MNRE launches Rs 2.3 crore innovative projects start-up challenge

In a major push to accelerate clean energy innovation, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched a nationwide innovation challenge focused on rooftop solar and distributed renewable energy technologies. The announcement was made during the National Conference on Skill Development for the Renewable Energy Workforce, held at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan in New Delhi.

Titled the Innovative Projects Start-Up Challenge, the initiative aims to discover pioneering and scalable solutions that can strengthen India’s transition towards decentralized renewable energy. The challenge invites startups and innovators from across the country to present game-changing ideas and technologies that can reshape the rooftop solar and distributed energy landscape.

This ambitious programme is being executed under the guidance of MNRE, with the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) serving as the implementing agency. It also benefits from close coordination with StartUp India, an initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

By encouraging grassroots innovation, the government seeks to address key challenges in solar energy adoption while simultaneously creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs and startups in India’s growing green energy sector.

About the Challenge

The Start-Up Challenge seeks applications from innovators and startups in India, focusing on four key 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 welcomes a wide range of startups in green tech, IoT, AI, blockchain, construction, energy hardware, fintech, and waste management.

Incentives and Support

The selected innovators will compete for a total prize pool of Rs 2.3 crore, including Rs 1 crore for 1st Prize, Rs 50 lakh for 2nd Prize, Rs 30 lakh for 3rd Prize, and 10 Consolation Prizes of Rs 5 lakh each. Winners will also gain incubation support, pilot implementation opportunities, and mentorship from domain experts and investors, facilitated by MNRE and NISE.

Challenge Timeline:

Last Date for Applications: 20th August 2025

Result Announcement: 10th September 2025