MNRE launches ₹2.3 cr Start-Up Challenge to accelerate rooftop solar and distributed energy innovation
NEW DELHI: In a major push to catalyze innovation in India's clean energy sector, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched the Innovative Projects Start-Up Challenge with a total prize pool of ₹2.3 crore. The initiative aims to discover cutting-edge solutions to scale up rooftop solar (RTS) and
distributed renewable energy
(DRE) technologies across the country, according to an official release on Saturday.
The challenge was formally announced during the National Conference on Skill Development for the Renewable Energy Workforce, held at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan in the capital. It is being implemented with support from the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) and coordinated through the
StartUp India platform
under DPIIT.
Four Key Focus Areas for Innovation
The Start-Up Challenge invites applications from Indian innovators and start-ups across four mission-critical categories:
Affordability: Innovations that make rooftop solar more accessible to low- and middle-income households through modular systems, circular economy practices, and novel financing models.
Resilience: Technologies that improve grid stability, enhance cybersecurity, and ensure climate resilience, especially for remote and vulnerable communities.
Inclusivity: Community-based models like virtual net metering and inclusive financing to widen solar access in underserved regions.
Environmental Sustainability
: Eco-friendly approaches such as solar panel recycling, land-neutral deployments, and hybrid renewable systems.
Start-ups from diverse sectors including green tech, IoT, AI, blockchain, energy hardware, fintech, and waste management are encouraged to apply.
Prize Money and Incubation Support
Winners of the challenge stand to gain significant financial and institutional support:
1st Prize: ₹1 crore2nd Prize: ₹50 lakh3rd Prize: ₹30 lakh10 Consolation Prizes: ₹5 lakh each
In addition to the monetary awards, selected participants will receive incubation support, pilot implementation opportunities, and mentorship from domain experts and investors.
Challenge Timeline
Application Deadline: August 20, 2025
Results Announcement: September 10, 2025
Apply via: Startup India Portal
Driving India's Energy Transition
The ministry said this initiative reflects MNRE's continued commitment to building a robust innovation ecosystem for India's clean energy future. By fostering scalable, inclusive, and sustainable solutions, the government aims to make rooftop solar and DRE mainstream components of India's renewable energy mix, it added.
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