Start-ups
The winners of the SET Award
Five winning start-ups were honored by dena as part of the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (BETD). The SET Award promotes innovative ideas and solutions for a sustainable energy future. Start-ups were honored in the categories "Clean Energy & Storage", "Mobility & Transportation", "Industry", "Buildings & Construction" and "Quality Energy Access & SDG-7".
The international Start-Up Energy Transition Award (SET Award) ceremony in Berlin was attended by international start-ups, investors and prominent guests from business and politics. Corinna Enders, Chairwoman of the dena Executive Board, emphasized the importance of the award: "This award not only recognizes outstanding innovations, but also actively promotes the transformation of our energy system."
Winner of the SET Award 2025
These five winning start-ups were honored on the evening of March 18, 2025. They will each receive prize money of 10,000 euros for their company.
Category: Clean Energy & Storage
Cowa Thermal Solutions AG, Switzerland, http://www.cowa-ts.com
Compact thermal storage systems with phase change materials that are five times smaller than water-based systems improve the integration of renewable energy and energy efficiency in urban areas. With a focus on the growing European heat pump market, the company is driving this innovation forward.
Category: Mobility & Transportation
Nyobolt Ltd, United Kingdom, http://www.nyobolt.com
Ultra-fast rechargeable batteries with longer life and reduced need for critical raw materials make electrification more sustainable. The company's technology powers high-performance electric vehicles and fuel cells.
Category: Industry
Cyclize GmbH, Germany, www.cyclize.de/en/
Plastic waste and CO₂ are converted into synthesis gas using a patented plasma reactor, replacing natural gas. This innovative solution reduces plastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and promotes a sustainable, circular chemical industry.
Category: Buildings & Construction
Concular GmbH, Germany, http://www.concular.de
The reuse of building materials is significantly increased through digital processes - from 1% to 80%. By evaluating buildings before demolition, the company promotes the circular economy in the construction industry, cuts costs and reduces waste.
Category: Quality Energy Access & SDG-7
Koolboks, France, http://www.koolboks.com
Off-grid, solar-powered refrigerators with ice battery technology ensure continuous cooling. A pay-as-you-go model makes sustainable cooling affordable for African businesses and communities.
SET is a global innovation platform founded in 2016 by the German Energy Agency (dena) with the support of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK). The initiative continuously identifies leading start-ups in the fields of energy transition and climate protection and connects them with companies, investors and other start-ups.
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