Cleantech to United States of America

The NSW Going Global Export Program provides export support for NSW early-stage exporters or new-to-market exporters. Eligible businesses can apply for free support to export cleantech products and services to the United States of America. Applications open on Friday 6 September 2024 and close on Sunday, October 6, 2024.

Program dates

October 2024 to January 2025.

Key event

Selected businesses will attend Cleantech Forum North America 2025External Link 27 – 29 January 2025, San Diego, California.

In-person attendance at the event is required.

Why this market

The United States of America (USA) has a target to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035. Energy Innovation modelling shows the USA must rapidly deploy clean energy technologies including solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, electric vehicles, heat pumps, smart thermostats, and grid technologies to cut greenhouse gas emissions soon enough to achieve its net-zero emissions target. To accelerate this process, the United States is estimated to direct federal support to clean energy and sustainability technologiesExternal Link over the next ten years through a mix of grants, tax credits, loans, and direct federal program spending

Six of the world’s top cleantech investment hubs are in the U.S., attracting over AU$80 billion in investments over the past decade. Major corporations like Amazon, Cargill, Walmart, and General Motors are backing cleantech, alongside financial investors. U.S. infrastructure laws support clean energy, EV networks, pollution management, and climate resilience.

Other factors pointing to the opportunity of this market include that infrastructure laws in the USA are bringing upgrades to the power grid, a nationwide EV network, pollution management, clean water delivery and resilience to extreme weather events. The United States Department of Agriculture has set a goal to boost production while reducing the sector’s environmental footprint by 50%.

Participation requirements and success factors

Eligibility for the overall Program

Have headquarters in NSW
Have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) registered for NSW 
Be export-capable and export-ready 
Have an employee number between 5 and 199 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
The product or service must be produced primarily in NSW
The product or service is achieving sales already
Have a website featuring the product or service
Be prepared to adapt the product or service for the new market
Be flexible regarding market-entry method
Have resources to support marketing and development for a new market
Be willing to travel to the selected market and/or to Sydney for events, and must cover own travel expenses

This program is designed for NSW businesses who produce and own their own brand. This program is not for aggregators, traders, or businesses who sell services to exporters

Additional eligibility requirements for this stream

Have raised or will be raising at the Series A stage in the near future
Already identified targets or existing customers in the U.S.
Clear demonstration of product-market fit and competitive landscape
Commitment to scale to the U.S. within the next 12 months

The ideal participant

Unique and innovative clean technology product
Compelling proposition for the U.S. market
U.S. product-market fit that is established
May have an employee who already does some work in the U.S.
Commitment to scale to the U.S. within the next 12 months

Businesses not eligible for this stream

Consultants selling solutions to climate technology companies

Note: Applicants who have not previously participated in a NSW Going Global Export Program to the USA will be given priority. Applicants who have already participated in the NSW Going Global Export Program must demonstrate previous commitment and participation in the Program and an-ongoing commitment to deliver on the previous support.

Curriculum

Introductory sessions

Welcome session
Access to Intellectual Property protection briefings from IP Australia.

Market intelligence briefings and cultural training

The USA clean tech ecosystem
Go-to-market strategy
Setup (business registration, tax and structure)
Raising capital in the US (preparation, representation and legal)
Selling clean tech solutions into large enterprises

Preparation to meet potential partners/customers

Help refining your pitch and go-to-market strategies
1:1 advisory and introductions from Investment NSW staff
Access to mentor(s) to advise your business on USA expansion

Introductions to potential partners/customers

A ticket for one delegate to attend the conference
Identification of potential partners.
Targeted 1:1 business meetings arranged through conference organisers
Ability to network and engage with exclusive attendees of conference (limited to 700 high value delegates)