Start Up Energy Transition
Start Up Energy Transition (SET) is a global innovation platform supporting innovation in energy transition.
SET is implemented with the conviction that a sustainable future is directly linked to innovative business models and political will. The SET platform is powered by the German Energy Agency (dena), in cooperation with the World Energy Council.
1 platform, 3 pillars
SET Award
The annual international competition for start-ups and young companies innovating for the global energy transition. In the last eight years, the award has received more than 3,500 applications from more than 100 countries.
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SET Tech Festival
The annual one-day event bringing together innovators shaping the future of energy: the best start-ups in the field of energy solutions, innovation-driven corporates, investors, and public organisations leading the energy transition
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SET Newsroom
The SET team produces unique content (articles, videos and events) featuring news from the energy world, the successes and challenges of SET start-ups and other trending topics valuable to our network.
You want to share some good news? Feel free to contact us!
Learn more-
SET Award
The annual international competition for start-ups and young companies innovating for the global energy transition. In the last eight years, the award has received more than 3,500 applications from more than 100 countries.
Learn more -
SET Tech Festival
The annual one-day event bringing together innovators shaping the future of energy: the best start-ups in the field of energy solutions, innovation-driven corporates, investors, and public organisations leading the energy transition
Learn more -
SET Newsroom
The SET team produces unique content (articles, videos and events) featuring news from the energy world, the successes and challenges of SET start-ups and other trending topics valuable to our network.
You want to share some good news? Feel free to contact us!
Learn more
The SET Award 2025 Categories
Clean energy & storage
The generation, storage and distribution of renewable energy is the backbone of the energy transition. In this category, we are looking for start-ups developing solutions to decarbonise our most energy-intensive sectors, as well as those accelerating the adoption of new solutions through capacity building.
Learn moreMobility & transportation
So long as we have space, we will need to move about in it. Transportation and mobility continues to be one of the most essential but energy-intensive sectors we monitor. This category rewards creative solutions and lateral thinking in a sector that can span the large and the physical to the virtual and the digital.
Learn moreIndustry
Industry accounts for a staggering one-third of global greenhouse emissions and is one of the most challenging sectors for decarbonisation. Nevertheless, innovation here represents one of the biggest, most important, and most profitable ways for companies to decarbonise. A new category for 2023, could your start-up be the new game-changer here?
Learn moreBuildings & construction
Our built environments consume lots of energy, whether through their construction, the materials used, or the significant chunk that is wasted in keeping them warm or cold. This category rewards those creating the comfortable, cost-effective, energy-efficient buildings of the future.
Learn moreQuality energy access & SDG-7
In this category, we reward start-ups who are looking to the future and working with and empowering the communities that are most impacted by climate change. We’re looking for innovations that will make energy services for all a reality.
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The SET Community Network
Every year, we select the 100 most innovative energy start-ups to join the SET100 list. By providing them with greater exposure, we hope to build a visible, public and international network that will help shape the world of tomorrow.
Skeleton Technologies
The SET Award 2018 winning start-up works to decrease fuel consumption and carbon emissions in heavy transportation by using their Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). In 2021, Skeleton Technologies has raised €29M in Series D.
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Enapter
The SET Award 2019 winning start-up designs and manufactures highly efficient electrolyzers for hydrogen production. In 2021, Enapter won the Earthshot Prize, initiated by HRH Prince William & the Royal Foundation, in the “Fix our Climate” category.
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Einride
Einride is a freight tech company specializing in electric and self-driving vehicles known as Einride pods (formerly T-pods). In 2021, the SET Award 2019 finalist started working with Oatly, becoming one of the world’s first companies to electrify a fleet of heavy trucks.
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![Logo Skeleton]()
Skeleton Technologies
The SET Award 2018 winning start-up works to decrease fuel consumption and carbon emissions in heavy transportation by using their Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). In 2021, Skeleton Technologies has raised €29M in Series D.
Learn more -
![Logo Enapter]()
Enapter
The SET Award 2019 winning start-up designs and manufactures highly efficient electrolyzers for hydrogen production. In 2021, Enapter won the Earthshot Prize, initiated by HRH Prince William & the Royal Foundation, in the “Fix our Climate” category.
Learn more -
![Einride logo in black]()
Einride
Einride is a freight tech company specializing in electric and self-driving vehicles known as Einride pods (formerly T-pods). In 2021, the SET Award 2019 finalist started working with Oatly, becoming one of the world’s first companies to electrify a fleet of heavy trucks.
Learn more
SET Tech Festival
Start-ups and innovation play a crucial role in our net zero future. That’s why we want to give tomorrow’s innovators a stage to ensure that decision-makers put energy innovation at the top of their agenda and that industry leaders see innovation as a clear path to achieving their decarbonisation goals. The SET Tech Festival brings this innovative power together with political and business leaders. The #SETTF25 will take place in Berlin in spring 2025.
SET partners
Our reach is global! We are proud to have a supportive and growing international network of partners from various sectors around the world.
SET newsroom
Our articles and videos keep you informed on the latest news, trends, innovations, events and success stories from the energy sector!
Sustainable Energy Solutions: How VIDA Promotes SDG-7
Discover how VIDA, winner of the SET Award 2024, is revolutionizing sustainable energy solutions. Learn about their innovative platform, strategic partnerships, and contributions to the global energy transition. Explore insights from CEO Tobias Engelmeier on enhancing energy access and achieving SDG-7 goals.
Creating Circularity: How Cling Systems is Leading the Charge in Battery Recycling Innovation
Discover how Cling Systems is leading battery recycling innovation with their award-winning platform. Learn about their comprehensive approach to battery data management, recycling, and material recovery, and how they are transforming the clean energy sector.
Electrifying African Transportation with Roam: A Deep Dive into SET Award Winner’s Impact and Challenges
Discover how Roam is leading the electrification of transportation in Nairobi and Sub-Saharan Africa, overcoming financial and infrastructural challenges, and aligning with global climate goals. Explore the innovative approaches of Roam and sister startups like Blitz Electric Mobility, Epic Charging, and Deftpower in revolutionizing mobility for a sustainable future.