Key Takeaways
- Indian and African start-ups signed agreements to collaborate on solar energy solutions during the SolarX Startup Accelerator Programme 2025.
- The initiative aims to lower solar energy costs through technology transfer and cross-border partnerships.
- ISA is facilitating connections between start-ups and private sector financing to enhance growth and scalability.
Collaboration for Solar Energy Solutions
Last week, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Business Mauritius hosted the two-day SolarX Startup Accelerator Programme 2025, where Indian and African start-ups formalized partnerships through memoranda of understanding (MoUs). This program involved 50 selected start-ups from Asia and the APAC region, comprising 10 from India and 20 from Africa.
Pragya Gupta, a Resource Mobilisation Specialist at ISA, highlighted that these collaborations focus on reducing solar energy costs through mutual product exchange. “They are putting each other’s products in each other’s countries,” she stated, as the ISA facilitates technology transfers and South-South collaborations under the Solar X initiative. Specific examples of partnerships include an Indian start-up focused on solar agripumps signing an MoU with an African counterpart to export technology, thus lowering costs in Africa. Another collaboration features an Indian company that produces solar cook stoves, which is partnering with an African start-up to provide these stoves to schools in the region.
Additionally, a third MoU involves creating a digital platform that lists solar agricultural infrastructure products, enhancing visibility for all participating start-ups. Gupta emphasized the importance of recognizing regional differences in challenges, suggesting that solutions can emerge from discussions among the diverse cohort of participants. There are start-ups from Africa interested in establishing operations in India, but they face challenges in navigating cross-border collaborations; ISA plays a crucial role in bridging these gaps.
Barakat Ahmed, ISA’s Regional Programmes Head, praised the involvement of Indian start-ups and the growing interest in solar innovation from India’s emerging firms. He noted that the Solar X programme is creating ambassadors for solar energy around the globe. Ahmed stressed the need for connecting these start-ups with the private sector and financial institutions, stating the current involvement of various banks in the initiative is critical for providing necessary support. He advocated for helping start-ups understand the private sector’s requirements to scale their businesses effectively.
The SolarX Startup Accelerator Programme 2025 exemplifies a significant step toward fostering international collaboration in the solar energy sector, highlighting the promising potential for shared innovation and sustainable energy solutions. The partnerships formed during the workshop are expected to pave the way for cutting-edge advancements in solar technology while addressing the distinct challenges faced by different regions.
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