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Die Bühne des SET Tech Festival 2024 mit verschiedenen Speakern
© Dominik Butzmann/photothek/Berlin/dena

The Start Up Energy Transition (SET) global innovation platform

A global innovation platform for energy transition and climate tech start-ups

Our mission

Start Up Energy Transition (SET) is a global innovation platform. SET is implemented by dena and with the support of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The aim is to drive forward disruptive solutions for the energy sector and innovative climate technologies worldwide in a sustainable manner. The focus is on supporting innovations and startups that develop concrete solutions for a climate-friendly future. SET utilises various concepts to promote networking, the exchange of knowledge and cooperation between startups, investors, companies and policymakers.

Drei moderne Auszeichnungen mit transparenten, rechteckigen Oberteilen, die mit einem kreisförmigen Punktmuster und dem Schriftzug 'Start Up Energy Transition' bedruckt sind. Die Unterteile bestehen aus Holz in Form eines nach oben zeigenden Pfeils. Jede Auszeichnung trägt die Jahreszahl 2024 und die Bezeichnung 'AWARD WINNER' sowie unterschiedliche Kategorien: 'Quality Energy Access & SDG 7.1', 'Mobility & Transportation' und 'Clean Energy & Storage'. Die Preise stehen nebeneinander auf einem rustikalen Holzblock. Im Hintergrund ist unscharf ein grünes Blatt einer Pflanze zu erkennen.
© photothek/Ute Grabowsky

Our approach

SET GIP pursues a multifaceted approach to support entrepreneurs. Key components are:

  • SET Award
  • SET100 List
  • SET Tech Festival
  • SET Newsroom

The SET Award is an international competition for the most innovative energy transition and climate tech startups, which takes place every year. 

The SET100 List presents the world’s 100 most exciting startups in the industries: energy, buildings and raw materials, industry, mobility and transport as well as affordable and clean energy for everyone.le.

© photothek/Ute Grabowsky

The SET Tech Festival brings together the innovative minds of these industries. The festival offers startups a unique platform to network with companies, investors and political players. 

The SET Newsroom provides up-to-date insights into trends in the areas of energy transition and climate tech. 

Our milestones

  • 2026: Since the project began, more than 4,500 start-ups from over 100 countries have applied for the SET Award.
  • 2026: The 10th anniversary will be celebrated as part of the SET Tech Festival, one of the most important energy and climate events in the start-up ecosystem.
  • SET GIP has continuously established itself as a relevant driver for the topics of energy transition and climate tech, as well as an important neutral partner for the international start-up ecosystem.

Let us know if we can help!

  • Portraitbild von Pia Dorfinger
    © Hoffotografen
    Pia Dorfinger

    Director, Start-up ecosystem

  • Portraitbild von René Böhm
    © Hoffotografen
    René Böhm

    Leading Expert Ecosystem Development and Growth

  • Portrait Tahar Kechrid
    © Silke Reents
    Tahar Kechrid

    Senior Expert, Start-up ecosystem

  • Portraitbild von Deborah Bartel
    © Hoffotografen
    Deborah Bartel

    Expert, Start-up ecosystem

  • Portraitbild von Niklas Feierabend
    © Silke Reents
    Niklas Feierabend

    Senior expert, start-up ecosystem

Further information on the subject

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Our project partners