Kickoff for the Energy Launchpad: The European energy innovation platform
Thursday saw the kickoff of the Energy Launchpad, Europe’s new platform for energy innovation in Vienna. The aim of the initiative is to connect startups, research, and industry across national borders and to jointly bring scalable solutions for energy transition to fruition faster. At its core is the principle of open innovation: university spin-offs, young technology companies and established players are working together to develop approaches that make energy systems more resilient, strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, and drive the transformation forwards.
Strong partners for the future of energy
The Energy Launchpad combines leading universities, startup ecosystems and energy companies from across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. A leading university and a leading company represent each state: the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich) and Energie 360° from Switzerland, the Vienna University of Technology and VERBUND AGfrom Austria, and the Technical University of Munich, UnternehmerTUM GmbH and EnBW-BW-Württemberg AG from Germany.
"Europe needs structures that not only promote innovation, but also make it scalable. The Energy Launchpad is creating exactly these bridges between science, business, and the startup scene. The energy transition is one of the greatest industrial tasks of our time. If we want to achieve our climate objectives, we need to accelerate the application of new technologies, and do so together, across national borders," explains Michael Strugl, CEO of VERBUND.
Jens Schneider, Rector of the Technical University of Vienna, also emphasises the importance of the new network: "As a university, we are translating scientific excellence into innovation through teaching, cooperation, and formats such as the Energy Launchpad. This platform allows startups and spin-offs to directly translate research findings into scalable solutions, directly contributing to the stability and sustainability of our energy systems."
Our mission
The Energy Launchpad has a clear mission: to promote European technologies and startups in ways that strengthen economic sovereignty and competitiveness. Spin-offs and startups receive support when entering the market and scaling up their ideas. At the same time, joint innovation projects are being launched that link science and industry more closely. Another key element is the exchange of best practices with the aim of building a strong, Europe-wide ecosystem for energy innovation.
"The Energy Launchpad is more than just a network. Here, startups, research teams and industrial partners interact directly with each other, exchange ideas, and develop innovative projects from them. Research results become feasible, innovations become successful, and solutions for energy transition create real added value much faster," emphasises Christian Schaffner, Executive Director of the Energy Science Centre (ESC) at ETH Zurich.
Agenda 2026: Focus on future topics
2026 will be dominated by key cutting-edge topics that show how closely innovation and resilience go together. The focus is on the resilience of energy and infrastructure systems: from cyber and physical security, to climate-adapted infrastructure, all the way to resilient supply chains. The aim is to develop energy systems that reliably function under extreme conditions and simultaneously fulfil the climate objectives. At the same time, key technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing are becoming increasingly important. They enable more efficient grids, optimised demand response and smart use of resources. Working together with startups and research institutions, the Launchpad develops strategies for data-driven innovations that can make energy supply more sustainable and resilient.
Formats and highlights 2026
In 2026, the Energy Launchpad offers a variety of formats that make innovation tangible — from thematic challenges to summer schools to awards and conferences. This will create new spaces for dialogue, cooperation and visible results for the energy transition. After the kick-off in Vienna on 23rd October, a road show will commence through the DACH region. The next stop is ETH Zurich on 11th November 2025, as part of Energy Week @ ETH.
The Energy Launchpad is designed as a growing network. Other partners from science, business and the European innovation ecosystem are invited to participate and drive the energy transition forwards together.
Questions & answers
What is the Energy Launchpad?
The Energy Launchpad is a European innovation alliance that connects energy companies, universities, and startups to accelerate the transition to clean energy together.
Why was the Energy Launchpad established?
Europe faces the urgent challenge of scaling up innovation in the energy sector. The Launchpad was created to fill the innovation gap, strengthen resilience, and ensure Europe’s competitiveness in the global transition to clean energy.
Who are the founding partners?
The founding partners include:
- The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich),
- EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG,
- Energie 360° AG,
- Vienna University of Technology (TU Vienna),
- Technical University of Munich (TUM),
- UnternehmerTUM GmbH
- and VERBUND AG.
What are the main goals of the Launchpad?
- To support university spin-offs and early-stage startups
- To promote European technologies and economic sovereignty
- To develop cross-border innovation networks in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
- To develop scalable solutions for real energy challenges
Who can participate?
Participation is open to startups, spin-offs, research institutes, companies, and investors active in energy innovation.
How will startups benefit?
Startups gain direct access to business partners, real-life pilot projects, and the credibility of being part of a European alliance.
How will companies benefit?
Companies gain early access to innovative solutions, reduce their innovation risk, and develop scalable projects together with strong partners.
How will universities benefit?
Universities can support spin-offs with real industrial validation and bring research results to market faster.
Is it limited to the DACH states?
The initial focus is on the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), but the goal is to expand it to the whole of Europe.
When does the Launchpad officially start?
The initiative was launched on 23rd October 2025 during VERBUND Venture Day, followed by a road show through the region.
Is the Launchpad open to new partners?
Yes. The founding partners expressly welcome other companies, universities, and actors in the innovation ecosystem.
What makes the Energy Launchpad unique compared to other initiatives?
It is not a classic startup programme, but a long-term, multi-corporate alliance that focuses on real pilot projects, European sovereignty, and systemic energy innovation.
How does this support the European Green Deal?
By speeding up the development and deployment of clean energy technologies, the Launchpad directly contributes to the EU’s climate and sustainability goals.
Ingun Metelko
Company Spokesperson