changeadminAs National Startup Day marks its 9th anniversary, Startup India in collaboration with Avaana Capital has launched the Grand Challenge for ClimateTech Innovation.
The Grand Challenge for ClimateTech Innovation aims to identify and support entrepreneurs building world-class solutions to aid India and the world in the climate transition.
Startups in India, innovators and entrepreneurs working towards climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience are invited to participate in this challenge and demonstrate solutions that can advance climate action in India and the world.
Climate change poses significant economic and societal risks for all the world economies. Due to its geographic location, diverse ecosystems, and socio-economic conditions, India faces a range of climate-related challenges, including food and water scarcity, biodiversity loss, climate-related health issues, infrastructure damages, migration challenges, etc.
Research by the Asian Development Bank has found that the impacts of climate change could hit India’s GDP by more than 2o per cents by 2070. Sectors like agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, all of which are sensitive to environmental shifts.
On 16th January 2016, Startup India was launched under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Since then it has rolled out several programs to support entrepreneurs and transform India into a country of job creators, rather than job seekers.
India is the world’s third largest startup ecosystem with 1,59,157 startups as of January 15, 2025, generating 1.72 million direct jobs. Many of these companies are from the climate-tech sector working in areas like sustainability, clean energy, waste management, and other green sectors.
Avaana Capital is an early-stage venture capital (VC), investing in disruptive, technology-led innovations to catalyse climate solutions and deliver exponential returns. Bengaluru-based Avaana Capital manages Avaana Climate and Sustainability Fund, India’s first and largest climate-tech VC fund.
Avaana Capital has invested in several climate-related startups in India, including the ones we have listed in the Change Started Green Startups of the Year – Dharaksha Ecosolution (2024) and Eeki Foods (2022). Its portfolio companies also include Terra.do, Kazam, Carbo Ledger, Eggoz Nutrition, and Intello Labs.
The applications for the Grand Challenge for ClimateTech Innovation can apply under the following 6 themes –
- Energy Transition and Industrial Decarbonization
- Mobility and Supply Chains
- Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
- Built Environment
- Water and Solid Waste Management
- Next-Generation Materials (Packaging, Goods, Furniture, Textiles, Inks & Dyes)
The benefits include monetary prizes, grants, corporate credits and an opportunity to network and get mentorship from leading corporates, investors, policymakers, and thought leaders. In the inaugural edition of the Grand Challenge for ClimateTech Innovation, more than 400 innovative startups applied across India.
Participants can apply on the Startup India portal by 7th February 2025.
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