SolarX Startup Challenge

Heartiest Congratulations to the Winners of SolarX Startup Challenge 2023!

Overview

SolarX Startup Challenge aims to crowdsource implementable, cost-effective, scalable, and innovative solutions to some of the persistent challenges faced by the solar energy sector of the member countries. The first edition is focused on the African region, aiming to promote innovation and discover local solutions, with the over-arching objective of capacity building. The SolarX Startup Challenge will address a three-fold benefit for the African region:

Promotion of the solar energy sector
Thinning of the gap of the energy crisis in Africa
Promotion of a strong startup ecosystem in Africa

Eligibility
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- Operation Duration: Must be a maximum of 10 years – calculated from incorporation date until public nominations open
- Revenue: Participant must be generating monthly revenue from operations
- Innovation: Should have a minimum viable product and/or service explicitly related to innovation

Problem Statements
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The broad areas for problem statements include:
- Technical and financial innovations to accelerate the deployment of off-grid solar applications (mini-grids and SHS) to displace diesel, charcoal or traditional biomass
- Development of more efficient models having high scalability potential and enhancing cost competitiveness (including life cycle costs) for solar drying, solar water heating, solar cooking or other similar productive use applications
- Technical and/or business model innovations to bring down the cost of, or support grid integration for rooftop solar systems
- Innovative solutions combining use of solar with other applications (e.g.AgriPV) to save land and boost small holder family incomes
- Manufacturing innovations (deployment or integration) to lower the cost or improve efficiency/efficacy of solar or ancillary equipment in target markets
- Innovative business models of solar power to emerging use cases such as eMoblity, green Hydrogen, round-the-clock power, battery waste management etc.
- Development of soft tools based on AI, IOT to improve the manufacturing, deployment or integration of solar energy applications
- Development of eco-system in terms of manufacturing of balance of system components, such as, high efficiency inverters, glass cover options for modules to maintain high transmittance and reduce use of water in cleaning, EVA sheets, etc.
- Development of high efficiency DC pumps with smart controller having potential for scalability and practical business models for dissemination
- Services or softwares which help in land mapping e.g. geo-spatial drones
Have a query? Connect with us at solarxstartupchallenge@investindia.org.in

Incentives
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The winners will be incentivized through two modes:

Timeline
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List of Winners of SolarX Startup Challenge 2023

