Startups with innovative ideas to transform the energy sector are invited to apply for the Start-Up Energy Transition Award. The Start-Up Energy Transition Award is an international competition for start-ups and young companies worldwide who are working on ideas affecting global energy transition and climate change. In the first three years, the award received roughly 1300 applications from 88 countries. In 2020, we surpassed all goals and received 570 applications from 90 countries.
Categories
Please find the complete category descriptions below.
Category 1: Clean Energy Generation
Category 2: Demand-side Innovation
Category 3: Energy Distribution and Storage
Category 4: Smart Mobility & Transportation
Category 5: Quality Energy Access & SDG-7
Perks & 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 all Participants: join the global platform of innovation leaders; see your views represented in the Energy Innovators Issues Monitor; Inform and influence policies that will boost innovation.
For the #SET100 2021: the Top 100-ranked applicants will be featured in our annual publication which is circulated to investors, corporates and political stakeholders across the globe. The Top 100 also receive a free ticket to the SET Tech Festival 2021.*
For all Finalists: return-flight to Berlin, and accommodation for 2 representatives of the start-up to attend the Tech Festival*; Pitch coaching; Meet-and-greet with high-level jury, Individual booth at Tech Festival*; Live pitches at Tech Festival*; Investor-matchmaking*; Tickets to the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (BETD)*; Content creation: interviews and branding in all communication material; Access to exclusive partner events globally.
Winners of each category: up to 10.000 Euros prize money; Profile of start-up celebrated across the World Energy Council’s global energy network in 99 countries. In addition, start-ups will have the opportunity to attend the World Energy Leaders’ Summits.
*please note, these prizes are subject to change or deviation depending on the implications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participation Criteria
Applicants may only apply to one category. All subsequent applications to other categories will be disqualified.
1. The start-up must not have been founded longer than ten years ago. In other words, the date of foundation cannot exceed 2010.
2. The application, including any attached documents, must be in English.
3. The start-up must be able to present a functioning prototype. In addition, the company must be registered or be in the process of becoming registered and the applicant must be able to present a proof of concept or a client, and/or an industrial/corporate/institutional partner.
4. The applicant must fill out the entire form. Partially completed applications will not be accepted.
The application portal will close Jan 31st, 2021 11:59pm (CET)
Selection Process & Timeline
October 22, 2020 – January 31st, 2021: Application phase
January 31st – mid-February, 2021: Analysts of our partner EarlyMetrics, to rank and evaluate applications; high-level jury evaluations
March 2021: Top 15 finalists announced; SET 100 announced
Spring 2021: Winners decided and announced at SET Tech Festival/ SET Award Ceremony
