Energy technology entrepreneurship

Claudia Doblinger and Kavita Surana

Chapter 27 in Handbook of Energy Innovation, 2026, pp 532-551 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Energy entrepreneurship plays a key role in accelerating innovation and bringing energy technologies to market. Entrepreneurs build start-ups, i.e., technology-based firms characterized by high levels of agility, flexibility, novel ideas, and focused expertise. These characteristics make start-ups particularly responsive to market challenges and fast in introducing novel technological solutions to the market. This chapter explains why energy entrepreneurs and their start-ups are important actors for reaching societal and climate goals, but face unique challenges given the nature and characteristics of the sector. We explain the process of energy entrepreneurship, expanding on the distinct but complementary roles of public and private funding as well as market development and demands. Given the specifics of energy innovation, we outline the need for a supporting ecosystem and collaboration that helps energy start-ups innovate and bring technologies to market. We conclude with implications for energy entrepreneurs, their investors, and public policy, and suggest how future research could support energy start-ups in bringing about the needed changes on a global scale.

Keywords: Energy Entrepreneurship; Start-ups; Entrepreneurs; Financing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035310401
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