Greenovation DRE for Livelihoods Challenge – EarthON & Startup India
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Quick Answer
Up to ₹20L non-dilutive grant for 10 Indian startups building decentralized renewable energy solutions for rural livelihoods.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹20L
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- EarthON Foundation
- Application deadline
- —
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round are closed. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by EarthON Foundation. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The Greenovation Renewable Energy for Livelihood Challenge is a structured grant programme supported by Startup India and DPIIT, designed to identify, fund, and scale clean energy innovations that improve livelihoods in India's rural and peri-urban communities. Run by Greenovation Hub and EarthON Foundation, the challenge funds 10 companies per year with up to ₹20 lakh each in non-dilutive catalytic funding , no equity taken.
The programme targets decentralized renewable energy (DRE) solutions across six broad 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, solar-powered 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 participate in 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 , creating a capital continuum from grant to follow-on investment for startups that demonstrate traction.
The programme gives participants direct visibility with policymakers, investors, and industry leaders across the clean energy, rural livelihoods, and climate ecosystem , a meaningful advantage for founders working in a space where policy context and investor familiarity with the sector are both critical to scale. With Startup India and DPIIT backing, the programme also provides credibility and institutional linkage for startups navigating government procurement and partnership opportunities.
India's DRE sector is at a significant inflection point , programmes like this one are among the few that fund the productive use segment specifically, rather than just generation, making it a relevant opportunity for founders building for smallholder farmers, fisher communities, and rural women entrepreneurs.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
EarthON Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the United States. It blends philanthropy and investment to support grassroots organisations and early-stage ventures across India and the Global South. Its work runs through funds, climate challenges, bootcamps and a…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹20L
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
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.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications submitted via the F6S platform are reviewed by the Greenovation/EarthON selection team for 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, with high-potential participants nominated for the EarthON Gurukul incubation pathway.
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 4
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding do selected startups receive?
Up to ₹20 lakh in non-dilutive catalytic funding per company. No equity is taken for the grant. Up to 10 companies are funded per annual cohort.
What sectors and solutions are eligible?
DRE solutions for rural livelihoods — including solar cold rooms, solar-powered fish and food preservation, irrigation and water access, DRE livelihood equipment, pay-per-use energy services, predictive maintenance tools, and digital platforms for DRE monitoring and payments.
Do I need to have revenue or prior funding to apply?
No. The programme is open to startups with or without prior funding, currently raising or not, and with or without revenue. You must be at the prototype, early users, or paying users stage.
What is EarthON Gurukul?
EarthON Gurukul is a structured incubation programme for high-potential participants from the challenge. It offers mentorship, growth support, and potential equity or debt investment through the EarthON Fund — a follow-on pathway beyond the initial grant.
Is there an application fee?
No. The programme is free to apply and participate in.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
