Innovation and startups: Drivers of the energy transition

The energy transition is confronting us with immense challenges that can only be overcome with innovative solutions and new business models. Startups play a central role in this, significantly driving the transition to a sustainable energy future through their agility, pioneering spirit and willingness to take risks. René Böhm, Head of Networks, Digital Technologies and Startup Ecosystems, attended the 2024 Startup Germany Summit on 17 September and spoke about the importance of diversity in startup collaborations. 

The 2024 Startup Germany Summit was proof of how dynamically the German startup ecosystem is developing. The focus was on the financing of innovation technologies and new companies, as well as sustainability issues – both of which are of great importance for achieving the climate targets. We were represented at the summit and contributed our practical examples of how to shape the future of the energy industry with the projects SET Hub and Future Energy Lab.

Startups are an indispensable driver of the energy transition. They are making a decisive contribution to the sustainable transformation of the energy supply with their approaches to developing innovative technologies and creating new business models. Their solutions are particularly invaluable in the fields of renewable energies, energy storage and grid flexibility.

The importance of securing funding for startups became clear once again at the summit. The WIN initiative, a programme launched by the German federal government and the KfW Group, is sending a strong signal here. €12 billion will be set aside by 2030 to support innovative startups and scale-ups. 

The SET Hub and Future Energy Lab projects by dena focus on networking, cooperation and targeted support for startups in the area of energy transition as part of the German government’s startup strategy. We presented sustainable approaches and innovative technologies at the summit that show how startups can actively contribute to solving the challenges in the energy sector. Diversity in startup collaborations in particular allows different players – from startups to established companies – to drive innovation together. 

The second progress report on the German government’s startup strategy shows that 81 per cent of the 130 measures to promote startups have already been implemented. The most significant successes include the improvement in financing conditions, such as through the High-Tech Gründerfonds and the Wachstumsfonds Deutschland, which has reached its target volume of €1 billion. Capital was also provided for startups in future technologies such as AI, climate and biotechnology. The newly created de:hubs promote innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, green tech and cybersecurity. These hubs are central building blocks for improving collaboration between startups, established companies and science – a major impetus for Germany’s digital and sustainable transformation. Further progress has been made in promoting female as well as diverse founders, startups from the world of science and supporting startups that benefit the common good. The employee share ownership programme was also revamped to make it more attractive and address the shortage of skilled workers. In addition, Germany recorded an uptick of 15 per cent in new startups in 2024.

The energy transition can only succeed through continuous innovation and the promotion of startups. Startups have the necessary agility and courage to develop new solutions that will change our energy system in the long term. dena is actively supporting this innovative drive with projects such as SET Hub and Future Energy Lab, as well as our participation in international initiatives such as the SET Award.