GreenTech Monitor 2026 Startup Association

The latest GreenTech Monitor 2026 from the Startup Association paints an ambivalent picture. While GreenTech startups play a central role in the energy supply and economic transformation, there is a massive lack of capital.

A total of 2,903 GreenTech startups were identified in Germany that develop solutions for energy, mobility and industry.

Energy start-ups as the key to security of supply

The energy sector is particularly relevant. Around 675 startups are working on technologies for energy generation, grid infrastructure and storage. In 2025 alone, 107 new energy start-ups were founded. These companies are addressing key challenges such as rising energy prices, geopolitical uncertainties and the growing demand for electricity due to the expansion of AI.

We have many founders who are contributing their expertise and working on sustainable solutions. It is therefore crucial for our business location to further strengthen the GreenTech sector and fuel its dynamism

Verena Pausder, Chairwoman of the Startup Association

According to Verena Pausder, energy sovereignty is a decisive factor for the competitiveness of the location, both for industry and for digital infrastructure.

Hotspots in Berlin, Munich and Hamburg

The strongest GreenTech ecosystems can be found in Berlin with 549 start-ups, Munich (222) and Hamburg (170). The energy sector accounts for almost a quarter of all GreenTechs, while a further 18% are active in the field of environmental technologies.

Despite the high relevance, there is a decline in new start-ups. After a peak of 545 start-ups in 2021, only 312 new green tech companies were founded in 2025. The reasons cited by the report include political uncertainty and a weak investment climate.

Financing gap of over one billion euros per year

The financing situation is particularly critical. Between 2021 and 2025, around 46 billion euros flowed into energy start-ups in the USA. In the same period, the figure in Germany was just under 6 billion euros.

In order to reach a comparable level, German energy start-ups lack around 500 million euros annually. In the green tech sector as a whole, the gap adds up to over one billion euros per year.

If we succeed in closing this gap, we will gain considerable growth opportunities in the GreenTech sector and at the same time strengthen the competitiveness of our established industries. The implementation and further development of the WIN initiative and first-of-a-kind (FOAK) loans as part of the Deutschlandfonds are very important steps here

Nils Aldag, Founder & CEO Sunfire, and Board Member of the Startup Association

Nils Aldag emphasizes that although Germany has technology and talent, it lags behind when it comes to capital.

A strong focus on science as a competitive advantage

The majority of GreenTech start-ups are based on scientific research. Two thirds of the companies state that they originated from research and 62% were supported by universities. At 16%, the proportion of DeepTech startups is also above the average for the entire startup landscape. 44% develop physical products.

What is particularly exciting is that GreenTech start-ups collaborate with established companies more frequently than average and at the same time largely emerge from research. According to the GreenTech Monitor 2026, this creates a close connection between science and industry, which brings innovation into application more quickly. This is also an opportunity for political influence. If the concrete impact of these start-ups is emphasized more strongly, the topic of GreenTech could gain even more traction. This could take the form of new value creation, industrial transformation and the creation of skilled jobs.

Despite the challenges, 75% of founders rate Germany as the most attractive location in Europe. Compared to the USA, this figure is still 48%.

According to the report, Germany has a strong starting base in the GreenTech sector. However, policymakers need to improve the financing and political framework conditions in order to remain internationally competitive.

Thanks & link to the monitor

Our thanks go to the Startup Association for the exciting insights and especially to Dr. Alexander Hirschfeld for the informative exchange. The entire GREENTECH Monitor 2026 can be found directly at the Startup Verband.