MNRE launches ₹2.3 crore start-up challenge for rooftop solar and distributed renewable energy
On 20 June 2025 in New Delhi, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy launched the Innovative Projects Start-Up Challenge on Rooftop Solar (RTS) and Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) Technologies with a ₹2.3 crore prize pool.
Summary
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched the Innovative Projects Start-Up Challenge on Rooftop Solar and Distributed Renewable Energy Technologies at the National Conference on Skill Development for the Renewable Energy Workforce, held at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan, New Delhi on 20 June 2025. The challenge is implemented with support from the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) and in coordination with Startup India, DPIIT. Its four categories are affordability, resilience, inclusivity and environmental sustainability. The total prize pool is ₹2.3 crore, with ₹1 crore for the first prize. Applications are open on the Startup India website until 20 August 2025, and results are due on 10 September 2025.
Key facts
- Launched by
- MNRE, at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan, New Delhi (conference held 20 June 2025)
- Support
- NISE; coordination with Startup India, DPIIT
- Categories
- Affordability, Resilience, Inclusivity, Environmental Sustainability
- Prize pool
- ₹2.3 crore (1st ₹1 crore, 2nd ₹50 lakh, 3rd ₹30 lakh, 10 consolation ₹5 lakh each)
- Last date
- 20 August 2025; results 10 September 2025
Practice MCQs 3 questions
What is the total prize pool of the Innovative Projects Start-Up Challenge on Rooftop Solar and Distributed Renewable Energy launched by MNRE in June 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹2.3 crore
PIB (MNRE): The selected innovators will compete for a total prize pool of ₹2.3 crore, including ₹1 crore for the 1st Prize.
With the support of which institution is MNRE implementing the Start-Up Challenge on Rooftop Solar and Distributed Renewable Energy Technologies?
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Correct answer: B — National Institute of Solar Energy
PIB (MNRE): The challenge is being implemented under the aegis of MNRE with support from the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), in coordination with StartUp India, DPIIT.
Consider the following statements about MNRE's Start-Up Challenge on Rooftop Solar and DRE launched in June 2025: 1. Applications are to be submitted through the Startup India website. 2. The last date for applications is 20 August 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MNRE): Applications can be submitted through Startup India's website, and the last date for applications is 20 August 2025. So the answer is Both 1 and 2.