Problem Statement 1
Technical and financial innovations to accelerate the deployment of off-grid solar applications (mini-grids and SHS) to displace diesel, charcoal or traditional biomass
Winner1	Winner2
Musana Carts Uganda Limited	Hellosolar Technology PLC
Musana Carts: Solar-powered street vending carts offering clean energy solutions to legal businesses, enabling their clean operations. The carts are modular and easily customizable, equipped with features like fridges, gas cookers, and mobile money terminals, making them adaptable to various street vending businesses.	HelloSolar delivers PAYGO solar home systems in Ethiopia, targeting underserved rural communities. The sustainable distribution model has reached 13,000+ direct customers, actively contributing to Ethiopia's Electrification Program and engaging the private sector in energy expansion.
Problem Statement 2
Development of more efficient models having high scalability potential and enhancing cost competitiveness (including life cycle costs) for solar drying, solar water heating, solar cooking or other similar productive use applications
Winner1	Winner2
Kuza Coolers Limited	Ecobora
Kuza Freezer provides affordable and sustainable solution for over 150,000 small-scale fishers and fish farmers in Kenya, reducing 45% daily fish harvest waste caused by the lack of reliable cold storage. Their freezers maintain a low temperature range of 10°C to -20°C, preserving fish for 2 to 3 days, thus improving food security in the fish value chain	Ecobora provides pay-as-you-go solar cooking boilers to schools, enabling affordable micropayments from $200 for stove access and free student meals. 100% solar-powered stoves eliminate firewood use, store energy for 7 days, ensuring cooking during rainy seasons, and generate thermal and electrical energy for safe, nutritious food storage.
Problem Statement 3
Technical and/or business model innovations to bring down the cost of, or support grid integration for rooftop solar systems
Winner1	Winner2
Centennial Power Ltd	INNO-NEAT Energy Solutions
Centennial's solution provides reliable power supply to health facilities in African countries, extending vaccine preservation in areas with limited electricity access. It promotes environmental sustainability, reducing carbon footprint and aligning with global climate efforts while safeguarding public health.	INNO-NEAT Energy Solutions offers unique batteries that are designed to be repairable and maintainable. Their focus on sustainability and efficiency sets them apart in the energy storage industry, providing cost-effective solutions while reducing electronic waste.
Problem Statement 4
Innovative solutions combining use of solar with other applications (e.g.AgriPV) to save land and boost small holder family incomes
Winner1	Winner2
Urban Greens Ltd	STES GROUP LTD
Urban Greens: Provides user-friendly aquaponics systems for urban growers with solar-powered backup and remote IoT monitoring. Offers intensive support, guaranteed buy-back of produce, and credit sales to foster grower motivation. Unique design bridges hobby and large-scale farming, enabling commercial food production in urban spaces with low maintenance and affordable labor.	BazaFarm: Innovative solution by local youth engineers enhances agricultural yields with a 13% productivity increase. Streamlined manufacturing and user-friendly design make it accessible for regional farmers, positively impacting market revenue and overall productivity.
Problem Statement 5
Manufacturing innovations (deployment or integration) to lower the cost or improve efficiency/efficacy of solar or ancillary equipment in target markets
Winner1	Winner2
Green Scene Energy PLC	Salpha Energy Ltd
GSE's PAYG solar utilizes Ethiopia's telecom infrastructure for affordable energy in off-grid areas. SETT's pioneering technology offers (i) cost-effective solar solutions, eliminating high upfront costs, (ii) financial access with 80% payment over 12 months, (iii) savings on travel and traditional energy expenses, and (iv) introduces rural communities to digital payments, fostering a digital payment ecosystem.	Salpha Energy's solar home systems, with up to 3,000 watts per hour capacity, cater to diverse businesses in Nigeria, from barbers to small offices. Transitioning from generators to Salpha's solar solutions can yield up to 68% cost savings in energy expenses for both homeowners and businesses.
Problem Statement 6
Innovative business models of solar power to emerging use cases such as eMoblity, green Hydrogen, round-the-clock power, battery waste management etc.
Winner1	Winner2
OffGridBox Rwanda Ltd	Bako Motors
OffGridBox's mission is to deliver global climate-resilient energy and water products, emphasizing hydrogen and clean cooking solutions. It is also developing a negative carbon footprint solar system with a solar electrolyzer for green hydrogen, serving households, institutions, and humanitarian settings to combat climate change through integrated solar, water, and hydrogen solutions.	Bako Motors' electric/solar vehicles present an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative, with transportation costs 10 times cheaper at 1.5 TND per 100 Km. Weighing only 30 Kg (body) and 250 Kg (empty), these vehicles reduce operational costs by 40% using solar cells. Priced at 12,000 TND, they provide a convenient and accessible choice for businesses of various sizes through dealer and in-house B2B leasing models.
Problem Statement 7
Development of soft tools based on AI, IoT to improve the manufacturing, deployment or integration of solar energy applications
Winner1	Winner2
Arinifu Technologies Ltd	Momint
The OSmart brooder is an IoT environmental control device designed for poultry farming to manage temperature and humidity levels based on specific needs of different chicken breeds at varying growth stages. The device integrates efficient heaters, such as bulbs/ptc solar heaters for smaller scale farmers and LPG/Biogas heaters with solar ignition and flame detection for larger farms, ensuring optimal conditions for the chicks' well-being and growth.	Momint pioneers the fusion of virtual assets and real-world impact using Blockchain, ensuring transparency and security in transactions to combat corruption and encourage global participation. Momint innovatively leverages Blockchain to bridge the gap between virtual assets and tangible impact, addressing corruption challenges with secure legal contracts thereby, transforming financial interactions with trust and transparency.
Problem Statement 8
Development of eco-system in terms of manufacturing of balance of system components, such as, high efficiency inverters, glass cover options for modules to maintain high transmittance and reduce use of water in cleaning, EVA sheets, etc.
Winner1	Winner2
NoorNation	ASACCOV GLOBAL NIGERIA LIMITED - A6GNL
Noornation's LifeBox: Fast-deployable, all-in-one unit simplifying clean energy and safe water adoption. Plug-and-play for quick implementation, ideal for areas lacking infrastructure. Unique efficiency and space-saving design save 73% of land compared to traditional ground-mounted PV systems, making it practical for land-limited regions.	Asaccov Global Nigeria Limited addresses the pressing demand for clean and affordable energy solutions in Nigeria. It offers portable solar generator with DC and AC functions, optional solar panel integration for clean and affordable energy. Versatile design supports various appliances, catering to diverse energy needs of households, SMEs, workstations, and security systems.
Problem Statement 9
Development of high efficiency DC pumps with smart controller having potential for scalability and practical business models for dissemination
Winner1	Winner2
PHOTONS ENERGY LTD	NorthLite Solar Limited
Photons innovatively reduces e-mobility and solar distribution costs, making local transportation more affordable, boosting operator revenue, and creating additional job opportunities for economic growth. Photons reduces motorcycle operation expenses, lowering transportation costs and increasing operator revenue.	NorthLite's mission centers on providing access to affordable, clean energy for communities, focusing on empowering women and eliminating harmful energy sources. It aims to improve livelihoods, sustainabilit and facilitate modern agriculture and smart farming practices.
Problem Statement 10
Services or softwares which help in land mapping e.g. geo-spatial drones
Winner1	Winner2
Uwana Energy	EG Platform ltd. (Energrow)
Uwana Energy outshines by serving as a comprehensive bridge between energy providers and consumers. It goes beyond basics, offering affordable financing, verified reviews, offline support, quality assurance, and a data-driven sales acceleration.	EnerGrow is a tech start-up growing sustainable, productive, rural electricity demand in Africa, through an innovative mix of productive asset financing, training and digital ID based technology. Energrow by EG Platform Ltd. brings microfinancing to rural families, boosting incomes and fostering economic growth.

