The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched a new “Innovation Challenge for Circularity in Renewable Energy Technologies – Batteries and Solar Photovoltaic” under its Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development (RE-RTD) Programme. The initiative aims to promote research and development focused on circular economy approaches within India’s renewable energy sector, especially in solar and battery technologies. Proposals for this challenge are invited from eligible Indian entities, with submissions open from 23rd June 2025 and the last date being 15th July 2025.
The objective of the challenge is to scale innovations that contribute to sustainability, resource efficiency, and waste reduction across the renewable energy value chain. With increasing global dependence on minerals for clean energy technologies and growing concerns about material scarcity and concentrated supply chains, India seeks to shift from the conventional linear model to a circular economy that prioritizes reduce, reuse, and recycle strategies.
The innovation challenge focuses on three main themes: design and manufacturing innovations that simplify dismantling and promote the use of recycled materials; second-life use and recycling innovations for reuse, refurbishment, and recovery of materials; and operational management innovations to improve system life and enable predictive maintenance and digital tracking.
Applicants are expected to indicate the current and targeted Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) of their proposals, ranging from basic research (TRL 1) to proven operational systems (TRL 9). Financial support will be provided according to the innovation’s maturity level. Proof of concept innovations (TRL 1–3) can receive up to ₹10 lakh, potential innovations (TRL 4–5) up to ₹30 lakh, and proven innovations (TRL 6 and above) up to ₹2 crore. The total funding available under this challenge is ₹10 crore.
Only Indian-based technologies are eligible, and applications must be submitted online through the MNRE research portal. Evaluation will be done in two stages – an initial screening by the Secretariat and a final selection by a Jury of sector experts. Proposals will be assessed based on completeness, relevance, innovation, scalability, technical merit, and sustainability.
Selected innovators will be supported for a project duration of up to two years, with the possibility of extension on a case-by-case basis. MNRE will monitor progress through Project Monitoring Committees (PMCs), and winners will be required to submit periodic technical and financial updates. Utilization of funds will be restricted to upgrading TRLs or pilot implementation, depending on the innovation stage.
This initiative builds on India’s broader commitment to resource efficiency and climate goals, including the Mission LiFE and the circular economy roadmap supported by NITI Aayog. It also reflects India’s leadership during its G20 presidency, where a global coalition on circular economy and zero-waste commitments was highlighted. By supporting domestic innovation in clean energy technologies, MNRE aims to boost sustainability, enhance energy security, and create new market and employment opportunities.
