The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched a ₹2.3-crore startup innovation challenge aimed at boosting rooftop solar installations and advancing the nation’s renewable energy ecosystem. Announced during the National Conference on Skill Development for the Renewable Energy Workforce, this initiative is poised to identify and support breakthrough solutions that can transform how India generates and consumes solar power.
The Innovative Projects Start-Up Challenge on Rooftop Solar (RTS) and Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) Technologies is being implemented under MNRE’s aegis, with support from the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) and in collaboration with StartUp India and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The challenge reflects the government’s commitment to scaling up renewable energy adoption, particularly in the rooftop solar segment—a critical component of India’s goal to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
The challenge is open to a wide spectrum of startups and innovators operating in green technology, IoT, artificial intelligence, blockchain, construction, energy hardware, fintech, and waste management. Applications are invited for solutions that address four key pillars:
Affordability: Making rooftop solar more cost-effective for consumers.
Resilience: Ensuring solar systems can withstand environmental and operational challenges.
Inclusivity: Expanding access to solar energy for all segments of society.
Environmental Sustainability: Minimizing the ecological footprint of solar installations.
This broad focus is designed to attract cutting-edge ideas that can overcome the current barriers to rooftop solar adoption in India.
Beyond the cash rewards, winners will receive incubation support, pilot implementation opportunities, and mentorship from domain experts and investors, coordinated by MNRE and NISE. This comprehensive support aims to help startups scale their innovations from concept to market, ensuring real-world impact.
Startups and innovators can submit their entries via the StartUp India website (www.startupindia.gov.in). The deadline for applications is August 20, 2025, with winners set to be announced on September 10, 2025.
India has already surpassed 100 GW in total solar power capacity, with rooftop solar playing an increasingly vital role in the country’s energy mix. In 2024, solar contributed nearly half of the nation’s renewable energy generation, underscoring the sector’s rapid growth and strategic importance.
By incentivizing innovation through this ₹2.3-crore scheme, the government aims not only to accelerate rooftop solar adoption but also to foster a vibrant ecosystem of startups capable of delivering scalable, sustainable, and inclusive energy solutions.