About Organisers
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- International Solar Alliance (ISA): The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies as a means for bringing energy access, ensuring energy security, and driving energy transition in its member countries. The ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and France to mobilize efforts against climate change through the deployment of solar energy solutions. Currently, the ISA has 9 comprehensive programs, each focusing on a distinct application that could help scale the deployment of solar energy solutions. Activities under the program focus on 4 priority areas – Analytics & Advocacy, Capacity Building, Programmatic Support, and readiness and enabling activities, that help create a favourable environment for solar energy investments to take root in the country.
- Children Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF): Children’s Investment Fund Foundation is an independent philanthropic organisation, working with a range of partners seeking to transform the lives of children and adolescents. CIFF programmes are designed to support bold ideas to solve seemingly intractable problems. As a private philanthropy focused on systemic change, CIFF takes on tough problems that others cannot, and invest for the long term. The portfolio is regularly rebalanced away from interventions that seek to optimise the status quo, towards investments with transformative potential.
- Invest India: Invest India is the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of India with experience in delivering projects of national and international importance. These projects aim to drive the socio-economic development of the target section. Invest India has been assisting the Government of India as a program monitoring unit since its inception hence the targeted outcome has never been profit-making rather larger socio-economic well-being is paramount. Invest India is the most awarded investment promotion agency in the world and is the elected President of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland aiming to create a global collaborative environment for direct investment.