AWARD

European Solar Startup Award 2025

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 Solar Startup Award 2025, we invite all startups active in solar power to participate, including, but not limited to companies working with: 

  • Solar power generation devices 
  • Solar system components including technologies, such as battery storage that support the flexibility of solar power 
  • Solar power solutions to electrify heating 
  • Innovative solar business models based on digital solutions. 


Startups must have a proven track-record, be no older than 5 years, and employ no more than 30 FTEs.

Prizes 🏆

Winner 

  • Opportunity to pitch on stage during the Solar Startup session at the SolarPower Summit 2025 in Brussels 

  • Company name and quote featured in a press release about the awards 

  • Interview and advertorial in SolarPower Europe’s newsletter 

  • 1 year of free membership at SolarPower Europe 

  • Name and website of the company on the Solar Startup website and SolarPower Summit 2025 website 

TOP 3 finalists 

  • Opportunity to pitch on stage at the Solar Startup session of the SolarPower Summit 2025 in Brussels 

  • 1 year of free membership at SolarPower Europe 

  • Company name featured in a press release about the awards 

  • Name and website of the company on the Solar Startup website and SolarPower Summit 2025 website 

TOP 10 finalists

  • Name and website of the 10 short-listed companies on the Solar Startup website 

  • Opportunity to pitch to online jury 

 

Timeline ⏳

  • 07/01/2025 – Registrations open 

  • 21/02/2025 – Deadline for applications 

  • 28/02/2025 – Announcement of longlist (max. 10 startups) 

  • 06/03/2025 – Pitch event (online) 

  • 13/03/2025 – Announcement of finalists (3 startups) 

  • 27/03/2025 – 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 21 February 2025.

For any questions, please contact startups@solarpowereurope.org

Finalists 2024

Longlisted Companies 2024

Previous winners

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

Testimonial

Fridolin Franke, CEO & Co-Founder of SOLAR MATERIALS

Sponsors and Partners of the Solar Startup Award 2023

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