Start Up Energy Transition Award 2027

*Scroll down for application form*

Welcome to the submission page of the Start Up Energy Transition Award 2027. We kindly ask you to take the time to read through everything thoroughly, and in case you have any further questions or could not submit your application on time, please write to: deborah.bartel@dena.de

The Start Up Energy Transition Award (powered by the German Energy Agency (dena)) is an international competition for start-ups and young companies worldwide who are working on ideas regarding the global energy transition and climate change. In the last 10 years, the award has received around 4500 applications from over 100 countries. 

We recognise that engaging diverse voices and communities across the world in delivering impactful solutions is critical in progressing clean, just and inclusive energy transitions. 

Categories:

• AFFORDABLE, CLEAN ENERGY & STORAGE 

The generation, storage, and distribution of clean energy is not just a technical challenge—it’s a human one. This category seeks start-ups addressing the decarbonization of energy-intensive sectors through renewable energy generation, advanced storage technologies, and sustainable distribution methods. Your solution should demonstrate technical innovation with the potential for real-world impact, helping communities and industries transition to a net-zero future. 

Areas of focus include, but are not limited to: 

Clean Energy Generation | Energy Storage | Grid Operation & Demand Side Flexibility | Power Grids (TSO/DSO) | Smart Grids |

Hydrogen & Applications | Waste to Heat/Energy | Power-to-X | Market Platforms for Trading Energy | Circular Economy | Virtual Power Plants (VPP) | Fusion & Fission | 

Affordable, Reliable, and Clean Energy for All | Off-grid Communities | Micro Grids | Renewable Energy Integration | Last Mile Electrification | Decentralised Energy Systems | Empowerment through Energy Access 

• MOBILITY & TRANSPORTATION 

As one of the largest consumers of global energy, transportation is ripe for disruption. This category is for start-ups reimagining how we move people and goods, with solutions that cut emissions and improve energy efficiency. We’re looking for technologies that not only drive the sector towards a low-carbon future but also redefine mobility in a way that benefits both people and the planet. 

 Areas of focus include, but are not limited to: 

Battery Technology | Smart Mobility | Charging Technology | Vehicle-to-X (V2X) | Synthetic Fuels/ Biofuels/ E-fuels | EVs | Circular Solutions in the Automotive Sector |

Public Transport & Rail | Affordable Mobility | Cargo & Fleet Management | Energy Efficiency in Logistics | Last Mile Transportation |

Maritime & Aviation Sector | Autonomous Vehicles | Drones and Robotics 

• INDUSTRY 

The industry sector, responsible for one-third of global emissions and 38% of energy use, faces decarbonization challenges due to complex materials, bureaucratic hurdles, and high costs. Innovation is critical to making industrial processes cleaner and more sustainable, benefiting both the planet and the people who rely on them. This category seeks start-ups developing breakthrough technologies that overcome these obstacles, helping industries transition to more efficient, low-carbon operations with the potential for large-scale adoption. 

Areas of focus include, but are not limited to: 

Industrial Process Heat Decarbonisation and Electrification | Green Hydrogen for Industry | Waste Heat Utilisation | Carbon Reduction & Accounting | Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) | Direct Air Capture (DAC) | ETS Solutions | Manufacturing | Energy as a Service (EaaS) | Affordable Energy for Industry |

Efficiency and Circular Solutions | New Chemical Processes | Recycling and Circular Extraction of Critical Raw Materials | Supply Chains | Circular and Alternative Materials 

• BUILDINGS & CONSTRUCTION 

Buildings consume 30% of global energy, from construction materials to the energy used for heating and cooling. This category seeks start-ups developing innovations that reduce energy waste and transform how we construct and maintain our buildings. Your innovation should enable energy-efficient buildings that contribute to a sustainable future, minimizing environmental impact while improving the well-being for those who inhabit them. 

Areas of focus include, but are not limited to:

Heating & Cooling Solutions | District Energy Systems | Heat Supply & District Heating | Building Efficiency | Smart Energy Management Solutions & HEMS |

Urban Energy Transition | Energy Communities | Affordable Housing |  

Life Cycle of Buildings | Circular Solutions | New and Alternative Materials 

• ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE & DIGITALISATION

Descriptive text

Expansion and Modernisation of Energy Infrastructure | Fast and Efficient Permitting | Fast rollout of Energy Technologies | Protection of Critical Infrastructure | Financing the energy transition | 

Digitalisation in the Energy Sector | Artificial Intelligence (AI) | Machine Learning (ML) | Cybersecurity | Space-Energy-Nexus | Energy Efficiency of Data Centers | Data Spaces and Data Sharing | Sensor and Chip Technologies | Quantum Technologies 

Participation Guidelines

• Applicants may only apply to one category. All subsequent applications to other categories will be disqualified.
• The start-up must not have been founded longer than ten years ago. In other words, the date of foundation cannot exceed August 2016. 
• The application, including any attached documents, must be entirely in English. Our jury is mainly English speaking. 
• The start-up must be registered or be in the process of becoming registered and the applicant must be able to present a proof of concept and a client, or an industrial/ corporate/ institutional partner or a functioning prototype (TRL 4 or higher). 
• The applicant must fill out the entire form. Partially completed applications will not be accepted.

Benefits & Prizes 

No matter how far you go into the SET process, there is always a value-added for your start-up. Many of our start-ups have gone on to gain new investors, mentors and customers, received invitations to energy events around the world and won even more awards and recognition for their inspiring work.

• For the #SET100 2027: Feature in our annual SET100 list publication, which is circulated to investors, corporates, and political stakeholders across the globe | Free tickets to the SET Tech Festival 2027 | Content creation | Access to exclusive partner events globally
• For all 15 Finalists: Feature in our annual SET100 list publication, which is circulated to investors, corporates, and political stakeholders across the globe | Free tickets to the SET Tech Festival 2027 | Content creation: interviews & articles | Access to exclusive partner events globally
• Winners of each Category: €10 000 Prize money per winner | Opportunity to attend events organised by our partners (occasionally inlcuding speaking opportunities or a free booth at the events) |  Extra visibility and PR

Selection Process & Timeline

• 1 September, 2026 – 30 October, 2026: Application phase 
• Until December 2026: Applications ranked and evaluated; high-level jury evaluations
• Until February 2027: Top 15 finalists announced; SET 100 announced
• 16 March, 2027: final Jury Meeting in Berlin
• 17 March, 2027: SET Tech Festival/ Winners announced 

Partner Program - Free Electrons

Within this year’s application form, applicants have the opportunity to apply for the 10th edition of the Free Electrons program. 

Free Electrons is a global innovation program, where some of the largest energy utilities and start-ups from around the globe work together to deliver pioneering solutions and co-create the future of energy. The program focuses on working to pilot projects, commercially deploy products, and facilitate investment opportunities, learning and development. Learn more about the Free Electrons program here and discover how you can disrupt the market with your solution.

Terms and Conditions

Download the official conditions and legal terms for taking part in the competition here.