs on a trade mission to the US to assist them in gaining a foothold in overseas markets.

The Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education and competition partners will mentor enLighten and other finalists to build the business acumen necessary to take their ideas effectively into the global market.