Government Launches Start-Up Challenge To Support Innovation In Rooftop Solar, Distributed Energy—All About It

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched a national start-up challenge focused on Rooftop Solar (RTS) and Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) technologies, aiming to encourage affordable, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable innovations.

The announcement was made during the National Conference on Skill Development for the Renewable Energy Workforce at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan, New Delhi.

The initiative is being implemented by MNRE with support from the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), and in coordination with StartUp India and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

What the Challenge Seeks

Startups and innovators have been invited to propose solutions in four broad categories to boost renewable energy adoption.

• Affordability: Making rooftop solar affordable for low- and middle-income households using innovative financing, modular systems, and circular economy strategies.

• Resilience: Enhancing climate resilience, grid stability, and cybersecurity in solar infrastructure, especially for vulnerable and remote areas.

• Inclusivity: Expanding access to underserved communities through community solar, virtual net metering, and inclusive financing models.

• Environmental Sustainability: Promoting eco-friendly technologies such as solar panel recycling, land-neutral solar deployment, and hybrid clean energy models.

The challenge is open to a wide range of sectors including energy hardware, IoT, AI, blockchain, construction, and waste management.

Prizes and Incentives

A total prize pool of Rs 2.3 crore is on offer:

• Rs 1 crore for the top entry

• Rs 50 lakh for second place

• Rs 30 lakh for third

• Ten consolation prizes of Rs 5 lakh each

In addition to cash awards, selected startups will also receive incubation support, pilot implementation opportunities, and mentorship from domain experts.

Applications for the challenge are open until 20 August, and the results will be announced on 10 September. Interested startups can apply through the Startup India portal.

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