Lucknow | 22, June 2025 : In a major push to accelerate rooftop solar adoption and renewable energy innovation, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched a ₹2.3 crore Startup Innovation Challenge. The initiative aims to discover and support pioneering solutions that can transform India’s rooftop solar and distributed renewable energy (DRE) ecosystem.
Launched during the National Conference on Skill Development for the Renewable Energy Workforce, the challenge is being spearheaded by MNRE in partnership with the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) and coordinated with StartUp India and DPIIT.
The competition invites startups across diverse sectors—such as green tech, IoT, AI, blockchain, construction, energy hardware, fintech, and waste management—to submit projects under four key focus areas: affordability, resilience, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.
The challenge offers a total prize pool of ₹2.3 crore, with ₹1 crore awarded to the top winner, ₹50 lakh for second place, ₹30 lakh for third, and ten consolation prizes of ₹5 lakh each. In addition to financial rewards, winners will receive incubation support, pilot implementation opportunities, and mentorship from domain experts and investors.
Applications are open until August 20, with winners to be announced on September 10. Interested startups can apply via the Startup India portal: https://www.startupindia.gov.in
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