Deadline: 01-Aug-2025
The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched an Innovation Challenge focused on promoting innovation in recycling and reuse within the renewable energy sector. The initiative aims to reduce waste, enhance sustainability, strengthen the supply chain, and foster new technologies aligned with global climate goals. It also seeks to advance India’s research and innovation capacity in the circular economy, particularly in the solar and battery sectors.
This challenge is part of the RE-RTD Programme, which aims to boost indigenous technology development and encourage widespread deployment of renewable energy solutions in a cost-effective and efficient manner across India.
The Innovation Challenge is designed to scale up R&D efforts in circular economy strategies, specifically for solar panels and batteries. The goal is to enhance process and resource efficiency, promote reuse and recycling, and support value chain circularity, which will also open up new opportunities for investment and job creation.
The challenge focuses on three main innovation themes. The first is design and manufacturing innovations, which support easy dismantling, waste segregation, and use of alternative materials. The second is second-life use and recycling innovations, promoting repair, refurbishment, and recovery from waste solar panels and batteries. The third is operational management innovations, which ensure optimal system life through predictive maintenance, digital monitoring, and traceable system information.
Innovations will be categorized based on their Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). Proof of Concept innovations (TRL 1–3) can receive up to INR 10 lakh or 50% of the project cost, with a maximum grant of INR 50 lakh. Potential Innovations (TRL 4–5) are eligible for up to INR 30 lakh or 50% of the cost, with a grant ceiling of INR 1.5 crore. Proven Innovations (TRL 6 and above) may get up to INR 2 crore or 50% of the project cost, with a maximum grant of INR 8 crore. Project durations can be up to two years, with the possibility of extension.
Applicants must be fully based in India, including team location, product development, testing, certifications, and compliance with Indian regulations. Eligible participants include entities involved in R&D related to the circular economy in renewable energy, specifically in solar and batteries. Proposals must be submitted online and must not come from individuals or entities restricted by Indian law.
MNRE retains the right to verify eligibility and may choose not to select a winner if ineligibility is suspected. Proposals must clearly fall under one or more of the challenge themes.
Evaluation of proposals will consider completeness, relevance, technical merit, innovation, scalability, sustainability, and potential additional benefits. Selected innovations will receive financial support and may be considered for pilot implementation.
For more information, visit Government of India.
