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 is 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 helping solar on its way to become Europe’s premier energy source. This competition is your chance to showcase ideas that can shape the future of a solar power-based energy system.
COMPETITION
Companies participating in the European Solar Startup Award will be reviewed by a select jury over 2 separate selection rounds. The second selection round is public and requires online pitching to the jury.
On the 5th and 6th of May 2026, finalists will be able to present their solar startup work at the SolarPower Summit 2026 in Brussels. The participants of the SolarPower Summit will vote for the winner. The winner of the European Solar Startup Award 2026 will be announced during the event. The prize money is €5000.
Apply here for a
chance to win!
Meet the 2025 Solar Startup Award Winner
Winner
Wins €5000 (sponsored by Enerparc AG)
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
1 year of free membership at SolarPower Europe
Written interview published on SolarPower Europe website and in SolarPower Europe’s newsletter to 25K subscribers
- Company logo on the Solar Startup website and SolarPower Summit 2026 website
Exhibition space in dedicated start-up exhibition area at smarter E Europe 2026 (sponsored by smarter E)
Silver & Bronze winners
Opportunity to pitch on stage at the Solar Startup session of the SolarPower Summit 2026 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 2027 website
Opportunity to present your company to investors present at the SolarPower Summit during a private scheduled meeting
Short-listed candidates
Name and website of the 10 short-listed companies on the Solar Startup website
Opportunity to pitch to online jury, including investors
Short-listed companies 2026:
For the Solar Startup Award 2026, we invite all startups active in solar power to participate, including, but not limited to companies working with:
- Solar power generation devices
- Innovative solar business models based on digital solutions
- 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
Apply here and get a
chance to win the award!
1 year of free membership at SolarPower Europe
23/02/2026
Registration open
01/04/2026
Deadline for applications
07/04/2026
Announcement longlist (max. 10 startups)
16/04/2026
Pitch event (online)
05/05/2026 – 06/05/2026
Awards ceremony at SolarPower Summit in Brussels