AWARD
European Solar Startup Award 2026
Welcome to the European Solar Startup Award, where innovation meets the energy transition!
SolarPower Europe, the association for the entire European solar sector, is here to support the brightest solar startups. As solar has established itself as the most versatile technology and cementing its role in becoming the leading power technology, we’re seeking smart startups to tackle the challenges of the energy transition, and present innovative solutions. This competition is your chance to showcase ideas that can shape the future of a solar power– based energy system.
Who is eligible to participate? 🎯
For the European Solar Startup Award 2026, we invite all startups active in solar power to participate, including, but not limited to companies working with:
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- Solar power generation devices
- (Solar) system components including technologies, such as battery storage that support the flexibility of solar power
- Solutions to support electrification of heating, transport and more
- Digital solutions related to the technologies mentioned above
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Startups must have a proven track-record, be no older than 5 years, and employ no more than 30 FTEs.
Prizes 🏆
Prizes
Gold Winner
€5000 (sponsored by Enerparc)
Exhibition space in dedicated start-up exhibition area at smarter E Europe 2026 (sponsored by Smarter E)
Opportunity to pitch on stage during the Solar Startup session at the SolarPower Summit 2026 in Brussels
Company name and quote featured in a press release about the awards
Written interview published on SolarPower Europe website and in SolarPower Europe’s newsletter sent to 25K subscribers
1 year of free membership at SolarPower Europe
Name and website of the company on the Solar Startup website and SolarPower Summit 2026 website
Silver & Bronze Winners
- Opportunity to pitch on stage at the Solar Startup session of the SolarPower Summit 2026 in Brussels
- Opportunity to present your company to investors present at the SolarPower Summit during a private scheduled meeting
- 1 year of free membership at SolarPower Europe
- Company name featured in a press release about the awards
- Company logo on the Solar Startup website and SolarPower Summit 2026 website
TOP 10 finalists
- Name and website of the 10 shortlisted companies on the Solar Startup website
- Opportunity to pitch to online jury, including investors, venture capitalists
Timeline ⏳
20/02/2026 – Registrations open
27/03/2026 – Deadline for applications
07/04/2026 – Announcement of longlist (max. 10 startups)
14/04/2026 – Pitch event (online)
21/04/2026 – Public announcement of finalists (3 startups)
05/05/2026 & 06/06/2026 – Awards ceremony at SolarPower Summit in Brussels
Jury members ⚖️
- Stefan Müller – Co-Founder and Board Member, Enerparc
- Felix Krause – Managing Partner, Vireo Ventures
- Jenny Chase – Solar analyst, BloombergNEF
- Michael Schmela – Executive Advisor & Director of Market Intelligence, SolarPower Europe
How to apply 🚀
You can apply by filling in this form by 27 March 2026.
For any questions, please contact startups@solarpowereurope.org
Previous winners
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
Testimonial
Fridolin Franke, CEO & Co-Founder of SOLAR MATERIALS
SolarPower Summit 2023: Get ready for solar
Tackling the Energy Crisis
08-09 March 2023
Radisson Collection Hotel, Grand Place Brussels
