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San Francisco Trade Mission 2024
Accelerating the global impact of Australian climate tech innovation
apply HEREExplore setting up business in San Francisco and Silicon Valley
About
Climate Salad's San Francisco International Trade Mission includes a week of in-country networking, introductions and information sessions for high-potential Australian climate tech ventures interested in expanding to the US. The program gives you tailored customer introductions and mentorship, and the opportunity to exhibit and participate in VERGE24 Climate Tech Event.
The San Francisco International Trade Mission is designed to assist founders who are ready to take their climate tech company to the US within the next 12 months. Find out more about our eligibility criteria below.
With the support of the Climate Salad team, experienced mentors, and industry experts, you'll have the resources and guidance you need to navigate this new market.
Hardware companies and founders of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Key Dates
- Applications open: July 18 2024
- Applications close: August 12 2024
- Pre-market program start: Late August 2024
- In-country mission: October 27 - November 01 2024
Learn More
What to expect
Our team and mentors understand the unique challenges that come with scaling a climate tech business internationally, and we're here to help.
We have designed trade missions that favour pre-market support centred around high-value mentorship, and a well-developed in-country program of events and opportunities. This allows us to help you gain maximum value from an international mission.
We're 100% focussed on climate solutions and know that climate technology is different from normal tech. It is often deep tech, may be hardware, and can be complicated. It can require consumer behaviour change and new measurement protocols. It also needs to get to scale fast in order to avert the climate crisis. It needs a new approach.
Pre-Market Intelligence and Mentoring
- Flexible program components that won't distract from running your business.
- Pre-trip mentoring and pitch coaching with market specialists
- Practical workshops in key areas such as setting up operations in a new market, acquiring your first international team member, closing your first overseas customer
In-Country Program and Support
- Climate Salad team support while in-country
- Demo and network in San Francisco and Silicon Valley during Verge Climate Tech Event
- Core relationships with fellow cohort founders
- Tailored introductions Climate Salad's US networks of industry leaders, mentors and investors
- Founders are encouraged to arrive earlier or stay beyond the trade mission week to leverage in-country meetings and connections
Eligibility
Who it is for
- Australian climate tech companies
- Founders who have ambition for strong global impact and have created a strong team
- Companies that are financially stable
- Climate tech companies building scalable products to solve sustainability problems*
- Companies that are ready to expand into global markets within the next 12 months
- Hardware companies and founders of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply
Who it isn't for
- Pre-product companies - if your product is not ready to show customers or be sold to customers, you’re probably too early
- Founders who are unable to cover their travel costs
- Companies not ready to expand internationally within 12 months
- Companies with a local or national focus
- Non-climate focused companies
*Companies may tackle any sector of climate tech, including decarbonisation, natural capital, carbon removal, adaptation or mitigation.
Program Costs
Explore new business opportunities, connect with industry leaders, and gain insights into one of the world's most dynamic tech ecosystems with our exclusive trade mission to San Francisco. Below, you'll find detailed information on the costs associated with this unique program. The program fee covers the cost of participation, including all program activities, networking events, and support services throughout the mission.
- Primary Attendee: $2800 AUD
- Secondary Attendee: $2200 AUD
The Victorian Government is meeting program attendee costs for up to 5 Victorian primary attendees. For more information please see below.
Inclusions
- Pre-departure workshops
- Tailored pre-trip mentoring
- Introductions to Climate Salad's US network, including potential customers and investors
- Access to all business meetings and site visits
- Networking receptions and events
- Support from mission staff and local experts
Additional Costs
- Airfare: Estimated round-trip cost is $1000 - $2000, depending on your departure city, booking time and airline
- Accommodation: We have secured a discounted rate at a partner hotel in SF. Estimated cost is $250 per night.
- Meals: Welcome and farewell dinners are provided, alongside networking nibbles during official activities. Other are at your own expense.
- Personal Expenses: Any additional personal expenses such as souvenirs, transportation, and other incidentals.
Discounts
We offer a limited number of discounts for eligible participants. Please contact us for more information on how to apply.
Information for Victoria-based founders
The Victorian Government and Climate Salad are partnering to take up to 5 Victorian climate tech companies to San Francisco and the global conference VERGE24 in October 2024. Under this partnership, the Victorian Government is meeting program participation costs for up to 5 selected companies.
With the support of the Climate Salad team, experienced mentors and industry experts, you'll have the resources and guidance you need to navigate new markets and drive growth. Climate Salad's San Francisco International Trade Mission includes a week of in-country networking, introductions and information sessions for high-potential Australian climate tech ventures interested in expanding to the US. The program gives you tailored customer introductions and mentorship, and the opportunity to exhibit and participate at VERGE24.
Companies that are headquartered or have significant operations in Victoria will automatically be considered for support upon submitting a trade mission application.
Eligibility for Victorian Founders
- You must be the founder or a senior leader of a climate tech business headquartered, or significantly based, in Victoria as of December 2023
- Have a website featuring the product or service
- Have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Submit only one application per ABN
- You are able and willing to travel to San Francisco during the key dates October 27 - November 1 2024
- You are able and willing to cover your own travel costs during the program
- You can attend virtual pre-trip market intelligence workshops during September and October 2024
How can I find out more?
If you have any other questions that haven’t been answered here or would like to chat through the application process, please email Olivia Utharntharm (Program Manager) at olivia@climatesalad.com
Applications are now open
Apply hereMeet the Climate Salad Mentor Community
Founders are passionate subject matter experts about their specific climate solution, but may need guidance on how to scale their business and grow globally. This is where mentors shine. Meet below Climate Salad's mentor community.
Climate Salad Vision and Mission
Vision
We see a world where Australian climate tech startups create an outsized global impact.
Mission
By 2030, we will help 1,000 climate tech companies with 10 reaching global scale.
