Govt Launches INR 2.3 Crore Innovation Challenge to Boost Rooftop Solar Adoption The competition offers a total prize pool of INR 2.3 crore. The top three winners will receive INR 1 crore, INR 50 lakh, and INR 30 lakh respectively, while ten additional startups will each be awarded INR 5 lakh as consolation prizes

By BIZ Experiences Staff

You're reading BIZ Experiences India, an international franchise of BIZ Experiences Media.

Freepik

In a push to accelerate India's transition to clean energy, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched a INR 2.3-crore startup innovation challenge aimed at fostering new technologies in rooftop solar and distributed renewable energy systems, as per PTI.

Announced on Saturday during the national conference on Skill Development for the Renewable Energy Workforce, the initiative seeks to attract early-stage ventures working on scalable solutions in green tech and related sectors. According to a statement from the ministry, the "Innovative Projects Start-Up Challenge on Rooftop Solar (RTS) and Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) Technologies" is designed to identify high-impact innovations that can speed up the adoption of decentralized solar energy systems across the country.

The challenge is being implemented under the aegis of MNRE, with the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) providing technical support, and StartUp India—under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)—coordinating outreach and engagement efforts.

The ministry said startups from a diverse set of industries including green technology, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, blockchain, construction, energy hardware, fintech, and waste management are eligible to apply. The goal is to tap into a wide innovation pool to address operational, financial, and technical barriers in the rooftop solar ecosystem.

The competition offers a total prize pool of INR 2.3 crore. The top three winners will receive INR 1 crore, INR 50 lakh, and INR 30 lakh respectively, while ten additional startups will each be awarded INR 5 lakh as consolation prizes. Beyond the financial incentives, selected startups will receive incubation support, access to pilot project implementation, and mentorship from experts and investors associated with MNRE and NISE.

"The challenge aims to identify and support breakthrough solutions for India's rooftop solar and distributed renewable energy ecosystem," the MNRE statement noted, emphasizing the ministry's intent to catalyze innovation that can be deployed at scale.

With rooftop solar capacity still underperforming relative to targets, the challenge is expected to drive fresh momentum in a sector seen as critical to meeting India's renewable energy goals.
BIZ Experiences Staff

BIZ Experiences Staff

Editor

For more than 30 years, BIZ Experiences has set the course for success for millions of BIZ Experiencess and small business owners. We'll teach you the secrets of the winners and give you exactly what you need to lay the groundwork for success.

Most Popular

See all
Business News

Starbucks Built a New 'Luxury' Office Near Its CEO's Newport Beach, California Home

The 4,624-square-foot office was disclosed as part of Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol's compensation package before he started the role last fall.

By Sherin Shibu
Business News

Here Are the 10 Jobs AI Is Most Likely to Automate, According to a Microsoft Study

These careers are most likely to be affected by generative AI, based on data from 200,000 conversations with Microsoft's Copilot chatbot.

By Sherin Shibu
Starting a Business

These Brothers Started a Business to Improve an Everyday Task. They Made Their First Products in the Garage — Now They've Raised Over $100 Million.

Coulter and Trent Lewis had an early research breakthrough that helped them solve for the right problem.

By Amanda Breen
Business News

Mars Says 94% of Its Products Sold in the U.S. are Now Made There, Too

The candy-maker has created 9,000 jobs over the last five years with its investments, according to a new report.

By Erin Davis
Legal

Companies Often Choose Profits Over Consumer Safety — Here's What It Takes to Hold Them Accountable

Here's why the courtroom remains America's last line of defense for consumer safety.

By Donald Fountain
Growing a Business

They Opened a Restaurant During the Pandemic — But Locals Showed Up, and Celebrities Followed. Now, It's Thriving.

Barry Dakake, Marco Cicione and Yassine Lyoubi discuss how a longtime friendship became a business, how they built media buzz without a budget and how they make locals feel like VIPs.

By Shawn P. Walchef