How conservation startups are scaling into real businesses with support from Taronga and LG
LG Electronics Australia and Taronga Conservation Society Australia are strengthening their partnership in 2026 to support the next wave of eco-entrepreneurs, helping turn bold ideas into real-world impact through Taronga’s own Hatch Accelerator Program.
This year, Hatch is backing five promising conservation startups, each innovating radical solutions for challenges spanning waste and circularity to biodiversity and marine restoration. Designed as a launchpad, Hatch fast-tracks ventures by equipping founders with the practical skills, networks, and mindset needed to scale.
Sponsored by LG, the program reflects a shared belief: innovation is at the heart of protecting the planet and creating a Better Life for All.
“At LG, we help design how people live across homes, workplaces and everyday life. Through Hatch, we’re extending that thinking beyond the home, supporting ideas that can improve life for people and the planet at scale,” said Dan Lim, Managing Director at LG Electronics Australia.
From Ideas to Impact
Under the leadership of this year’s new Hatch Program Director Garrick Transell, the 2026 cohort focuses on ventures rigorously selected for their potential to scale into viable purpose-driven businesses.
“We bring along our in-house Taronga science experts during the application process,” said Garrick. “This allows us to focus on the commercialisation of these already scientifically validated ideas — supporting founders to build businesses that are not only environmentally sustainable, but economically sustainable too.”
As the only biodiversity-focused accelerator in Australia, Hatch differentiates itself from other startup programs by prioritising real-world application. Through a 14-week intensive, supported by Taronga’s network of mentors and SME’s, founders learn how to overcome challenges inherent to the startup journey – from marketing strategy and brand identity, to pitching and securing funding.
“By the end of the program we aim to have ventures ready to launch and scale,” said Garrick. “They’ll have a tested business plan, a marketing plan, a pitch video, a network to reach out to, and a full roadmap for the year ahead.”
For 2026, the Hatch cohort comprises a diverse range of ambitious initiatives. They are:
· Bruny Island Seafarms – restoring marine ecosystems in Tasmania with regenerative aquaculture
· Kraken Systems – innovating non-harmful shark bite prevention technology in surfboards to preserve human-shark coexistence
· Plante – turning food waste into biodegradable nursery pots in place of plastic planters
· GreenPay – funding conservation through everyday transactions using their end-to-end payment solutions
· Ludis – reducing landfill by transforming end-of-life tennis balls into sustainable shoe sole crumb which seamlessly integrates into the shoe sole manufacturing process
These ventures are united by a common goal: impacting communities and wildlife across Australia in ways that can be seen, measured, and felt.
“Ultimately, we’d like to showcase tangible numbers of waste diverted, CO2 avoided, money raised and projects completed,” said Garrick.
As a partner, LG plays an active role throughout the program, accelerating startups with opportunities for visibility, access to networking, and an end of the road “Life’s Good” Award that grants the winning startup $5,000. Alongside this, each Hatch team receives $2,000 in equity-free seed funding, and an LG product pack valued at $3,000.
This collaborative approach has already delivered real outcomes for alumni. Previous Hatch participants like Albon, 2025 “Life’s Good” Award Winner, have grown and continued to scale their algae-based wastewater treatments, secured new partnerships and, in some cases, unlocked investment following increased exposure and engagement.
“We don’t just tell stories, we connect them to the right people,” said Gemma Lemieux, Marketing Director at LG Electronics Australia. “From media exposure to partnerships and networks, our role is to help these ideas be seen, understood and ultimately grow.”
Innovation to create a Better Life for All
LG’s sponsorship of Hatch reflects its broader ESG commitment to supporting innovation that protects the planet while improving everyday life. From circular production to energy-efficient home appliances, LG continues to rethink processes and technology to build safe, sustainable, and accessible environments where people live, work, and connect.
By partnering with Taronga for the second consecutive year, LG extends this focus on sustainability into conservation, helping to ensure that new ideas don’t remain as concepts, and instead, become solutions embedded in everyday life.
As Hatch continues to grow, the ambition is clear: expand the program’s reach, deepen its impact on real lives, and build a strong alumni network of innovators shaping the future of conservation.
For LG, the partnership represents a long-term investment in innovation with purpose – supporting the next generation of solutions that will help create a better future for people and the planet.
About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics is a global innovator in technology and consumer electronics with a presence in almost every country and an international workforce of more than 75,000. LG’s four Companies – Home Appliance Solution, Media Entertainment Solution, Vehicle Solution and Eco Solution – combined for global revenue of over KRW 89 trillion in 2025. LG is a leading manufacturer of consumer and commercial products ranging from TVs, home appliances, air solutions, monitors, automotive components and solutions, and its premium LG SIGNATURE and intelligent LG ThinQ brands are familiar names world over. Visit www.lg.com/global/newsroom for the latest news.
About Hatch and Taronga Conservation Society Australia
Hatch is a 14-week accelerator program run by Taronga Conservation Society Australia, designed to support eco-entrepreneurs in turning innovative ideas into scalable, impactful businesses. The program brings together founders, experts and partners to drive conservation innovation across Australia and beyond.
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