Greenovation DRE for Livelihoods Challenge – EarthON & Startup India

The Greenovation DRE for Livelihoods Challenge is a grant programme run by EarthON Foundation in partnership with Startup India and DPIIT. It aims to identify, fund, and scale decentralized renewable energy (DRE) innovations that improve livelihoods in India's rural and peri-urban communities. Each year, 10 companies receive up to ₹20 lakh in non-dilutive catalytic funding — no equity is taken. The programme focuses on six problem areas: cold chain and food preservation, solar-powered irrigation and water access, productive use and rural livelihoods, operations and service ecosystems, women-led DRE enterprises, and data and finance platforms. Specific use cases include solar cold rooms, fish and food preservation, community water purification, DRE-powered livelihood equipment, pay-per-use energy services, predictive maintenance tools, and digital platforms for performance monitoring and payments.

Beyond the grant, selected startups attend a 3-day residential bootcamp covering technical, operational, and strategic skills. High-potential participants may be invited into the EarthON Gurukul, a structured incubation programme that offers mentorship, growth support, and potential equity or debt investment through the EarthON Fund. This creates a capital continuum from grant to follow-on investment for startups that demonstrate traction. The programme also offers direct visibility with policymakers, investors, and industry leaders in the clean energy, rural livelihoods, and climate ecosystem, helping startups navigate government procurement and partnership opportunities.

India's DRE sector is at a significant inflection point. This programme is one of the few that specifically funds the productive use segment rather than just generation, making it a relevant opportunity for founders building for smallholder farmers, fisher communities, and rural women entrepreneurs.

• Up to ₹20 lakh non-dilutive grant per startup, no equity taken
• 10 startups funded per annual cohort
• Open to startups at prototype, early users, or paying users stage
• Covers cold chain, solar irrigation, water access, rural livelihoods, women-led DRE, and data/finance platforms
• Includes a 3-day residential bootcamp, and high-potential participants may enter EarthON Gurukul for follow-on investment

The Greenovation DRE for Livelihoods Challenge is open to startups incorporated in India that are working on decentralized renewable energy (DRE) solutions for rural livelihoods. Startups must be at the prototype, early users, or paying users stage — meaning an MVP or early revenue is required. Eligible sectors include aquaculture, horticulture, fisheries, cold chain, solar-powered agriculture, solar irrigation, smart water management, rural livelihoods, solar mobility, and allied clean energy applications. The programme welcomes startups with or without prior funding, currently raising or not, and with or without revenue. There is no application fee. A formal legal entity (incorporated company) is required.

Greenovation DRE for Livelihoods Challenge – EarthON & Startup India is open to startups at the product and revenue stage working in climate energy ev, agri food rural and edtech social impact. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

Greenovation DRE for Livelihoods Challenge – EarthON & Startup India accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.

Selected startups receive up to ₹20 lakh in non-dilutive catalytic funding to implement and scale their DRE solutions. Beyond the grant, all participants access structured capacity-building sessions and an immersive 3-day residential bootcamp. High-potential participants may join EarthON Gurukul, which offers mentorship, growth support, and potential equity or debt investment through the EarthON Fund.

Greenovation DRE for Livelihoods Challenge – EarthON & Startup India is offered by EarthON Foundation, a non-profit foundation. It is delivered directly by EarthON Foundation as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Applications are submitted via the F6S platform and reviewed by the Greenovation/EarthON selection team based on solution relevance, innovation quality, and scalability. Shortlisted startups may be invited for further evaluation or a pitch. Up to 10 companies are selected per annual cohort. High-potential participants may be nominated for the EarthON Gurukul incubation pathway.

Before you apply to Greenovation DRE for Livelihoods Challenge – EarthON & Startup India, 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.

Greenovation DRE for Livelihoods Challenge – EarthON & Startup India is best suited for product and revenue-stage climate energy ev, agri food rural and edtech social impact startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹20L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.