- The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has launched a ₹2.3-crore startup challenge to accelerate rooftop solar adoption in India.
- Winners will receive cash prizes, incubation support, pilot opportunities, and mentorship from experts and investors.
In a significant move to accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar and distributed renewable energy technologies across India, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched a ₹2.3-crore Startup Innovation Challenge.
This initiative, unveiled during the National Conference on Skill Development for the Renewable Energy Workforce, aims to identify and support breakthrough solutions for the country’s green energy transition.
The programme is being implemented under the aegis of MNRE, in collaboration with the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), and coordinated through Startup India under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
Titled the Innovative Projects Start-Up Challenge on Rooftop Solar and Distributed Renewable Energy Technologies, the initiative invites applications from startups across sectors such as greentech, IoT, AI, blockchain, construction, energy hardware, fintech, and waste management.
The challenge focuses on four key impact areas: affordability, resilience, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.
Incentives for Startups
Participants will compete for a total prize pool of ₹2.3 crore. The winning startup will receive ₹1 crore, the second-place winner will earn ₹50 lakh, and the third will take home ₹30 lakh. Ten additional startups will each receive a consolation prize of ₹5 lakh.
Alongside monetary rewards, winners will also benefit from incubation support, mentorship from industry experts and investors, and opportunities for pilot implementation, facilitated by MNRE and NISE.
Edited by Annette George
