The 2024 innovations that clicked

It’s been a big year in cleantech, with innovation in sectors as diverse as construction, footwear, seaweed and wave power. Join us as we dive into our five most-clicked stories this year.

From the Zero Window, which pairs solar power with thermal insulation, to natural rubber soles designed to reduce microplastics on our streets, this year highlighted the value of collaboration.

Seaweed also had its moment in the spotlight, with Sydney-based Coast 4C pioneering a regenerative farming model, while Uluu’s seaweed polymers emerged as a promising plastic alternative for apparel and other industries.

And finally there was WaveX, which made a splash in Perth’s wave energy scene by rethinking how we harness the ocean’s power.

Let’s dive into some of the stories that defined 2024.

Very cool windows

Can this duo create the world’s coolest windows?

These new glazing technologies will work together to slash the carbon footprint of buildings.

The Zero PlanetAmanda Bryan

Imagine energy-efficient, self-sustaining skyscrapers powered partly by their own glass – the Zero Window aims to do just this by redefining glazing technology and its potential to revolutionise building efficiency.

Enabled by a collaboration between Australia’s ClearVue Technologies and the US-based LuxWall, the window will blend solar power generation and insulation to power buildings while slashing heat transfer.

A sole solution

Eco-friendly footwear takes the next step

The world’s first all-natural rubber sole is hitting the sidewalk and leaving no microplastics in its wake.

The Zero PlanetAmanda Bryan

When you hear about microplastics, shoe soles probably aren’t your first thought. Enter PLIANT, the first all-natural rubber sole from US-based green chemistry innovator NFW that does away with synthetic polymers and petrochemicals, meaning every step you take leaves no plastic trace.

Australia’s Bared Footwear has led the charge in Australia, integrating PLIANT, which biodegrades naturally, into its plastic-free shoe range.

Fostering seaweed farms

Seaweed startup on Earthshot shortlist

Sydney-based Coast 4C joins 15 finalists from around the globe.

The Zero PlanetAmanda Bryan

Sydney-based Coast 4C earned global recognition as an Earthshot Prize finalist this year, spotlighting the potential of regenerative seaweed farming. This social enterprise isn’t just about ocean conservation, it’s also about empowering coastal communities to thrive sustainably.

By working with smallholder farmers, Coast 4C combines ecological restoration with economic development, proving that business and biodiversity can coexist.

Breaking wave energy

Same waves, new angle

Has this Western Australian startup cracked the wave energy challenge?

The Zero PlanetAmanda Bryan

Tapping into wave power at a commercial scale has to date proved difficult. Perth startup WaveX aims to change this by borrowing existing offshore technology from the oil and gas industry.

Supported by a $2.4M grant, WaveX plans to deploy a large-scale prototype of its D-Spar Wave Power Generator off Albany’s coast next year. The tech could ultimately fill the gaps left by intermittent wind and solar power, potentially stabilising renewable grids year-round.

Uluu and Quiksilver

Big surf brand dives into seaweed textiles

Seaweed startup Uluu has attracted a surf fashion heavyweight to further its plastic-free mission.

The Zero PlanetAmanda Bryan

Bioplastics startup Uluu turned heads this year with its partnership with Quiksilver, launching seaweed-based wax combs and planning seaweed-derived apparel.

Uluu’s polymers are carbon-negative and compostable, and with the backing of $8 million in seed funding, the company is now working with Deakin University to develop seaweed textiles, targeting a future free from fossil-fuel-derived materials like polyester.