Start Up Energy Transition (SET)
Start Up Energy Transition (SET) is a Berlin-based, non-profit global innovation platform run as an initiative of the German Energy Agency (dena) that connects energy and climate-tech startups with investors, corporates, and policymakers through an annual award, a tech festival, and the SET100 database.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersBerlin, Germany
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Start Up Energy Transition (SET) does
Start Up Energy Transition (SET) is a Berlin-based, non-profit global innovation platform organized as an initiative of the German Energy Agency (dena). It serves energy and climate-tech startups, venture and growth investors, innovation-driven corporates, and public-sector policymakers by curating deal-flow and convening the ecosystem around a recurring annual cycle of activities. The platform has been running continuously for a decade and has aggregated more than 4,500 startup applications from over 100 countries across that period.
SET's product surface is built around three pillars: the SET Award, an annual competition for energy and climate-tech startups; the SET Tech Festival, an annual flagship event (the 2026 edition marked the 10th anniversary and was hosted at the Colosseum in Berlin on 17 March 2026); and SET Spotlights, which combines the SET100 database of selected startups with a dedicated Newsroom. In 2026, SET also launched the SET Network, a year-round online platform built in partnership with Innoloft that extends the in-person Award and Festival into a continuous digital community for matchmaking and content distribution.
SET's business model is structured as a non-profit initiative rather than a revenue-generating company. The initiative is financed through dena, through partnership and sponsorship arrangements with corporate and institutional partners (including E.ON, EnBW, Siemens, Shell, TotalEnergies, Vattenfall, Microsoft, the European Space Agency, European Investment Bank, IEA, IRENA, SEforALL, and GIZ), through event participation fees, and through supporting organizations. The organization operates with a small team of approximately eight employees and has no disclosed revenue, making the parent-entity sponsorship base the dominant funding mechanism.
Start Up Energy Transition (SET) firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Start Up Energy Transition (SET)
- Legal name
- Start Up Energy Transition (SET)
- Website
- https://startup-energy-transition.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Start Up Energy Transition (SET) is a Berlin-based, non-profit global innovation platform run as an initiative of the German Energy Agency (dena) that connects energy and climate-tech startups with investors, corporates, and policymakers through an annual award, a tech festival, and the SET100 database.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Start Up Energy Transition (SET) industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Energy Innovation Platform
- NAICS
- Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Benchmarking, Ratings & Stakeholder Reporting Portals (Scorecards, Dashboards) (EUABAEAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Climate Target-Setting, Transition Planning & Performance Management Platforms (EUABAEAF)
Keywords
Where Start Up Energy Transition (SET) is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Berlin
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Start Up Energy Transition (SET) business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Platform Services & Partnerships: SET operates as a platform connecting startups with investors, corporates, policy makers, and public organisations. Revenue is derived from partnership arrangements with sponsors, supporting organizations, and event participation fees.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Annual | SET Award Category Winners |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Start Up Energy Transition (SET) product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SET is a global innovation platform that supports energy and climate tech startups through three pillars: the annual SET Award competition (5 categories, €10,000 cash prize per category winner), the annual SET Tech Festival in Berlin, and the SET Spotlights (SET100 List, SET100 Database, and SET Newsroom). The platform connects startups with investors, corporates, policy makers, and public organizations, and has received 4,500+ applications from 100+ countries over the last 10 years. It is powered by the German Energy Agency (dena).
Product overview
Start Up Energy Transition (SET) is a global innovation platform powered by the German Energy Agency (dena) that supports innovation in energy & climate tech for the global energy transition. The platform consists of three core pillars: (1) SET Award - an annual international competition for start-ups in energy transition with 5 categories and €10,000 prizes per winner; (2) SET Tech Festival - an annual one-day event connecting start-ups, corporates, policy makers, and investors; and (3) SET Spotlights - which includes the SET100 Database and Newsroom featuring articles, videos, and insights on energy & climate tech. The SET100 List is an annual compilation of the 100 most innovative energy and climate tech start-ups, from which the 5 SET Award winners are selected. The SET Network Online Platform (powered by Innoloft) provides an additional matchmaking and networking tool for the ecosystem.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SET Award: Annual international competition for start-ups and young companies innovating for the global energy transition across five categories
- SET Tech Festival
- SET Spotlights
- SET100 List
Products and services
- SET Award Annual international competition for start-ups and young companies innovating for the global energy transition, structured in 5 categories (Clean Energy & Storage, Mobility & Transportation, Industry, Buildings & Construction, Quality Energy Access & SDG-7). Each category winner receives a €10,000 cash prize. Over 10 years the award has received more than 4,500 applications from 100+ countries.
