Business creation program

Energy 2026

This program is for European Startups and Scaleups developing technological solutions in Energy storage, Batteries & LAES, Power-to-X & Hydrogen, Carbon Capture & Storage, Biofuel, Geothermal, Ocean energy (tidal & wave), Solar, Wind, Bioenergy, Energy optimization, Advanced materials for energy efficiency, or related fields.

It is also for Corporates and utility companies in the energy sector, or corporates for whom green transition is a strategic priority, seeking to explore innovative solutions and business opportunities in collaboration with startups and scaleups.

Finally, the program is open to Investors looking to support deeptech ventures in the energy domain.

Applications to the Energy program will open in early 2026. You can register your interest in this form, and we will reach out to you once applications are available.

If you represent a corporate, service provider, or an investor interested in this program, please contact us via the form, or email [email protected]

If you know a startup that would fit in this program, you can nominate them here:

Nominate a Startup

In numbers

From our Past Programs:

Business Creation Programs

International Corporates participating

183

European startups/scaleups participating

917

Curated match meetings startup-corporate

297

Potential collaborations startup-corporate

218

Potential collaborations corporate-corporate

What we are looking for:

Energy Storage – Short/long-duration, LAES, thermal, electrochemical, beyond lithium-ion.
Hydrogen & Power-to-X – Non-electrolysis methods, ammonium solutions, conversion pathways.
Carbon Capture & Decarbonization – CO₂, methane, and high-temperature heat solutions.

Biofuels & Bioenergy – Sustainable feedstocks, biogas, syngas, waste-to-energy.
Geothermal – Power, heat, borehole systems, district heating, underground storage.
Ocean & Hydro – Tidal, wave, and hydro power, especially offshore.

Solar & Wind – Onshore/offshore generation, low-cost renewables.
Energy Optimization – Flexibility, integration with renewables, power trading.
Grid Resilience – Forecasting, management, scaling solutions.

Critical & Advanced Materials – Alternatives to lithium/rare earths, efficiency materials.
Water & Industrial – Leak detection, treatment, agri/industrial use, desalination.
Emerging Systems – Advanced HVAC, solid-state transformers, recycling, digital marketplaces, mobility.

and similar innovative solutions that participating corporates express interest in.

About

About DeepTech Alliance Energy 2026

The Energy program will primarily focus on creating business opportunities between European deeptech companies and international Corporates, Utilities, Service Providers, and Investors with a strong interest in innovative solutions for clean, resilient, and future-ready energy systems.

The Kick-off event and the concluding Explore event will be held as physical gatherings, enabling participants to connect directly with peers and program partners. All preparation and post–kick-off sessions will take place digitally, ensuring efficiency, flexibility, and allowing startups and corporates to keep their main focus on building their business.

What Corporates Get from the Program

As a corporate partner in the DeepTech Alliance Program, you gain direct access to high-quality European startups that are ready to scale. The selection is based on your specific innovation needs, defined together with the DeepTech Alliance team. The program offers:

Tailored startup matchmaking based on your strategic priorities and technology interests
Curated 1:1 meetings, both in-person and online, to explore collaboration, pilot projects or investment opportunities
Connection to a trusted peer network of corporates with shared innovation goals, enabling exchange of best practices and potential joint initiatives
Increased visibility as an active player in the European deep tech ecosystem through co-branding with DeepTech Alliance
Year-round engagement through events including the kick-off and the DeepTech Alliance Explore summit

This isn’t another scouting exercise. It’s a hands-on business creation engine built for tangible outcomes.

What Startups Get from the Program

As a selected startup in the DeepTech Alliance Utility Program, you are matched with leading corporates and investors looking for solutions. The program is designed to help you build meaningful partnerships and accelerate your path to market. You receive:

Curated 1:1 meetings with international corporate partners and investors, both online and in-person
Access to expert-led online sessions on key topics such as pricing, B2B sales, pilot design and EIC funding, with recordings available for later viewing
A peer network of best-in-class European startups, offering opportunities to share insights and build cross-border collaborations
Free participation in the DeepTech Alliance Explore summit, connecting you to the broader DTA ecosystem
Ongoing access to alumni activities that keep you connected and visible in the European deep tech community

This isn’t another accelerator. It’s a focused business creation program that delivers qualified corporate access and real growth potential.

Participation requirements for Startups

Technology company registered in a European Country (including non-EU countries like the UK, Norway, Switzerland, Ukraine, etc.)
Ready to engage with big industrial clients (min. TRL 5)
Program participation fee €1.000. The participation fee covers all program content including lunches and networking dinners during the events.
Participants are to cover travel to/from and lodging related to kick-off event and concluding Summit.

Corporate Partners already confirmed in Utility 2025