Heat & Health Innovation Challenge 1.0
By Centre of Excellence on Climate & Health (CoE-CH)
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Quick Answer
A national challenge to identify and accelerate validated, deployable innovations addressing heat and climate-health challenges in India, offering cash prizes and support.
- Funding amount
- ₹25,000 – ₹1L
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this competition
The Heat & Health Innovation Challenge (HHIC 1.0) is a pivotal national initiative presented by the Centre of Excellence on Climate & Health (CoE-CH). This challenge aims to identify, nurture, and accelerate groundbreaking innovations that directly address the escalating heat and climate-health challenges across India. By fostering a collaborative environment with partners like Malla Reddy Vishwavidyapeeth and Tarutium Global Consulting, HHIC 1.0 seeks to unearth solutions that are not only validated but also readily deployable to make a tangible impact on public health and resilience in the face of climate change. The program is designed to support a diverse range of innovators, from burgeoning startups and MSMEs to established corporate innovation teams and non-profit organizations, encouraging them to bring forward solutions at a mature development stage, ready for pilot or commercialization.
This challenge focuses on innovations that have moved beyond the conceptual phase, requiring a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5. It is an invitation to pioneers who have developed prototypes or pilot-ready solutions that can contribute significantly to mitigating the adverse effects of heat on human health. The HHIC 1.0 is committed to driving forward solutions that offer practical and scalable answers to some of the most pressing environmental health issues facing India today.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
Prizes & Awards
- Amount
- ₹25,000 – ₹1L
What You Get
The Heat & Health Innovation Challenge offers significant cash prizes to recognize and reward top innovations. The 1st Prize is an impressive ₹1,00,000, followed by ₹50,000 for the 2nd Prize, and ₹25,000 for the 3rd Prize, contributing to a total cash pool of ₹1,75,000. These non-repayable prizes are designed to provide crucial capital for winners to further develop and deploy their solutions. Beyond financial rewards, shortlisted teams will benefit from invaluable mentorship from industry experts, gain vital market access opportunities to test and scale their products, and receive investment-readiness support to help them attract further funding and ensure long-term sustainability.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
The selection process for the Heat & Health Innovation Challenge involves a multi-stage evaluation. Initially, all submitted applications and pitch decks are rigorously screened against the minimum eligibility criteria, particularly focusing on the innovation's relevance to heat and health challenges, Technology Readiness Level (TRL 5+), and the availability of a validated prototype. A selection committee, comprising experts from the Centre of Excellence on Climate & Health and its partners, will review applications to identify promising solutions. Shortlisted teams will then advance to a mentorship phase, where they will refine their innovations and pitch presentations. The final stage involves a Demo Day where these finalists will pitch their solutions to a jury, who will then select the winners based on criteria such as innovation, impact potential, scalability, and team capability.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Application
Applicants complete the online form and upload their pitch deck and supporting documents.
You - 2
- 3
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- 5
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of innovations is the HHIC 1.0 looking for?
We are seeking validated, deployable innovations that address one or more heat and climate-health related challenges in India. Solutions should be beyond the concept stage, with a validated prototype or pilot-ready solution available.
Who is eligible to apply for the challenge?
The challenge is open to startups, MSMEs, social enterprises, corporate innovation teams, NGOs/non-profit organisations, and universities/research institutions (for technologies at TRL 5 or above with a commercialisation pathway).
What are the prizes for the winners?
The challenge offers cash prizes: ₹1,00,000 for the 1st prize, ₹50,000 for the 2nd prize, and ₹25,000 for the 3rd prize, making a total cash pool of ₹1,75,000. Additionally, participants receive mentorship, market access, and investment-readiness support.
Is there any equity dilution involved in participating?
No, the Heat & Health Innovation Challenge is explicitly stated as 'Free and equity-free to participate'. You retain full ownership of your innovation and company.
What is the minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) required?
Applicants must demonstrate that their innovation has achieved a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5, indicating a validated prototype or pilot-ready solution.
How do I apply for the challenge?
You can apply by filling out the application form available at https://form.jotform.com/262111047204037. Ensure your pitch deck follows the specified format and content recommendations.
