By Srinivas Iyer
In a bid to catalyze innovation and collaboration in the renewable energy sector, Invest India and the International Solar Alliance, in partnership with the High Commission of India in Colombo, recently organized a one-day workshop in Sri Lanka. The event, tailored for the country’s burgeoning solar start-up ecosystem, aimed to introduce participants to the SolarX Start-up Challenge: APAC Edition and elucidate its manifold benefits.
The workshop, attended by representatives from Sri Lanka’s leading incubators and universities, featured comprehensive sessions delving into the intricacies of the SolarX Start-up Challenge. Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, Deputy High Commissioner of India, graced the occasion with a keynote address. Dr. Pandey underscored the immense growth potential of the renewable energy sector in India and emphasized opportunities for cross-border collaboration. Additionally, he shed light on forthcoming initiatives designed to bolster Sri Lanka’s startup ecosystem, particularly in the realm of renewable energy.
At the heart of the workshop lay the SolarX Start-up Challenge, a platform aimed at sourcing implementable, cost-effective, scalable, and innovative solutions to the enduring challenges faced by the solar energy sector across member countries. Having successfully concluded its inaugural edition focused on the African region, the second edition sets its sights on the APAC region. By fostering innovation and discovering local solutions, the Challenge seeks to build capacity and drive sustainable growth in the renewable energy sector.
Participants in the SolarX Start-up Challenge stand to benefit from a USD 15,000 prize, along with invaluable opportunities for mentorship and market access assistance. Further details about the Challenge and its objectives can be accessed at [link to website].
Overall, the workshop served as a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among key stakeholders in the solar start-up ecosystem. By highlighting the increasing opportunities for growth in the renewable energy sector, the event underscored the importance of collective action in driving innovation and sustainability in the APAC region and beyond.
