CFPs: Innovation Challenge for Circularity in Renewable Energy Technologies (India)
Organisation Name:
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India
Application Deadline:
1 August 2025
About Organisation
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, plays a central role in advancing sustainable energy solutions across the country. Established with a vision to promote renewable energy technologies and their widespread adoption, MNRE is responsible for developing policies, programs, and initiatives that enhance India’s energy security while addressing environmental challenges. The Ministry focuses on areas such as solar, wind, biomass, and small hydro power, as well as emerging technologies that align with India’s international climate commitments.
MNRE actively supports research, development, and innovation to strengthen India’s domestic capabilities in renewable energy technology. By encouraging indigenous technological advancements and supporting startups, public-private collaborations, and institutions, MNRE ensures that clean energy transitions are inclusive and robust. Through its various initiatives like the RE-RTD Programme, the Ministry aims to scale up efforts in innovation and sustainability, contributing to economic growth, environmental preservation, and job creation.
This Innovation Challenge is part of MNRE’s broader commitment to supporting circular economy practices in renewable energy, particularly in the solar and battery sectors. By emphasizing recycling, reuse, and sustainable production, the initiative fosters a more efficient, cost-effective, and climate-resilient renewable energy ecosystem in India.
About the Grant
The Innovation Challenge for Circularity in Renewable Energy Technologies is an initiative by MNRE aimed at advancing sustainable innovation in India’s renewable energy sector. The challenge is designed to support research and development focused on recycling, reuse, and process efficiency within the solar and battery segments. It is part of the broader RE-RTD Programme, which encourages indigenous technological solutions and seeks to create a circular economy in renewable energy.
The challenge promotes innovation across three key themes:
-
Design and Manufacturing Innovations – Encouraging designs that simplify dismantling and segregation and use alternative, sustainable materials.
-
Second-Life Use and Recycling – Supporting initiatives that focus on repair, refurbishment, and resource recovery from used solar panels and batteries.
-
Operational Management – Promoting efficient lifecycle management through predictive maintenance, digital monitoring, and traceability.
Innovations will be evaluated based on their Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), and selected projects will receive financial grants, mentorship, and potential pilot opportunities. The goal is to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem, reduce waste, and support the global climate agenda while opening doors for investment and employment.
The grant supports the development of cost-effective, scalable solutions that contribute to energy sustainability and environmental resilience.
Who can Apply?
The Innovation Challenge is open to entities fully based in India, with all operations — including team location, product development, testing, and certification — conducted domestically and in accordance with Indian regulations. Proposals must be submitted by organizations involved in research, development, or technological innovation related to the circular economy in renewable energy, with a specific focus on solar and battery sectors.
Eligible applicants include startups, research institutions, private firms, non-profit organizations, and academic entities engaged in sustainable energy solutions. Individual applicants are not eligible. Proposals must not be submitted by entities restricted under any Indian laws or regulations.
Applicants must ensure their innovation proposals align with one or more of the three key challenge themes: (1) Design and Manufacturing Innovations, (2) Second-Life Use and Recycling, and (3) Operational Management Innovations. Each proposal must demonstrate relevance, technical merit, potential for scalability, and positive environmental and social impact.
MNRE retains full authority to verify eligibility and disqualify applications at any stage if criteria are not met. The focus is on selecting innovations that are sustainable, replicable, and capable of driving long-term impact in India’s clean energy and circular economy landscape.
How to Apply?
Eligible entities must submit their applications online through the official government portal. Proposals should be complete, well-documented, and clearly aligned with the challenge’s core themes. All sections including technical descriptions, expected outcomes, budget requirements, and timelines must be filled accurately. Applicants must also ensure compliance with Indian laws and include all necessary supporting documents to facilitate eligibility verification.
Application Deadline
All proposals must be submitted by 01 August 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline to avoid technical delays.
Last Date To Apply
The final date to apply for the Innovation Challenge for Circularity in Renewable Energy Technologies is 1st August 2025. Ensure your application is complete and submitted online in time.
Grant Amount
Grants range from INR 10 lakh to INR 8 crore, depending on the Technology Readiness Level. MNRE will support up to 50% of the total project cost for selected innovations.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
