The “Start Up Energy Transition (SET)” initiative has published the new Top 100 list (#SET100) of international start-ups of the energy transition. It contains the 100 best cleantech start-ups that applied for this year’s SET Award – the international award for innovative business models in the areas of energy transition and climate protection. The SET Award is presented by the German Energy Agency (dena) in cooperation with the World Energy Council. The final round of the competition will take place on April 9th at the SET Tech Festival in Berlin. In September 2019 in Abu Dhabi the #SET100 companies will have the opportunity to present themselves at the 24th World Energy Congress, the flagship triennial event of the World Energy Council.

The companies on the #SET100 list come from 31 countries, the majority from Europe (53), North America (16) and Africa (11). They were selected by experts from the SET network from various energy transition sectors. Most are active in the awaard categories of: ‘Low-Carbon Energy Production’ (27) and ‘Energy Efficiency, Smart Devices and Storage’ (23); other nominees applied in the categories of ‘Intelligent Grids, Platforms & Cyber Security’ (19), ‘Special Prize: Quality Access & SDG7’ (16) and ‘Innovative Mobility’ (15). Start-ups from Africa are particularly well represented in the special prize category with six applications. A total of 450 start-ups from 80 countries applied for the SET Award 2019.

Andreas Kuhlmann, dena Chief Executive: „With the 100 top international start-ups in the field of energy transition and climate protection, the #SET100 list is both an encouraging and fascinating proof that energy transition and climate protection can succeed. The challenge of achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement is great, but it holds immense opportunities. The companies on the #SET100 list show how we can move forward with innovation and entrepreneurship. It’s up to us what we make of it. With the SET initiative, we offer promising start-ups an international platform to become better known and attract investors and other supporters. Many start-ups of the past years are already very successful today. We are delighted about their groundbreaking commitment and will continue to support them in the future.“

Christoph Frei, Secretary General of the World Energy Council: „Partnering with dena, we work together to systematically identify the most promising innovation ventures around the world and work with leading innovators to understand scope, time frame and success factors of key innovation areas. This year we are particularly excited that SET 2019 finalists will also be invited to play an active role in the 24th World Energy Congress in Abu Dhabi. They will have the opportunity to participate in dynamic pitching sessions and interactive presentations, thus bringing a unique entrepreneurial dimension to the Council’s innovation activity at the Congress.“

The complete #SET100 list, including a brief description of all nominated companies, is available online.

About the Start-Up Energy Transition initiative

The SET Award and the SET Tech Festival belong to the global SET initiative for pioneers in energy transition and the battle against climate change. Across the globe, more than 100 partners from politics, industry, science and non-government organisations are getting involved. The present round of the competition is being supported by partner countries Canada and Sweden, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, plus many other partners and sponsors.

More information on the SET initiative, the SET Award and the SET Tech Festival can be found at www.startup-energy-transition.com.

Further information on the 24th World Energy Congress can be found at: www.wec24.org.