AP-AER Mission Hackathon 1.0

The AP-AER Mission Hackathon 1.0 is a significant state-wide innovation challenge spearheaded by the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH), operating under the purview of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Its core objective is to identify, nurture, and scale innovative alternate energy solutions specifically tailored for implementation within Andhra Pradesh. The mission places a strong emphasis on developing energy systems that are inherently local, resilient, and sustainable, aligning with the ambitious Swarandhra Vision 2047 and the AP Innovation & Startup Policy 4.0 (2024-2029). This initiative adopts a deployment-first strategy, aiming to drive energy transition at a grassroots level across the state.

The program encompasses 12 sector-focused challenges distributed across four key domains: cooking energy, mobility and transport, agriculture and rural energy, and MSMEs and industrial energy. Solutions submitted must demonstrate clear potential for real-world implementability within Andhra Pradesh, with a defined pathway towards pilot projects and eventual procurement. Participants can engage through three distinct tracks, each designed for different maturity levels of innovation: the Deploy Now track is for market-ready solutions seeking immediate pilots and rapid deployment; the Adapt & Validate track supports prototype-stage innovations requiring field validation and pilot assistance; and the Build New track is for students and early-stage innovators who need incubation and prototyping support. The hackathon is structured to support every phase of innovation, from initial concept to full-scale implementation.

• Deployment-driven innovation challenge by Ratan Tata Innovation Hub.
• Focuses on alternate energy solutions for Andhra Pradesh.
• Open to startups, MSMEs, individual innovators, students, academics, incubators, and NGOs.
• Supports solutions from idea stage to market-ready deployment.
• Offers grant funding for pilots, validation, incubation, and prototyping.
• Applications are accepted from across India, with a deadline of April 20, 2026.

The AP-AER Mission Hackathon 1.0 welcomes a diverse range of participants from across India. This includes startups, whether they are currently incubated or officially registered with DPIIT. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are also encouraged to apply with their innovative energy solutions. Individual innovators working independently are eligible to submit proposals. Academic institutions, encompassing universities and colleges classified as Tier 1, Tier 2/3, government-funded, or private, can participate. Students at various educational levels, from school to bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs, are also eligible. Additionally, incubators and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that possess relevant energy solutions are invited to apply.

Crucially, applications are open to participants from across India, with no residency restrictions to Andhra Pradesh. The program supports solutions at different stages of maturity: market-ready technologies are eligible for immediate pilots, prototype-stage solutions can seek field validation, and early-stage innovations are eligible for incubation and prototyping support.

AP-AER Mission Hackathon 1.0 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for AP-AER Mission Hackathon 1.0 closed on 20 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Recipients of the AP-AER Mission Hackathon 1.0 receive grant funding, which varies based on the solution and track. This funding is designed to support the development and deployment of alternate energy solutions. Benefits include opportunities for immediate pilots, fast-track deployment, field validation, and support for incubation and prototyping. As a grant, this funding is non-dilutive, meaning no equity stake is taken from participating innovators or startups.

AP-AER Mission Hackathon 1.0 is offered by Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH), a government body. As a government-backed competition, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Before you apply to AP-AER Mission Hackathon 1.0, keep the following documents ready:

• A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
• Company registration documents and PAN
• Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
• Recent financial statements or projections
• Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available

Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.