MNRE Launches Start-Up Challenge For Rooftop Solar Ideas

25 Jun 2025 CW Team

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has unveiled the Innovative Projects Start-Up Challenge, aimed at uncovering cutting-edge solutions for India’s rooftop solar and distributed-energy sectors. Announced at the National Conference on Skill Development for the Renewable Energy Workforce in New Delhi, the scheme is backed by the National Institute of Solar Energy and coordinated with Start-Up India at DPIIT.

Four innovation tracks

1. Affordability – new financing models, modular kits or recycled materials to make rooftop solar viable for low- and middle-income homes.

2. Resilience – technology that boosts climate durability, cyber-security and grid stability, especially in remote regions.

3. Inclusivity – approaches such as community solar, virtual net-metering or inclusive finance to serve under-represented groups.

4. Environmental Sustainability – eco-friendly ideas from panel recycling to land-neutral arrays or hybrid combinations with other clean sources.

Prizes and support

The challenge carries a Rs 23 million purse:

Rs 10 million first prize
Rs 5 million second prize
Rs 3 million third prize
Ten consolation awards of Rs 0.5 million each

Winners will also receive incubation, pilot-project opportunities and expert mentorship arranged by MNRE and NISE.

Applications close on 20 August 2025, with results due on 10 September 2025 via the Start-Up India portal. The initiative is expected to accelerate clean-energy adoption and nurture a new wave of home-grown technology firms.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..