Corrigendum 1 – Call for Proposal (CfP) to Support Start-up Incubation in the Renewable Energy Sector – EQ
Summary:
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Call for Proposal (CfP) for Start-up Incubation in Renewable Energy Sector (with Corrigendum)
### **Issuing Authorities**
* **National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE)** – An autonomous institute under MNRE, Govt. of India.
* **In collaboration with:**
* **National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI)**
* **Atal Incubation Centre (AIC), IIT Delhi**
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### **Purpose of the Program**
To support and accelerate **start-up-led innovation** in the Renewable Energy (RE) sector by:
* Facilitating transition from **lab-scale prototypes** (TRL 3–4) to **market-ready solutions** (TRL 6–8)
* Promoting **indigenous RE technologies** in alignment with **Atmanirbhar Bharat** and **Viksit Bharat** visions
* Encouraging commercialization of innovations in **solar energy, green hydrogen, storage, AI/ML in RE, smart grids, EV integration, small hydro, wind, and decentralized applications**
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### **Corrigendum Key Changes (06 Aug 2025)**
1. **Eligibility Criteria Relaxation:**
A new clause allows the committee to relax criteria (i–vii) for extraordinary/innovative proposals, at the discretion of DG, NISE.
2. **Application Process Update:**
* Applicants must now fill a **Google Form** and submit a **signed printed copy** via email by **09 Sep 2025**.
* Earlier, only PDF submission by 26 Aug 2025 was required.
3. **Extended Closing Date:**
Deadline moved from **26 Aug 2025** to **09 Sep 2025** (11:59 PM IST).
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### **Focus Areas**
Start-ups working on innovations in the following domains are encouraged to apply:
* **AI & Machine Learning in RE** – forecasting, grid management, smart trading, O\&M
* **Smart Manufacturing** – advanced materials, automation, robotics in RE manufacturing
* **Advanced Energy Storage & BMS** – next-gen chemistries, EV charging, thermal management
* **Green Hydrogen** – electrolyser tech, storage, transportation innovations
* **New RE Technologies** – AgriPV, floating PV, BIPV, geothermal, ocean energy, wind innovations
* **Circular Economy** – recycling, eco-design, biodegradable materials
* **Decentralized RE Applications** – solar cold storage, dryers, pumps
* **Alternative Fuels** – biofuels, synthetic fuels, sustainable aviation fuel
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### **Support & Facilities Offered**
Selected start-ups will receive:
1. **Infrastructure Access** – State-of-the-art labs, testing & validation at NISE; incubation space at AIC IIT Delhi.
2. **Technical Mentorship** – Guidance from NISE scientists, NSEFI industry experts, and AIC mentors.
3. **Industry Mentorship** – Sessions with successful entrepreneurs & leaders.
4. **Co-working Space** – At NISE campus; optional 2-year physical incubation at AIC IIT Delhi.
5. **Standardization & Certification Support**
6. **Market Linkages** – Networking with developers, manufacturers, and investors.
7. **Funding Assistance** – Guidance on securing grants and seed funding.
8. **Pilot/Demonstration Opportunities**
9. **Capacity Building** – Workshops, investor meets, pitch sessions.
10. **Collaborative Ecosystem** – Academic and industry tie-ups for scale-up.
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### **Eligibility Criteria**
* Must be a **DPIIT-recognized Indian start-up** (51% Indian ownership).
* Technology readiness at **TRL 3–4** with potential to reach TRL 6–8.
* Core technology focus in RE sector with real-world problem-solving.
* Only **one proposal per start-up/PI**.
* PI must be a founder/shareholder with at least an undergraduate degree.
* Not eligible:
* Projects below TRL 3, basic/exploratory research, low novelty projects, duplicates of previously funded work.
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### **Selection Process**
1. **Eligibility Screening** – Check compliance and completeness.
2. **Expert Evaluation** – Innovation, feasibility, potential impact.
3. **Final Advisory Committee Review**
4. **Due Diligence** – Technical, financial, legal checks.
* **Optional Boot Camp** before final pitch for selected start-ups.
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### **Application Procedure**
* Fill **Annexure I** form and **Google Form** (per corrigendum).
* Email signed PDF copy and required documents to **[incubation@nise.res.in](mailto:incubation@nise.res.in)**.
* **Deadline:** 09 September 2025 (11:59 PM IST).
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### **Terms & Conditions**
* Initial support for **2 years**, extendable by **1 year** (two 6-month extensions) based on performance.
* **MoA** to be signed with NISE covering IP rights, revenue sharing, etc.
* NISE reserves the right to terminate support if progress is unsatisfactory.
* Disputes to be resolved by NISE’s competent authority.
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