The transition to a renewable 24/7 energy supply requires fresh ideas across all sectors and bold companies willing to break new ground. This is where The smarter E Europe comes in: Europe’s largest alliance of exhibitions for the energy industry brings together key players from around the world. The alliance of exhibitions is not only a place for discussion and information exchange, but also a showcase and marketplace for innovative solutions in the fields of renewable energy, energy storage, electromobility, digitalisation and flexibilisation of the energy system. And with more than 4,000 square meters of exclusive exhibition space, The smarter E Europe offers startups the perfect stage to network and present themselves to an international audience of experts. Among the more than 3,000 exhibitors, over 180 startups are expected to participate next year. The smarter E Europe and its four exhibitions (Intersolar Europe, ees Europe, Power2Drive Europe and EM-Power Europe) will take place from May 7–9, 2025 at Messe München.

Startup Area: more than 4,000 square meters for new ideas

The smarter E Europe promotes the innovative power of young companies by offering them an exclusive Startup Area with more than 4,000 square meters of exhibition space, where they will have the opportunity to present their products and solutions to an international expert audience. Startups can choose one of three exhibition packages: Newcomer, Rising Star and Young Innovators, which is reserved for German companies. These packages offer special conditions that make it easy to participate in the exhibition and promote diverse ideas.

With the Young Innovators package, German startups can present themselves at the joint booth of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), which grants them a subsidy that covers up to 60% of their costs. With these offerings, The smarter E Europe proactively supports the growth of startups in the energy sector. The goal is to help startups make new contacts and receive funding and cooperation offers from established companies, and to increase their visibility in the market.  

Presenting and networking

A central element of the Startup Area is the Startup Stage, where pioneers have the opportunity to present their innovative products and solutions to an expert audience. This stage is not only an opportunity to present, but also to engage in valuable discussions with experts that can help startups refine their ideas. 2025 will see the first informal breakfast for participating startups, giving them an opportunity to discuss and network with each other. In addition, four mini lounges will provide participants with a more private space for productive meetings and strategic alliances. The Startup Area is the ideal environment to make new contacts, cultivate old ones, and build partnerships.

All eyes on The smarter E Award

The spotlight will shine especially bright on companies and innovators that receive The smarter E AWARD. The coveted industry award will be presented in the categories Photovoltaics, Energy Storage, E-Mobility, Smart Integrated Energy and Outstanding Projects at an award ceremony on the eve of The smarter E Europe on May 6, 2025 at the International Congress Centre München (ICM). Two startups won the award in 2024: dvlp.energy from Berlin for its data-based tool that helps assess the suitability of areas for solar and wind power generation, and IO Dynamics from Flensburg for a smart charging solution for electric delivery vehicle fleets. You can apply for The smarter E AWARD 2025 until January 31, participation is free of charge for startups.