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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 in cooperation with the World Energy Council (WEC) and with the support of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. 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.

© photothek/Ute Grabowsky

Our approach

SET 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

  • 2024: more than 4,000 startups from over 100 countries have applied for the SET Award since the project was launched.
  • 2024: the annual SET Tech Festival is one of the most important energy transition and climate events in the startup ecosystem.
  • SET 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 startup ecosystem.

Let us know if we can help!

  • Pia Dorfinger
    © Hoffotografen

    Pia Dorfinger

    Director, Start-up ecosystem

  • René Böhm
    © Hoffotografen

    René Böhm

    Leading Expert Ecosystem Development and Growth

  • Tahar Kechrid
    © Silke Reents

    Tahar Kechrid

    Senior Expert, Start-up ecosystem

  • Deborah Bartel
    © Hoffotografen

    Deborah Bartel

    Expert, Start-up ecosystem

  • © Silke Reents

    Niklas Feierabend

    Expert, Start-up ecosystem

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