A Joint Initiative of EarthON Foundation and Greenovation Hub in Collaboration
with WWF, IGSN, and Rajiva Sinha Foundation
Greenovation Green Steel Challenge
Challenge Overview
The Greenovation Challenge on Green Steel is designed to source innovations and proofs-of-concept (POCs) that can be piloted in live industrial settings, providing an ideal environment for pilots.
This challenge aligns with India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and India’s Decarbonization goals.
Win Up to INR ₹25L in Cash
Why Green Steel Matters Now
7 – 9%
Global CO₂ Emissions from Steel
Target Steel Production by 2030
India’s Net-Zero Target
Future
Readiness
Ministry of Steel is the first in the world to publish a green steel taxonomy. Early adoption provides alignment with evolving standards.
Market Advantage
Green steel will command a premium in international markets, while compliance with CBAM and global ESG benchmarks is becoming non-negotiable.
Pilot-to-Scale Pathway
Various locations across Eastern India offer live testbeds to trial and de-risk innovative solutions before large-scale deployment.
ESG
Excellence
Investors are increasingly using ESG frameworks to assess sustainability and risk. Proactive decarbonisation strengthens long-term competitiveness.
Focus Areas
Process optimisation, waste heat recovery, and advanced digitalised furnaces to reduce costs and emissions
Hydrogen-based steel production, carbon capture, and other breakthrough technologies for emissions reduction.
Who can Apply
Developing technologies or business models, and organisations offering tools to address challenges in Decarbonization, Energy efficiency and emissions reduction.
- Solutions applicable to the Indian context
- Prototype, pilot-tested, or market-ready stages
- Proven track record in clean technology
- Scalable solutions for the MSME sector
- Ready for industrial implementation
Groups & Individuals focusing on enabling decarbonisation models and willing to transfer the technology to industry.
- Research-backed solutions
- Technology transfer readiness
- Industry collaboration experience
Challenge Features & Benefits
More than just funding – we provide comprehensive support to help you succeed
Non-Dilutive Cash Prizes
Winners receive funding without giving up equity or requiring repayment
- Win Up to INR 12 Lakhs in Innovator Category
- Win Up to INR 3 Lakhs in the Research and R&D Category
- Additional Up to ₹10 Lakhs for pilot project implementation
Mentorship & Support
Access to expert guidance and comprehensive organisational development
- Strategic mentorship from industry leaders
- Communications and branding support
- Fundraising guidance
- Organisational management coaching
Capacity Building
Comprehensive training to enhance your innovation’s impact
- Energy efficiency workshops
- Renewable energy integration training
- Technology deployment strategies
- Market readiness programs
Networking Opportunities
Connect with key stakeholders to amplify your impact
- Government agency connections
- Industry partnerships
- Investor introductions
- Collaboration opportunities
Selection Process
Key milestones for the Greenovation Green Steel Challenge
Registration Phase
Internal Evaluation
Detailed Application
Jury Evaluation
Ready to Transform the Steel Industry?
Join the Greenovation GreenSteel Challenge and be part of India’s journey towards sustainable steel production.
Apply now and turn your innovation into impact.
Submit Your Applications!
Last Date: February 22, 2026
Cash Awards
Non-dilutive funding
Live Pilots
Real industrial testbeds
Scale Up
Pathway to Deployment
About EarthON Foundation
EarthON bridges this gap by empowering leaders and entrepreneurs to implement transformative solutions at the intersection of climate and livelihoods. By investing directly in grassroots initiatives, we ensure that bold ideas from those closest to the problem can become scalable actions for a sustainable future.
The EarthON Foundation USA, a 501(c)(3) organization, is redefining climate funding by empowering climate leaders and early-stage entrepreneurs in vulnerable regions
Trusted by Industry Leaders
Collaborating with leading organisations to drive the green steel revolution in India
Knowledge Partner
Ecosystem Partners
Platform Partner
Powered by Design Mantras