Indian Government Launches Rs 2.3 Cr Scheme For Startups Aiming To Increasing Rooftop Solar Installations

On Saturday, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced a startup scheme that is a unique innovation challenge for startups. This challenge aims to increase rooftop solar installations and renewable energy adoption in India. 

According to the Business Standard, the initiative is being carried out under the guidance of MNRE, with backing from the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE). It is in collaboration with StartUp India, DPIIT.

A statement by the ministry said that this innovation challenge seeks to discover and nurture breakthrough solutions for the country's rooftop solar and distributed renewable energy ecosystem. 

WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE

Launched during the National Conference on Skill Development for the Renewable Energy Workforce, this challenge is called Innovative Projects Start-Up Challenge on Rooftop Solar (RTS) and Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) Technologies.

Its main details include:

1. The challenge will invite applications from Indian innovators and startups that focus on ramping up renewable energy adoption through affordability, resilience, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability. 

2. Startups operating in the realms of green tech, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, construction, energy hardware, IoT, fintech, and waste management are welcome to apply. 

3. The total prize pool is of Rs 2.3 crore. This includes Rs 1 crore for the first prize, Rs 50 lakh for the second prize, and Rs 30 lakh for the third prize.

4. Additionally, the prize pool consists of ten consolation prizes of Rs 5 lakh each. 

WINNERS ALSO GET…

Apart from the prize money, it has been reported that winners of this startup scheme challenge will also get incubation support, opportunities for pilot implementation, and mentorship guidance from domain experts and investors. 

The last date for submitting the entries is August 20th. The winners will be announced on September 10th. 

Interested startups can submit their entries.