Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launches Rs. 2.3 crore (US$ 265,742) innovative projects start-up challenge to accelerate rooftop solar and distributed renewable energy innovations
- Press Information Bureau
- June 23, 2025
The Government of India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched the Innovative Projects Start-Up Challenge focused on Rooftop Solar (RTS) and Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) 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. This national-level innovation challenge, supported by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) and coordinated with Startup India and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), aims to identify breakthrough solutions to advance India’s rooftop solar and distributed energy ecosystem.
The challenge invites applications from startups across green tech, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, fintech, construction, energy hardware, and waste management domains. It targets four key areas: affordability through modular systems and circular economy financing, resilience by enhancing grid stability and cybersecurity, inclusivity via community solar and virtual net metering for underserved communities, and environmental sustainability through recycling and hybrid, clean energy models. Selected participants will compete for a total prize pool of Rs. 2.3 crore (US$ 265,130), including Rs. 1 crore (US$ 115,274) for first prize, Rs. 50 lakh (US$ 57,630) for the second prize, Rs. 30 lakh (US$ 34,582) for the third prize, and ten consolation prizes of Rs. 5 lakh (US$ 5,763) each. Winners will receive incubation support, pilot opportunities, and expert mentorship under MNRE and NISE. Applications close on August 20, 2025, and results will be announced on September 10, 2025.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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