Building on the success of the Africa edition, which attracted 182 applications from 28 countries and produced 20 winning companies, including seven women-led ventures, the APAC edition continues this momentum by addressing the unique energy needs and opportunities within this diverse region. The SolarX Startup Challenge is designed to develop scalable and replicable business models that accelerate global energy transitions. The APAC edition, which also included a dedicated segment for India, highlighted ways to enhance solar deployment through localised solutions and entrepreneurial efforts across the Asia-Pacific.
Ajay Mathur, Director General, ISA said in a statement, “This challenge emphasises our focus on developing scalable solutions tailored to the diverse energy needs of this dynamic region.”
The SolarX Startup Challenge 2024: APAC saw a remarkable response, with over 270 solar entrepreneurs and innovators participating from the Asia-Pacific region demonstrating the region’s vibrant solar energy ecosystem. Among the 30 winners of the challenge, 10 winners are from India and 20 winners hail from various other countries across the Asia-Pacific region. Each winner will receive a USD 15,000 cash grant, along with technical assistance through an acceleration program tailored to their specific needs. This initiative, supported by Invest India and other partner organisations, showcases ISA’s endeavour to create a transformative platform for entrepreneurial success, innovation and strategic networking.
The winners will receive extensive support from ISA, Invest India and other partner organisations through mentorship programs, investor connections, and market access initiatives. This support will empower them to scale their innovations and make a significant impact on the solar energy landscape across the APAC region. Through entrepreneurship, finance, and increased investments, ISA anticipates a transformative shift in enabling a swift energy transition in the Asia-Pacific.
The ISA is an international organisation with 119 Member and signatory countries. It works with governments to improve energy access and security worldwide and promote solar power as a sustainable transition to a carbon-neutral future.
