The Taronga Conservation Society Australia has announced LG Electronics Australia as the inaugural presenting partner for its annual Hatch start-up accelerator program.

Hatch is the only accelerator program led by a conservation zoo and is designed to support entrepreneurs tackling environmental and conservation challenges.

The reimagined Hatch: Taronga Accelerator Program, now supported by LG, will expand Taronga’s existing Hatch offering. Participants have the opportunity to win the $5,000 LG “Life’s Good” award in addition to the $50,000 Hatch Grant, equity-free seed funding, mentorship access, and more.

Cameron Kerr AO, CEO of Taronga Conservation Society Australia, said, “The annual Hatch accelerator program is a core part of our conservation work here at Taronga.

“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. LG’s partnership is a clear demonstration of their commitment to protecting our precious environment. Now with LG as presenting partner, we can support our nation’s brightest minds in even 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 work with ecopreneurs to continue protecting our wildlife and environment.”

The 2025 Hatch cohort, accelerated by LG, will be immersed in masterclasses and workshops, and have access to both Taronga and LG’s extensive network of mentors and experts. Teams will also 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.

Since its launch five years ago, 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 currently open until Monday 27 January, 2025.

Gemma Lemieux, Marketing Director at LG Electronics Australia, said, “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.”

Anna Noon, co-founder of The Groundswell Collective and 2024 winner of the $50,000 Hatch Grant, said it was a privilege to be part of the initiative.

“Winning the Hatch grant was not just a validation of our efforts but also a crucial boost that enables us to expand our initiatives and bring even more positive change to our environment and community,” she said.

“Overall, the Hatch grant allows us to deepen our community engagement, broaden our educational resources, and further solidify our commitment to fostering a sustainable future. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and eager to grow your startup amidst a supportive community, Hatch provides an ideal platform. It combines valuable learning experiences with a healthy dose of hard work, offering a unique opportunity to tap into the extensive Taronga network while being supported by highly respected business mentors.”

Taronga Conservation Society Australia is a leader in the fields of conservation, research, animal welfare, wildlife rehabilitation, and environmental education. 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 74,000.