Energy entrepreneurs, take note – you have an opportunity to compete for a cash prize and the chance to network with investors.
The Deutsche Energie-Agentur (dena), or German Energy Agency, has launched ‘Start Up Energy Transition’, a global business competition open to start-ups and early-stage companies in the energy sector.
The competition has six categories: Urban Energy Transition, for contributions to digitalised and sustainable cities; Cleantech against Climate Change, for technologies that are helping to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions; Future of Production and Manufacturing, for digital solutions in the industry; Mobility meets Energy Transition, for sustainable mobility concepts; and Platforms and Communities, for the expansion of networks. Entrants can choose to also compete for the grand prize, Start Up SDG7, if they believe that their company or product contributes to the United Nations’ sustainable development goal of affordable, clean energy for all.
Want to apply? You’ve got through 31 January 2017.
Awards are backed by corporate sponsors and two German ministries. A dena spokesman says that the agency is still working out the budget for 2017 – when winners will be announced – so prize purses have not yet been determined, although each will be a five-digit sum. The grand-prize winner will receive a package worth €20,000 (US$21,486) sponsored by the German development agency GIZ.
All entrants will have the chance to network with venture-capital representatives and other members of the network. There is also the chance to connect in person during a Tech Festival in March 2017, to which all entrants and partners are invited. Three finalists per category will receive free tickets and a fully accommodated trip to Berlin.
More information about the Start Up Energy Transition Award and how to apply for it can be found here. Good luck!
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