Greenovation Green Steel Challenge by EarthON Foundation
The Greenovation Green Steel Challenge by EarthON Foundation supports high-impact solutions for decarbonising India's steel sector, focusing on piloting innovations.
- Funding amount
- ₹25L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- EarthON Foundation (NGO/Foundation)
- Application deadline
- Closed (15 Mar 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Greenovation Green Steel Challenge, spearheaded by the EarthON Foundation, is a nationwide initiative aimed at discovering, nurturing, and piloting innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions within India's steel industry. The program specifically seeks out groundbreaking innovations and proof-of-concepts that are ready for testing in real-world industrial environments. This approach helps innovators transition their solutions from pilot projects to full-scale implementation with reduced associated risks.
This challenge is strategically aligned with India's National Action Plan on Climate Change and its broader long-term objectives for decarbonisation. It directly addresses the critical need to curb emissions from steel production, a sector that currently contributes significantly to global CO2 levels. Participants in the challenge benefit from access to operational industrial testbeds located across Eastern India, providing an invaluable opportunity to validate their solutions under authentic operating conditions.
Highlights
- National challenge for decarbonising India's steel sector.
- Offers grants of up to ₹25 lakh.
- Supports innovations at prototype, pilot-tested, or market-ready stages.
- Open to startups, R&D institutions, technology providers, and individual researchers.
- Focus on scalable solutions, including for MSME steel producers.
- Access to live industrial testbeds across Eastern India for validation.
- Application deadline is March 15, 2026.
Who can apply
The Greenovation Green Steel Challenge welcomes a diverse range of applicants dedicated to decarbonising the steel sector. This includes passionate innovators, startups, technology providers, R&D institutions, and individual researchers.
Applicants must present solutions that are directly applicable to the Indian steel industry landscape. Innovations should be at a mature stage, specifically prototype, pilot-tested, or market-ready. A demonstrated history in clean technology or work related to decarbonisation is essential. The program prioritises solutions that are scalable, with particular relevance for MSME steel producers, and are ready for immediate industrial implementation within live steel plant environments.
For R&D institutions and individual researchers, eligibility also requires offering research-backed solutions for decarbonisation or green steel. They must demonstrate a willingness and readiness for technology transfer to industry, along with either prior experience in or an openness to collaborating with industrial partners.
Greenovation Green Steel Challenge by EarthON Foundation is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for Greenovation Green Steel Challenge by EarthON Foundation closed on 15 Mar 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
The Greenovation Green Steel Challenge offers financial support in the form of a grant, with successful applicants eligible to receive up to ₹25 lakh. This funding is intended to support the development and piloting of innovative solutions aimed at decarbonising the steel sector.
About the provider
Greenovation Green Steel Challenge by EarthON Foundation 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.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The selection process for the Greenovation Green Steel Challenge involves several distinct stages:
- Online Registration: Prospective applicants begin by registering online during the designated registration period.
- Internal Evaluation: Submitted registrations undergo an initial internal evaluation by the EarthON Foundation team.
- Detailed Application Submission: Applicants who are shortlisted from the initial evaluation are then invited to submit a more comprehensive and detailed application outlining their solutions.
- Jury Evaluation: A panel of experts, or a jury, evaluates these detailed applications and the proposed solutions.
- Final Selection and Support: The final winners are selected based on the jury's evaluation, and they receive support for pilot implementation of their innovative solutions.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Greenovation Green Steel Challenge by EarthON Foundation, 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.
Who this is best for
Greenovation Green Steel Challenge by EarthON Foundation is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹25L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Greenovation Green Steel Challenge?
The Greenovation Green Steel Challenge is a national innovation program launched by the EarthON Foundation. Its primary goal is to identify, support, and help pilot innovative solutions that can effectively decarbonise India's steel industry, aligning with the nation's climate action goals.
Who is the provider of this challenge?
The Greenovation Green Steel Challenge is provided and managed by the EarthON Foundation.
What type of funding does the Greenovation Green Steel Challenge offer?
This program offers funding in the form of a grant, which means it provides financial support without requiring an equity stake in your venture.
What is the maximum funding amount available through this challenge?
Successful applicants in the Greenovation Green Steel Challenge can receive a grant of up to ₹25 lakh to support their innovative solutions.
What is the application deadline for the Greenovation Green Steel Challenge?
The application deadline for this challenge is March 15, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply for the Greenovation Green Steel Challenge?
The challenge is open to a wide range of innovators, including startups, technology providers, R&D institutions, and individual researchers. Eligible solutions should be applicable to the Indian steel industry and be at prototype, pilot-tested, or market-ready stages. Applicants should also have a proven track record in clean technology or decarbonisation.
Are there any specific requirements for R&D institutions or individual researchers?
Yes, R&D institutions and researchers must offer research-backed solutions for green steel or decarbonisation, be willing to transfer technology to industry, and have experience or be open to industrial collaboration.
Does the Greenovation Green Steel Challenge require DPIIT or MSME registration?
The program description does not explicitly state a requirement for DPIIT or MSME registration. However, it does mention that scalable solutions, including those applicable for MSME steel producers, are prioritised.
Does the EarthON Foundation take equity from participants?
No, the Greenovation Green Steel Challenge provides funding as a grant, which means the EarthON Foundation does not take an equity stake in the participating startups or ventures.
How can one apply for the Greenovation Green Steel Challenge?
Applications are submitted through an online registration process. Following an internal evaluation, shortlisted candidates are invited to submit a detailed application, which then undergoes jury evaluation before final selections are made.
Who offers Greenovation Green Steel Challenge by EarthON Foundation?
Greenovation Green Steel Challenge by EarthON Foundation is offered by EarthON Foundation, a non-profit foundation. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for Greenovation Green Steel Challenge by EarthON Foundation?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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