Budget
Category Winners €10,000 Cash Boost: Walk away with equity-free prize money to turbocharge your start-up Global Spotlight: Your start-up gets celebrated across the World Energy Council’s network in 100+ countries—now that’s global exposure! Insider Access: Connect with Industry leaders at the SET Tech Festival 2026 PR Powerhouse: Crank up your visibility with top-tier media buzz and extra visibility in the energy sector. Mic Drop Moment: Take the international stage and own it.
Key dates and deadline
Applicaion period: 1 September, 2025 – 31 October, 2025
Details
The Start Up Energy Transition (SET) Award is the ultimate sustainablity start-up competition that empowers climate tech innovators and clean energy start-ups to catapult their businesses to the frontlines of the energy industry. Your breakthrough solutions have the power to reshape industries, uplift communities, and accelerate the global shift to clean energy—and we’ll make sure the world knows it. Ten years of the SET Award mean ten years of pioneers in the energy transition: start-ups that develop breakthrough technologies, transform markets and accelerate the global Climate Tech movement. The 2026 SET Award Categories Clean Energy & Storage Industry Buildings & Construction Quality Energy Access & SDG-7 Mobility & Transportation
Eligibility
1. Founding Year: Your start-up needs to be ten years young or less. If you were founded before 2015, unfortunately, you’re out of the running. 2. Application language: This is a global start-up competition, so all applications and documents must be in English. We want everyone on the same page! 3. Company registration: Make sure your start-up is officially registered, or at least on its way to getting there. 4. Technology Readiness Level: Your start-up should be beyond the idea stage, with at least a TRL of 4 or higher. We’re looking for functional prototypes, proof of concept, or a solid partnership that proves your tech is ready to make an impact. 5. Completed Form: Fill it out, all of it. Partially completed forms? They go straight to the “nope” pile.
Additional information
Awards Finalists Trip to Berlin: We’ve got the flights and accomodation covered for two — just bring your A-game. Meet the Mavericks: Get face time with our C-level jury of investors and corporates. Make those connections count. Showcase Your Stuff: Rock your own booth at the SET Tech Festival. Live Pitch Battle: Pitch your start-up live to the industry’s biggest movers and shakers. Get Featured: Shine in our SET Spotlights series, putting your start-up on the global map.
How to apply?
https://www.startup-energy-transition.com/set-award/set-award-2026/