- SET Tech Festival Annual one-day event in Berlin bringing together innovators shaping the future of energy: the best start-ups in energy and climate tech, innovation-driven corporates, policy makers, investors, and public organisations. The 10th edition was held on March 17, 2026 at Colosseum Berlin and includes panels, keynotes, workshops, and pitch sessions on topics such as critical energy infrastructures, grid-to-network transition, and funding opportunities.
- SET Spotlights (Newsroom & SET100 publications) Ongoing content pillar featuring articles, videos, posts, insights, SET100 publications, and event coverage from the energy and climate tech world. Spotlights the successes and challenges of SET start-ups and other trending topics valuable to the global energy transition.
- SET100 List Annual list of 100 of the most innovative energy and climate tech start-ups, compiled from SET Award applicants and presented jointly by the German Energy Agency (dena) and the World Energy Council. From this group, 5 outstanding innovators are honored with the SET Award in the five transformative categories. The list amplifies visibility and connects selected start-ups to a global network of partners, experts, and investors.
- SET100 Database Comprehensive searchable database of all SET100 List companies across multiple years (2017–2026), providing a directory of innovative energy and climate tech start-ups recognized by the SET initiative. Used by investors and corporates as a reference for innovation scouting.
- SET Network Online Platform Free intelligent online platform powered by Innoloft that allows start-ups to promote their company and meet potential partners. Established companies and investors gain access to hundreds of innovative energy start-ups. Features include personalized feeds, business contact requests, intelligent matching, and messenger functionality.
Quantifiable outcome
- 4,500+ applications received from 100+ countries in 10 years
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Start Up Energy Transition (SET)
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Start Up Energy Transition (SET) technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Start Up Energy Transition (SET) partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
27 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core, minor, gold and silver.
- German Energy Agency (dena)flagshipdena is the powering force behind SET, providing institutional backing, governmental credibility, and operational support. SET is implemented as dena's global innovation platform for energy and climate tech.
- World Energy CouncilcorePartnership launched in 2017 to present the SET100 List and support the global energy transition initiative with international network and expertise.
- European Space Agency (ESA)coreGold partner for SET Tech Festival 2026; hosts workshops on space-based applications supporting energy sector; powers Critical Energy Infrastructures panel.
- European Innovation CouncilcoreBoard member Ann Mettler participates in keynotes and panels at SET Tech Festival 2026.
- IRENA – Innovation and Technology CentrecoreDeputy Director Norela Constanternescu participates in The Global Energy Race panel at SET Tech Festival 2026.
- International Energy AgencycoreEnergy Technology Analyst Simon Bennett participates in panels at SET Tech Festival 2026.
- Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL)coreSenior Director Anita Otubu delivers keynote at SET Tech Festival 2026; focus on universal energy access and SDG-7.
- GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit)coreLong-standing partnership enabling impact of innovators; hosts sessions at Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)minorHosts workshop on unlocking business success through IP at SET Tech Festival 2026.
- European Space Agency (ESA)coreHosts ESA BASS Funding Opportunities workshop at SET Tech Festival 2026 on space-based applications for energy sector.
- PLAN-B NET ZEROgoldGold partner for SET Tech Festival 2026; powers Deep Dive session on From Grid to Network.
- Swedish Energy AgencygoldGold partner for SET Tech Festival 2026; country partnership supporting Swedish energy innovations.
- VERBUND XgoldGold partner for SET Tech Festival 2026; corporate innovation perspective in energy transition.
- E.ONsilverSilver partner for SET Tech Festival 2026; major European energy company driving innovation.
- EnBW AGsilverSilver partner for SET Tech Festival 2026; innovation management participation.
- SiemensminorCorporate participant at SET Tech Festival 2026 representing industrial innovation.
- MicrosoftminorTechnology partner participating at SET Tech Festival 2026.
- VattenfallminorEuropean energy company participating at SET Tech Festival 2026.
- 50HertzminorGerman transmission system operator participating at SET Tech Festival 2026.
- TenneT TSOminorEuropean transmission system operator participating at SET Tech Festival 2026.
- InnoloftcorePowers the SET Network online platform enabling startups to promote and meet potential partners; provides intelligent matching and messenger functionality.
- Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi)flagshipGovernment ministry providing official support for SET initiative; powers workshops at SET Tech Festival 2026.
- Berlin PartnersilverSilver partner; Berlin's economic development agency supporting startups and innovation ecosystem.
- SpinLabminorLeipzig-based startup hub and innovation ecosystem partner at SET Tech Festival 2026.
- Impact HubminorGlobal network of innovation hubs participating at SET Tech Festival 2026.
