The inaugural International Solar Festival 2024 was held in New Delhi on September 5 and 6. It gathered global leaders, innovators and young entrepreneurs to celebrate advancements in solar technology. A key highlight of it was the SolarX Startup Challenge and emerging startups from the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region including India showcased innovative solutions in solar energy.
The SolarX Startup Challenge featured 30 startups including 20 from the APAC region and 10 from India. Each startup was awarded $15,000 in prize money as well as access to a dedicated acceleration program.
The International Solar Festival 2024 focused on four main themes: innovation, youth involvement, gender inclusion and working with the private sector. These can help in speeding up the use of solar energy as well as tackle issues of unequal energy access. The SolarX Startup Challenge provided the entrepreneurs a platform to introduce new technologies to shake up traditional energy markets. The startups showcased their innovative ideas such as solar-powered farming tools and community-based energy solutions.
The festival strongly focused on involving youth and women in the solar industry. Speakers mainly emphasized on the importance of giving equal chances to women and young entrepreneurs in the renewable energy sector.
US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, highlighted the importance of international collaboration in accelerating solar energy deployment. The International Solar Festival highlighted that solar energy is to play an important role in achieving climate goals. The innovations showcased at the SolarX Startup Challenge could shape the future of energy, as startups help drive both technological progress and the global move toward renewable energy.
