Start-Up Challenge to Accelerate Rooftop Solar

India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched the Innovative Projects Start-Up Challenge on Rooftop 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 identify and support breakthrough solutions for India’s rooftop solar and distributed energy ecosystem.

It is being implemented under the aegis of MNRE with support from the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), and in coordination with StartUp India.

In February 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched an ambitious scheme, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), to incentivise domestic rooftop solar initiatives. More than 1 million installations have already been completed under this scheme by March 2025. 

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:

1. Affordability – Making rooftop solar affordable for low- and middle-income households using innovative financing, modular systems, and circular economy strategies.
2. Resilience – Enhancing climate resilience, grid stability, and cybersecurity in solar infrastructure, especially for vulnerable and remote areas.
3. Inclusivity – Expanding access to underserved communities through community solar, virtual net metering, and inclusive financing models.
4. 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 23 million, including Rs 10 million (1 crore) for 1st Prize, Rs 5 million (50 lakh) for 2nd Prize, Rs 3 million (30 lakh) for 3rd Prize, and 10 Consolation Prizes of Rs 500,000 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

Applications can be submitted through Startup India’s Website.