Huge Push For Tidy Tech: Govt Announces Rs 2.3 Crore Rooftop Solar Start-Up Contest
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched the Innovative Projects Start-Up Challenge on Roof Solar (RTS) and Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) Technologies, during the National Conference on Skill Development for the Renewable Energy Workforce at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan, New Delhi. This unique national innovation challenge aims to support and identify innovative solutions for India’s rooftop solar and distributed energy community, as stated by the Ministry.
It is being conducted under the aegis of MNRE with support from the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), and in coordination with Start-up India, DPIIT. Furthermore, the Start-Up Challenge seeks applications from innovators and startups in India, focusing on four key categories to enhance renewable energy adoption:
- Price – Making rooftop solar affordable for low- and middle-income families using innovative financing, modular systems, and circular economy strategies.
- Resilience – Enhancing environmental resilience, grid stability, and cybersecurity in solar infrastructure, especially for remote and vulnerable areas.
- Inclusivity – Expanding access to underserved communities through community solar, virtual net metering, and inclusive financing models.
- Environmental Sustainability – Promoting sustainable technologies like solar panel recycling, land-neutral solar deployment, and hybrid clean energy models.
The challenge invites a wide range of startups in green tech, IoT, AI, blockchain, construction, energy fintech, waste, and hardware management.
The selected innovators will compete for a total prize pool of Rs 2.3 crore, with Rs one crore for the 1st Prize, Rs 50 lakh for the 2nd Prize, Rs 30 lakh for the 3rd Prize, and 10 Relief Prizes of Rs five lakh each. Winners will also receive incubation support, pilot implementation opportunities, and mentorship from domain experts and investors, facilitated by MNRE and NISE.
The deadline for applications is August 20, 2025, with the results scheduled to be announced on September 10, 2025.
