ENERGY TECH CHALLENGERS event

A platform that spotlights startups and visionary entrepreneurs at the forefront of the energy sector. This annual competition brings together the most innovative minds to pitch new technologies and solutions that will redefine the future of energy. Challengers benefit from unparalleled exposure to industry leaders, investors, and potential collaborators, making it a prime opportunity to accelerate growth and drive impactful change.

2020 Year Established
1200+ All Time Applications
270 All Time Finalists
5 All Time Winners
7 Tracks
50 Number of Juries

Highlights

FAQ

Who can apply?

Your startup has to meet these criteria: from Pre-Seed to Series B growth stage | must be a technology company challenging status quo in climate tech | must have a market ready product (we do not encourage pre-product companies to apply) | must have revenue or at least minimal traction | is privately held, often with venture capital investors or bootstrapped | cannot be a spin-off from large conglomerate | finalists are required to attend and pitch at Energy Tech Summit and ETC closing event (C level or Founder level).

Where can I apply?

You can apply here.

When is the application deadline?

January 19, 2026.

When and where will ETC next take place?

ETC 2026 returns to Bilbao, Spain on 15-16 April 2026.

What are the 7 tracks this year?

Green Energy Infrastructure | AI for Energy | Energy for AI | Climate Hardware X | Climate Software X | Future of Materials & Manufacturing | Wild Card – Climate.