Govt launches ₹2.3-cr challenge to boost rooftop solar adoption
In a bid to accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar installations and promote renewable energy in the country, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched a ₹2.3-crore startup innovation challenge. The challenge is designed to encourage startups to focus on affordability, resilience, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability in the green tech, IoT, AI, blockchain, construction, energy hardware, fintech, and waste management sectors.
The MNRE has invited startups to participate in the challenge, which aims to promote the adoption of rooftop solar installations and renewable energy across the country. The challenge is a significant step towards achieving the government’s targets of increasing the share of non-renewable energy in the country’s energy mix and reducing carbon emissions.
According to the ministry, the challenge is open to startups that have innovative solutions for rooftop solar installations, energy storage, and renewable energy integration. The startups must demonstrate their ability to reduce the cost of rooftop solar installations, increase their efficiency, and improve their environmental sustainability.
The ₹2.3-crore challenge is a significant investment in the startup ecosystem, and it is expected to attract a large number of innovative startups from across the country. The challenge is designed to identify and support startups that have the potential to drive the adoption of rooftop solar installations and renewable energy in the country.
The MNRE has set out clear guidelines for the challenge, which include:
- Startups must have a scalable and replicable solution for rooftop solar installations and renewable energy integration.
- The solution must be innovative and have the potential to reduce the cost of rooftop solar installations and increase their efficiency.
- The startup must have a clear plan for scaling up its solution and achieving commercial viability.
- The solution must be environmentally sustainable and have a positive impact on the environment.
The MNRE has also set out a timeline for the challenge, which includes:
- The challenge will start on June 15, 2025, and will run for a period of six months.
- Startups will have to submit their applications by July 15, 2025.
- The shortlisted startups will be announced by August 15, 2025.
- The winner of the challenge will be announced by October 15, 2025.
The MNRE has partnered with several organizations to support the challenge, including the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), the Renewable Energy Corporation (RECORP), and the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE). These organizations will provide technical support, mentorship, and funding to the shortlisted startups.
The MNRE has also set out a clear plan for the use of the funds, which includes:
- ₹1 crore will be used to support the winner of the challenge.
- ₹50 lakhs will be used to support the runners-up.
- ₹20 lakhs will be used to support the incubation and acceleration of the shortlisted startups.
- ₹10 lakhs will be used to support the promotion of the challenge and the winners.
The MNRE has also announced that it will provide additional funding to the winner of the challenge, which will be used to support the scaling up of its solution.
The launch of the ₹2.3-crore challenge is a significant step towards promoting the adoption of rooftop solar installations and renewable energy in the country. The challenge is expected to attract a large number of innovative startups and support the growth of the renewable energy sector in the country.
In conclusion, the MNRE’s ₹2.3-crore challenge is a significant initiative to promote the adoption of rooftop solar installations and renewable energy in the country. The challenge is designed to encourage startups to focus on affordability, resilience, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability in the green tech, IoT, AI, blockchain, construction, energy hardware, fintech, and waste management sectors. The challenge is expected to attract a large number of innovative startups and support the growth of the renewable energy sector in the country.
Source:
https://www.aninews.in/news/business/mnre-launches-rs-23-crore-start-up-challenge20250621123105/