- Smart>Green AcceleratorminorGreen technology accelerator program partner at SET Tech Festival 2026.
- Enterprise Europe NetworksilverSilver partner; hosts pitch sessions and provides European business support network.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Start Up Energy Transition (SET) competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Cleantech Group: Established cleantech research, data, and events firm (Cleantech Forum, i3). Comparable as a long-standing ecosystem builder in climate/cleantech, though operating more as a research and events business rather than a startup competition platform.
Direct peers
- Greentown Labs: Largest US-based cleantech incubator, running accelerator cohorts and community programs for climate and energy startups. Directly comparable as a curated energy/climate tech startup platform providing visibility, networking, and corporate connections.
- Creative Destruction Lab (Climate Stream): Canada-based accelerator with a dedicated climate-tech stream supporting science-based and climate-aligned startups. Comparable as a structured program combining cohort-based support, networking, and visibility within the climate transition ecosystem.
- EIT InnoEnergy: Europe's flagship sustainable energy accelerator/investor, supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology. Directly comparable as a European energy transition innovation platform that connects startups with corporates, investors, and policy stakeholders, though it also deploys capital.
- Plug and Play (Sustainability & Energy vertical): Global startup accelerator and innovation platform with dedicated sustainability/energy verticals. Comparable as an enterprise-focused platform running cohorts, partner matching, and demo days for energy and climate tech startups, with broader scale and venture backing.
- Elemental Excelerator: US-based climate tech accelerator funding and supporting startups across energy, mobility, and built environment. Comparable in mission (energy transition startup support), with the key distinction of deploying larger checks versus SET's prize-and-visibility model.
- ClimateLaunchpad: Global green business ideas competition operating in 60+ countries, with national and international rounds culminating in a global final. Directly comparable as a global competition platform surfacing early-stage clean energy and climate ventures, similar to SET's award model.
- Techstars Sustainability: Techstars' sustainability-focused accelerator programs (e.g., Techstars Sustainability). Comparable as a structured accelerator providing visibility and corporate connections to climate/energy startups, with deeper capital deployment than SET's prize model.
Regional players
- Cyclotron: European cleantech startup hub and accelerator, primarily active across Belgium and the EU. Comparable as a European energy/climate tech ecosystem builder connecting startups with corporates and investors, though more regionally concentrated than SET's global scope.
- Sustainable Energy Authority (SEAI) Innovation Programs: Ireland's national sustainable energy authority running innovation and accelerator support programs. Comparable as a government-backed energy innovation platform, though nationally focused rather than globally scoped like SET.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Start Up Energy Transition (SET) social profiles
Digital presenceStart Up Energy Transition (SET) financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Start Up Energy Transition (SET) leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Start Up Energy Transition (SET) funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Start Up Energy Transition (SET) M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Start Up Energy Transition (SET)
What does Start Up Energy Transition (SET) do?
SET is a global innovation platform that supports energy and climate tech startups through three pillars: the annual SET Award competition (5 categories, €10,000 cash prize per category winner), the annual SET Tech Festival in Berlin, and the SET Spotlights (SET100 List, SET100 Database, and SET Newsroom). The platform connects startups with investors, corporates, policy makers, and public organizations, and has received 4,500+ applications from 100+ countries over the last 10 years. It is powered by the German Energy Agency (dena).
Is Start Up Energy Transition (SET) a public or private company?
Start Up Energy Transition (SET) is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Start Up Energy Transition (SET) founded?
Start Up Energy Transition (SET) was founded in 2017. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Start Up Energy Transition (SET) based?
Start Up Energy Transition (SET) is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Start Up Energy Transition (SET) make money?
One revenue line is on record: platform Services & Partnerships.
Who are Start Up Energy Transition (SET)'s main competitors?
Cleantech Group is listed as a broad incumbent. Direct peers are Greentown Labs, Creative Destruction Lab (Climate Stream), EIT InnoEnergy, Plug and Play (Sustainability & Energy vertical), Elemental Excelerator, ClimateLaunchpad and Techstars Sustainability. Regional players are Cyclotron and Sustainable Energy Authority (SEAI) Innovation Programs.
Does Start Up Energy Transition (SET) have an API?
No public API is recorded for Start Up Energy Transition (SET).
What industry is Start Up Energy Transition (SET) in?
Start Up Energy Transition (SET)'s product category is Energy Innovation Platform. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUABAEAJ, Benchmarking, Ratings & Stakeholder Reporting Portals (Scorecards, Dashboards), with a secondary code of EUABAEAF, Climate Target-Setting, Transition Planning & Performance Management Platforms. Its NAICS code is 56192.