Apply until October 13, 2026
Energy Launchpad Award
The Launch Platform for Europe's Next Energy Champions
The Energy Launchpad Award turns DACH energy innovation into successful companies - helping research-driven teams move toward company creation and giving startups direct access to the operators, customers, investors and partners that can accelerate growth.
The Energy Launchpad Award turns DACH energy innovation into successful companies - helping research-driven teams move toward company creation and giving startups direct access to the operators, customers, investors and partners that can accelerate growth.
Project Partners
The Energy Launchpad is proud to have InnoEnergy and OMV as project partners and supporters of our Energy Award.
Choose your award track
Choose your award track
Application Deadline: October 13, 2026
Two award paths for different stages - from early research ideas to incorporated startups ready to scale.
For Teams that have not yet founded a company
Idea Energy Award
For research-driven teams and innovators at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey.
Best for
Teams that have not yet founded a company
Researchers and scientists
Students and doctoral candidates
University spin-off teams
Early-stage innovators with an energy-related idea
What you receive
1st place – €5,000 in prize money
2nd place – €3,000 in prize money
3rd place – €1,500 in prize money
Exclusive spot in the Energy Launchpad Summer School
Priority access to the Energy Launchpad network
Individual mentoring session with experts from InnoEnergy (e.g., in the areas of fundraising or business development)
Visibility within the leading energy innovation ecosystem in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
Access to industry experts, founders, investors, and corporate partners
For Teams that have not yet founded a company
Idea Energy Award
For research-driven teams and innovators at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey.
Best for
Teams that have not yet founded a company
Researchers and scientists
Students and doctoral candidates
University spin-off teams
Early-stage innovators with an energy-related idea
What you receive
1st place – €5,000 in prize money
2nd place – €3,000 in prize money
3rd place – €1,500 in prize money
Exclusive spot in the Energy Launchpad Summer School
Priority access to the Energy Launchpad network
Individual mentoring session with experts from InnoEnergy (e.g., in the areas of fundraising or business development)
Visibility within the leading energy innovation ecosystem in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
Access to industry experts, founders, investors, and corporate partners
For Teams that have not yet founded a company
Idea Energy Award
For research-driven teams and innovators at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey.
Best for
Teams that have not yet founded a company
Researchers and scientists
Students and doctoral candidates
University spin-off teams
Early-stage innovators with an energy-related idea
What you receive
1st place – €5,000 in prize money
2nd place – €3,000 in prize money
3rd place – €1,500 in prize money
Exclusive spot in the Energy Launchpad Summer School
Priority access to the Energy Launchpad network
Individual mentoring session with experts from InnoEnergy (e.g., in the areas of fundraising or business development)
Visibility within the leading energy innovation ecosystem in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
Access to industry experts, founders, investors, and corporate partners
For already established startups
Startup Energy Award
For ambitious energy startups ready to accelerate growth, partnerships and market adoption.
Best for
Incorporated startups operating in the energy sector
Teams with an MVP, pilot project or first customers
Startups seeking strategic partnerships and market access
Companies preparing for growth and scaling
Founders looking to connect with investors and industry leaders
What you receive
Opportunity to pitch to more than 60 active investors from the Energy Launchpad network
Direct access to executives and innovation leaders at Verbund, EnBW, and Energie 360°
Exclusive introductions to potential pilot customers, strategic partners, and industry players
Visibility across the entire Energy Launchpad ecosystem and partner network
Recognition as one of the most promising energy startups in the DACH region
Opportunity to develop pilot projects, collaborations, and strategic partnerships with leading energy companies
Exclusive networking with investors, company representatives, founders, and experts at Demo Day in Munich
For already established startups
Startup Energy Award
For ambitious energy startups ready to accelerate growth, partnerships and market adoption.
Best for
Incorporated startups operating in the energy sector
Teams with an MVP, pilot project or first customers
Startups seeking strategic partnerships and market access
Companies preparing for growth and scaling
Founders looking to connect with investors and industry leaders
What you receive
Opportunity to pitch to more than 60 active investors from the Energy Launchpad network
Direct access to executives and innovation leaders at Verbund, EnBW, and Energie 360°
Exclusive introductions to potential pilot customers, strategic partners, and industry players
Visibility across the entire Energy Launchpad ecosystem and partner network
Recognition as one of the most promising energy startups in the DACH region
Opportunity to develop pilot projects, collaborations, and strategic partnerships with leading energy companies
Exclusive networking with investors, company representatives, founders, and experts at Demo Day in Munich
Not Ready to Apply Yet?
Not Ready to Apply Yet?
Application Deadline: October 13, 2026
Don't miss your chance to join the Energy Launchpad Award 2026.
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Next Steps
From application to jury pitch and the Award Ceremony in Munich.
01
Application Phase
Until 13 October, 2026
Submit your application for either the Idea Energy Award or the Startup Energy Award. The award welcomes founders, researchers, innovators and startups from across the DACH region developing solutions for the energy sector.
01
Application Phase
Until 13 October, 2026
Submit your application for either the Idea Energy Award or the Startup Energy Award. The award welcomes founders, researchers, innovators and startups from across the DACH region developing solutions for the energy sector.
02
Pitch to the Jury
Online Jury Session · 12 November 2026
Finalists from both award tracks will be invited to present their innovation online to a jury of industry experts, investors, entrepreneurs and energy professionals.
02
Pitch to the Jury
Online Jury Session · 12 November 2026
Finalists from both award tracks will be invited to present their innovation online to a jury of industry experts, investors, entrepreneurs and energy professionals.
03
Award Ceremony
25 November, 2026
The winning teams will be announced during the Energy Launchpad Award Ceremony as part of the Demo Day in Munich. Finalists gain visibility in front of 1,000+ founders, investors, corporates, researchers and innovation leaders.
03
Award Ceremony
25 November, 2026
The winning teams will be announced during the Energy Launchpad Award Ceremony as part of the Demo Day in Munich. Finalists gain visibility in front of 1,000+ founders, investors, corporates, researchers and innovation leaders.
Ready to bring your energy innovation to the next stage?
Apply for the Energy Award or explore upcoming Energy Launchpad events designed to connect founders, researchers, investors and industry leaders.
Ready to bring your energy innovation to the next stage?
Apply for the Energy Award or explore upcoming Energy Launchpad events designed to connect founders, researchers, investors and industry leaders.
Ready to bring your energy innovation to the next stage?
Apply for the Energy Award or explore upcoming Energy Launchpad events designed to connect founders, researchers, investors and industry leaders.