Taronga is committed to conservation, and we believe innovation is a key part of securing a shared future for people and wildlife.

Taronga's Accelerator Program, Hatch, launched in 2020 and has since inspired, supported and launched innovative ideas and actions helping to address some of the most pressing environmental and conservation challenges currently facing humanity.

View past teams and their ideas, as well as the annual pitch events.

A landscape-level approach to supporting Barn Owl populations in agriculture as a natural, long-term rodent control solution. The goal isn’t to eliminate rodenticides overnight but to support farmers embracing more sustainable farming practices - leading to healthier farms and a food system less reliant on chemical inputs. Founder: Alastair Duncan

Software system that simplifies managing reusable packaging. This isn’t just about replacing single-use packaging with reusables—it’s about giving companies, consumers, & communities the systems & insights to do it seamlessly and cost-effectively. Founders: Matt Bowie and Mary Kelly

Australia’s first dedicated short-dated pantry store, rescuing perfectly good food from going to landfill and making premium brands more affordable. They challenge the way people think about ‘best before’ dates—because great food shouldn’t go to waste. By shopping with them, you’re not just saving money—you’re driving real change in food waste and sustainability. Rescuing today, preserving tomorrow. Founder: Maggie Quach

Addresses water pollution, carbon emissions, and soil degradation through its modular photobioreactor (PBR) system, which converts industrial and agricultural waste into valuable resources. Using microalgae, their system removes up to 90% of nitrogen and 80% of phosphorus from wastewater, preventing harmful algal blooms, protecting aquatic ecosystems, and reducing water pollution. Founders: John Phipps and Tom Bessell

Evidence-based, sustainability training to drive behaviour change in floristry. Students explore the problems facing floristry, identify solutions and learn how they can play a powerful role in shaping a nature-positive future industry through business. Founders: Rita Feldmann with support from Ginger Briggs and Sandy Coull

What if you could get rewarded for helping the planet? That’s what Win for Nature does. When you subscribe, you get immediate access to exclusive discounts at our partner businesses, and tickets to win high value, sustainable prizes – like electric cars, high energy rated homes, even cash. We then pool all the money from subscribers to purchase land for restoration. It's a win for you and a win for nature. Founder: Josh Pilalis