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 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.

Icon DENA SET Award

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 Award
SET Tech Festival

SET 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 Festival
Icon SET Newsroom

SET 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 in
  • Icon DENA SET Award

    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 Award
  • SET Tech Festival

    SET 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 Festival
  • Icon SET Newsroom

    SET 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 in

We 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 Ecosystem

One 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

Pia Dorfinger

Director Start-up Ecosystem

Head of Startup Energy Transition (SET), Pia leads the overall strategic direction and development of the initiative.

Get in touch:

LinkedIn
pia.dorfinger@dena.de

Read more
Rolli Vogel

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.

Get in touch:

LinkedIn
rolli.vogel@dena.de

Read more

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.

Get in touch:

LinkedIn
rene.boehm@dena.de

Read more
Tahar Kechrid

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.

Get in touch:

LinkedIn
tahar.kechrid@dena.de

Read more

Niklas Feierabend

Senior Expert Start-up Ecosystem

Niklas handles press relations and media partnerships, amplifying SET’s voice across global channels.

Get in touch:

LinkedIn
niklas.feierabend@dena.de

 

Read more
Deborah Bartel

Deborah Bartel

Expert Start-up Ecosystem

Deborah leads the SET Award, driving the search for the world’s most promising energy transition startups.

Get in touch:

LinkedIn
deborah.bartel@dena.de

Read more

Sina Distler

Expert Digital Technologies & Start-up Ecosystem

Sina is focused on international energy partnerships and dialogues. 

Get in touch:

LinkedIn
sina.distler@dena.de

Read more
Claudia Marks

Claudia Marks

Project Assistant Start-up Ecosystem

Get in touch:

claudia.marks@dena.de

Read more

Sabina Godzhaeva

Student Assistant Start-up Ecosystem

Read more
Alicia Ayora Olmos

Alicia Ayora Olmos

Student Assistant Start-up Ecosystem

Read more
Join the SET team

Want to join the SET Team?

Check out our open positions:

Open positions

Read more