The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched the Innovative Projects Startup Challenge with a total prize pool of ₹23 million (~$265,650) to encourage innovation in rooftop solar and distributed renewable energy technologies.

Applications for the challenge must be submitted by August 20, 2025. Results will be announced on September 10, 2025.

The initiative is supported by the National Institute of Solar Energy and coordinated in partnership with StartUp India and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.

The challenge aims to identify and support Indian startups and innovators developing scalable solutions in four focus areas: affordability, resilience, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.

Under the affordability criterion, the challenge invites technologies and business models that can reduce the cost of rooftop solar systems for low and middle-income households using modular systems, innovative financing methods, and circular economy strategies.

The resilience criterion invites participants to present solutions that enhance grid stability, climate resilience, and cybersecurity in solar systems, especially in remote or vulnerable regions. The inclusivity theme seeks models that increase access to energy for underserved communities, utilizing tools such as community solar, virtual net metering, and inclusive financing.

The environmental sustainability criterion invites ideas promoting eco-friendly deployments, such as solar panel recycling, land-neutral solutions, and hybrid clean energy technologies.

The challenge is open to startups in various sectors, including green technology, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, blockchain, construction, energy hardware, fintech, and waste management.

The total prize pool comprises ₹10 million (~$115,500) for the first prize, ₹5 million (~$57,750) for the second prize, ₹3 million (~$34,650) for the third prize, and 10 consolation prizes of ₹500,000 (~$5,775) each.

The winners will also receive incubation support, pilot implementation opportunities, and mentorship from domain experts and investors.

In May this year, the MNRE, through the National Institute of Solar Energy, issued a call for proposals for innovative project components under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

Last September, MNRE introduced a ₹5 billion (~$58 million) Innovative Projects Component as part of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana to showcase and demonstrate cutting-edge solar technologies and applications.