We support innovation in energy & climate tech.
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).
Our mission
“Strengthening the impact of energy innovators in reaching climate neutrality.”
Through our activities, we support, promote, and create opportunities for start-ups in the energy sector to scale-up impact and accelerate the global energy transition in order to reverse climate change.
Our work
Since its inception, SET continues to enable connections through dena’s unique position at the crossroads of the private and public sector. At its core, the SET platform is built on three pillars: the SET Award, the SET Tech Festival & the SET Spotlights (SET100 & Newsroom). Our activities make SET an important and well-recognized international platform for innovation in the energy transition.
SET Award
The annual international competition for start-ups and young companies innovating for the global energy transition. In the last 9 years, the award has received more than 4.000 applications from more than 100 countries within 5 categories.
SET AwardSET Tech Festival
Our annual one-day event bringing together innovators shaping the future of energy: the best start-ups in the field of energy & climate tech solutions, innovation-driven corporates, policy makers, investors, and public organisations leading the energy transition.
Tech FestivalSET Spotlights
Articles, videos, posts, insights, SET100 publications and events featuring news from the energy & climate tech world, the successes and challenges of SET start-ups and other trending topics valuable to the global energy transition.
Dive inWe urgently need to push forward with the energy transition to reach net zero. The way we will get there is through innovation on a massive scale. Start-ups & entrepreneurs, investors, corporates & policy makers as well as the entire innovation ecosystem all play a crucial role.”
Pia Dorfinger, Director Start-up EcosystemOne team with a net zero misson
Our team is composed of passionate experts from a range of backgrounds with a common mission: to support start-ups and innovation in order to reach net-zero emissions as rapidly as possible.
Pia Dorfinger
Director Start-up Ecosystem
Head of Startup Energy Transition (SET), Pia leads the overall strategic direction and development of the initiative.
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Rolli Vogel
Team Lead Start-up Ecosystem
As Team Lead, Rolli oversees the coordination and execution of all SET activities and ensures the team’s success.
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René Böhm
Lead Expert Ecosystem Development and Growth
René manages the Tech Festival and SET’s partnerships, building strong collaborations with global stakeholders and innovation leaders.
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Tahar Kechrid
Senior Expert Start-up Ecosystem
Tahar is responsible for curating the agenda and programme of the SET Tech Festival, shaping impactful content and experiences.
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Niklas Feierabend
Senior Expert Start-up Ecosystem
Niklas handles press relations and media partnerships, amplifying SET’s voice across global channels.
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LinkedIn
niklas.feierabend@dena.de
Deborah Bartel
Expert Start-up Ecosystem
Deborah leads the SET Award, driving the search for the world’s most promising energy transition startups.
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Sina Distler
Expert Digital Technologies & Start-up Ecosystem
Sina is focused on international energy partnerships and dialogues.Â
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Sabina Godzhaeva
Student Assistant Start-up Ecosystem
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Alicia Ayora Olmos
Student Assistant Start-up Ecosystem
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