Taronga Conservation Society Australia has named LG Electronics Australia (LG) as the first presenting partner for Taronga’s annual Hatch accelerator program – the world’s only start-up accelerator program led by a conservation zoo.
The reimagined Hatch: Taronga Accelerator Program, supported by LG, expands Taronga’s existing Hatch offering – a 14-week program designed to support ecopreneurs in bringing their solutions to life and tackling environmental and conservation challenges.
The 2025 Hatch, accelerated by LG cohort will be immersed in masterclasses and workshops, and have access to both Taronga and LG’s extensive network of mentors and experts to develop investor training and pitch readiness.
In addition to the opportunity to win the $50,000 Hatch Grant and $5,000 People’s Choice Award in a competitive pitch at the end of the program, for the first time, teams will also be able to compete for the $5,000 LG ‘Life’s Good’ Award. The grants are complemented by $2,000 in equity-free seed funding for all Hatch teams, as well as an LG product pack valued at $3,000.
Taronga Conservation Society Australia CEO, Cameron Kerr AO said the annual Hatch accelerator program is a core part of the zoo’s conservation work.
“Taronga is driven by its vision to secure a shared future for wildlife and people and Hatch continues to bring us closer to making that vision a reality,” he said.
“LG’s partnership demonstrates their commitment to protecting our environment. With LG as presenting partner, we can support our nation’s brightest minds in more ways to address the most pressing environmental and conservation challenges. We look forward to seeing the brilliant ideas that come through Hatch in 2025 and working with ecopreneurs to continue protecting our wildlife and environment.”
LG Electronics Australia marketing director, Gemma Lemieux added, “At LG, we believe in our ‘Life’s Good’ promise and recognise that to enjoy it, we must look after it. This is our commitment to nurturing the planet and people and through our partnership with Taronga Zoo and support of Hatch, we invite Australians to join us in creating a better life for all.
“Our goal is to build safe, inclusive, and accessible environments where everyone can thrive. Together, we proudly support those making a positive impact and remain dedicated to enhancing lives for everyone.”
Over five years since its launch, Hatch has granted $416,000 in funding and connected the founders of 23 Hatch initiatives with 104 mentors and subject matter experts.
Applications for the 2025 Hatch: Taronga Accelerator Program, supported by LG are open until 27 January, 2025.