Sri Lanka has emerged as a regional leader with the highest number of winners at the SolarX Startup Challenge (Asia-Pacific Chapter).
The Challenge launched at COP 28 by the International Solar Alliance in collaboration with Invest India is committed to identifying and fostering innovative solutions in the solar energy sector.
This year, the Challenge identified top 20 startups from across Asia-Pacific, including Sri Lanka, Australia, Papua New Guinea, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other countries. Four of the twenty selected start-ups are from Sri Lanka.
These start-ups were introduced to the Challenge in a workshop organised by High Commission of India earlier this year, in partnership with Invest India and the International Solar Alliance.
Four Sri Lankan start-ups Bio Lanka Exports, Magicbit, Syntax Genie and Bluechip Technologies Asia were awarded grants of USD 15,000 each, alongside acceleration support encompassing mentorship, investor connections, and market access opportunities.
Invest India is organising the second round of the SolarX Startup Challenge workshop in Colombo on 12 December 2024. This Physical Acceleration Workshop will be a capacity-building event to further empower startups in the renewable energy sector with mentorship sessions, interactive discussions, and pitching opportunities.
It will also feature field visits to solar and renewable energy facilities in Sri Lanka, providing startups with hands-on exposure to the local ecosystem. (Islandnews)
