MNRE Launches Innovation Challenge for Circularity in Renewable Energy Technologies
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched an INR 10 crore Innovation Challenge to drive circular economy breakthroughs in battery storage and solar PV technologies, aiming to promote sustainability, reduce waste, and accelerate research under its RE-RTD Scheme. Proposals can be submitted till July 15, 2025.
June 17, 2025. By Mrinmoy Dey
Proposals can be submitted under the Ministry’s Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development (RE-RTD) Scheme until July 15, 2025.
“The proposal aims to promote innovation in recycling and reuse, minimise waste, enhance sustainability and resource efficiency, foster new technologies, strengthen the supply chain, and align with global climate goals while advancing the nation's research and innovation capabilities in the circular economy within the RE sector,” said the MNRE in a notification.
The circularity innovation challenge specifically focuses on identifying innovations which are efficient, reliable and scalable three themes – design and manufacturing innovations, second-life use and recycling innovations and operational management innovations.
“The spectrum of activities encompasses translational research to convert knowledge into practical products or processes. It also includes applied research aimed at improving the performance of existing systems. This innovation challenge uses Technology Readiness Level (TRL) to assess the technology maturity of the submitted proposals,” mentioned the call for proposals (cfp) document.
According to the Ministry's notification, the challenge is open to Indian-based R&D organisations, academic institutions, universities, and startups. All proposals must be submitted online via MNRE’s dedicated research portal.
All applications will be screened by the Secretariat, and by an independent Jury composed of sector experts. The Jury will consist of subject experts empanelled as per MNRE R&D Project Appraisal Committee (RDPAC) guidelines, it said.
Funding under the scheme will be extended across three categories, based on the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the innovation. Projects in the “Proof of Concept” stage (TRL 1–3) are eligible for up to INR 10 lakh. Innovations at the “Potential” stage (TRL 4–5) can receive up to INR 30 lakh. For “Proven” technologies (TRL 6 and above), funding of up to INR 2 crore or 50 percent of the total project cost, whichever is lower, will be provided.
Financial must be used only for the purpose of upgrading of TRLs for proof of concept and potential innovations category of the challenge, and pilot implementation and demonstration for proven innovations category of the challenge.
Monitoring and evaluation of the pilot projects will be undertaken through Project Monitoring Committees (PMCs) composed of subject matter experts empanelled by MNRE.
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