Got a Solar Startup Idea? Govt Will Pay You ₹1 Crore for It!

In what could be a massive opportunity for India’s clean-tech startup ecosystem, the government has thrown down the gauntlet. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced a national-level Innovative Projects Start-Up Challenge—an open call to startups and innovators across India to bring fresh, disruptive ideas to the rooftop solar and distributed renewable energy (DRE) space.

And this isn’t just another startup contest. With a whopping ₹2.3 crore in prize money, pilot support, expert mentorship, and potential investor access, the challenge aims to solve one of India's most urgent energy needs—making clean energy accessible, affordable, and inclusive for all.

Funding for Solar Startups

The government’s aim is crystal clear: find and support breakthrough innovations that can accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar and DRE solutions, especially at the grassroots level. The challenge is looking for ideas that are:

• Affordable

• Resilient

• Inclusive

• Environmentally sustainable

Whether it’s a low-cost solar tech solution, an innovative distribution model, or a climate-smart micro-grid for rural India—anything that can truly shift the needle is welcome.

Big Rewards for Bold Ideas

The MNRE is backing this challenge with a serious prize pool of ₹2.3 crore:

• 1st Prize – ₹1 crore

• 2nd Prize – ₹50 lakh

• 3rd Prize – ₹30 lakh

• 10 Consolation Prizes – ₹5 lakh each

But more than money, the selected startups will get something even more valuable—real ecosystem support. This includes:

• Incubation support

• Pilot implementation opportunities

• Access to mentorship from domain experts

• Investor exposure

For any startup in the clean-tech or climate-tech space, this is the kind of launchpad that can transform a prototype into a nationally scalable solution.

Why Rooftop Solar and DRE Now?

India has made rapid strides in utility-scale solar parks, but rooftop solar adoption still lags behind. That’s a missed opportunity in a country where sunlight is abundant and millions of rooftops lie underutilized.

Distributed renewable energy holds the key to fixing energy access gaps, especially in underserved regions. From rural homes and schools to micro-enterprises and healthcare centres, DRE can offer clean, reliable power without relying on the traditional grid.

But challenges like cost, financing, local grid integration, and awareness still persist. That’s where innovation needs to come in—and startups are best positioned to build agile, adaptable, and scalable solutions.

Who Can Apply?

The challenge is open to all Indian startups and innovators building solutions in the renewable energy domain. The core eligibility is that the solution must align with one or more of these four themes:

• Affordability – Lower the cost barrier for consumers

• Resilience – Build tech that works across climates and geographies

• Inclusivity – Make solutions accessible for remote or underserved populations

• Environmental sustainability – Focus on eco-friendly innovations

Startups must apply via the Startup India website before the deadline: 20th August 2025.

More Than Just a Contest—It’s a National Mission

This challenge is a strategic move under India’s broader push to meet its climate goals and accelerate its transition to green energy. With India committing to Net Zero by 2070, the need for scalable, local, and innovative renewable energy solutions is more urgent than ever.

In that context, empowering startups isn’t just good policy—it’s essential. Startups have the speed, ingenuity, and ground-level insights needed to tackle India’s unique energy challenges.

The MNRE’s startup challenge could be a key turning point—bringing climate-tech into the mainstream and backing it with real resources.

Applications Open Till: 20th August 2025
Apply Now via: Startup India Website