Set up in February 2026, the EnR Working Group on Start-ups and Innovation (SUI) aims to strengthen the role of energy start-ups and scale-ups in accelerating the energy transition across Europe.
The working group provides a structured forum for EnR member agencies to exchange experience, develop knowledge, and coordinate action on supporting energy and climate tech innovators — from early-stage start-ups through to scaling companies.
Start-ups and scale-ups are essential to achieving Europe’s net-zero goals. They drive energy efficiency and circular solutions, make renewable energy more affordable, accelerate digital transformation, stimulate local ecosystems, empower consumers, and foster energy security and industrial competitiveness.
To thrive, they need clear and harmonised regulation, access to funding at all stages, and supportive innovation ecosystems.
The SUI Working Group brings together EnR member agencies to address exactly these needs — working across three pillars: network and community building, funding access, and policy linkage and feedback to EU strategies.
Objectives of the SUI Working Group
The overall aim of the Working Group is to connect European energy agencies’ start-up and innovation ecosystems, facilitate mutual learning, and act as a bridge between national innovation support activities and European policy frameworks. Specific objectives are to:
- Exchange information and best practices on how member agencies support start-ups and scale-ups, including on funding, matchmaking, capacity building, and access to test sites and data
- Develop knowledge on the state of energy innovation ecosystems across member countries, including surveys, ecosystem factsheets, and best practice analyses
- Foster opportunities for start-ups and scale-ups by connecting them to investors, industry partners, and relevant European initiatives
- Build a community around energy and climate tech innovation and connect with other European start-up initiatives and platforms
- Act as a facilitator between national innovation support activities and European-level policy frameworks, contributing to the implementation of EU strategies such as the EU Start-up and Scale-up Strategy, the Clean Industrial Deal, and the Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan
Work plan 2026–2028
The Working Group is working along a concrete delivery roadmap. Key outputs include:
- A survey on the state of energy and climate tech innovation ecosystems across member countries, covering funding and financing, networks and infrastructure, and policy frameworks
- Ecosystem factsheets for each member country, mapping strengths, weaknesses, key actors, and lessons for a more competitive Europe
- A best practice report synthesising replicable approaches and policy lessons from across member countries
- A database of start-ups and scale-ups providing solutions linked to key energy transition priorities, including faster and cheaper deployment of heat pumps and solar, dynamic electricity pricing, consumer empowerment, energy communities, and energy savings for households and SMEs
- A SUI report (2027) and a dedicated SUI Working Group event (2028)
Policy alignment
The SUI Working Group works in alignment with relevant EU policies and strategies, including:
- EU Start-up and Scale-up Strategy
- Clean Industrial Deal
- Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan
- Scale Up Europe initiative
- AccelerateEU — COM/2026/370
Contact
The EnR Working Group on Start-ups and Innovation is currently chaired by the German Energy Agency (dena).
If you have any questions, or would like to find out more about the working group and its activities, please contact Deborah Bartel, Votra Berisha or Pia Dorfinger at deborah.bartel@dena.de, votra.berisha@dena.de or pia.dorfinger@dena.de.