About this opportunity
The SET Award is one of the world's leading competitions for energy and climate tech startups, and the 2027 round is open. The organiser invites founders to gain global visibility, connect with investors and industry leaders, and compete for €10,000 in equity-free prize money, adding that the award has recognised pioneering startups driving the global energy transition for more than ten years.
The pathway is published on the award page. Applications run until 30 November 2026, and the organiser warns twice that late submissions cannot be accepted.
Evaluations begin in early December 2026, when an evaluation partner and judges rate all entries to determine who moves forward, and the top startups are handpicked for the SET List 2027. In February 2027 the list is published, the top three startups in each category become the finalists of the SET Award 2027, and 15 finalists are invited to Berlin for the jury meeting with C-level investors and corporates.
The circulating card records the same structure plus a funded trip to Berlin for finalists and a €10K equity-free prize for each category winner.
Eligibility
is open worldwide to climate tech and clean energy startups beyond the idea stage. The card prints the bar as companies founded in August 2016 or later, with at least a proof of concept and evidence of a client, partner or functioning prototype, which puts Nigerian and other African founders on the same terms as everyone else.
Applicants enter through the award page's own application route, and the organiser frames the round as a decade milestone: the next breakthrough starts with energy, and the award exists to make sure the world knows about the solutions shaping it.
What you receive
- €10,000 in equity-free prize money
- Global visibility, investor connections and industry leader access
- A place on the SET List 2027 for the top startups after evaluation
- Finalists invited to Berlin for the jury meeting with C-level investors and corporates, recorded on the circulating card as a funded trip
Who can apply
- Energy and climate tech startups driving the global energy transition, open worldwide
- The circulating card prints startups founded in August 2016 or later
- Entries must be beyond idea stage with at least a proof of concept and evidence of a client, partner or functioning prototype
- The top three startups in each category become the finalists, giving 15 finalists invited to Berlin
How to apply
- Open the SET Award 2027 page and follow the application route
- Submit the entry before 30 November 2026, since late submissions cannot be accepted
- Evaluation runs in early December 2026, with the SET List 2027 and finalists published in February 2027
Sources and verification
Related opportunities
- EEP Africa Rising Energy Leader 2026
A continental award spotlighting up to five young professionals, no older than 35 in 2026, who are driving Africa’s clean energy transition through projects funded by EEP Africa.
Questions applicants ask
Is the SET Award prize equity-free?
Yes. The award page states applicants compete for €10,000 in equity-free prize money.
Can late applications be accepted?
No. The page states applications close on 30 November 2026 and that late submissions cannot be accepted.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
