Empowering startups to scale green hydrogen solutions
Green Hydrogen and Storage Startup Challenge 2026
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Overview
Driving Global Green Hydrogen Innovation
The Green Hydrogen and Storage Startup Challenge 2026 is an initiative of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), under the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre (GHIC).
As we transition towards a net-zero future, green hydrogen stands as a critical pillar for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors like heavy industry, shipping, and long-haul transport. This Challenge seeks to empower the next generation of solar entrepreneurs who are building the backbone of tomorrow's energy grid.
The Challenge invites startups from around the world working at the ideation or market validation and commercialisation stages to participate and showcase technologies addressing key challenges across the green hydrogen value chain, including storage technologies, energy systems integration, industrial applications, and hydrogen utilisation.
The Challenge aims to nurture a global network of hydrogen innovators and facilitate the scaling of solutions across ISA Member Countries, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies, where hydrogen technologies can play a critical role in advancing the clean energy transition.
Participate
Call for Applications
ISA invites startups from across the globe to participate in the Green Hydrogen and Startup Challenge 2026
Who Should Apply
Legally registered startups from all countries either at ideation or market validation and commercialisation stages working on innovative solutions in GH₂, its derivatives, and storage solutions.
Application Categories and Thematic Areas
Category 1: Ideation stage
Category 2: Market validation and commercialisation stage
The Challenge invites innovative solutions across sixteen thematic areas applicable to both application categories.
Evaluation & Selection
Step 1: Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted by the Challenge evaluation committee.
Step 2: Shortlisted startups will then receive a
15-minute slot to present their solution.
Why Apply?
The Green Hydrogen and Storage Startup Challenge offers startups a chance to boost innovation and grow their presence in the global green hydrogen ecosystem
Expert Mentorship
Global Network Access
Investor and Industry Connections
Global Visibility
Market Entry Support
Ecosystem Access
Eligibility
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria.
Ideation Stage
Startups at the conceptual or early feasibility stage of development having a proof of concept but need not yet have demonstrated a functional prototype, MVP, or pilot.
Market Validation and Commercialisation Stage
Startups having demonstrated technical and/or commercially feasible solution through laboratory testing or real-world applications, including a functional prototype, MVP or pilots and also those beyond the market validation stage.
Thematic Areas
GH2 and Derivatives Production
Electrolyser design/ materials, and/or manufacturing processes. - Hydrogen production and/or coproduct utilisation (eg. innovation in oxygen reuse, heat recovery)
- Water treatment solutions to optimise/reduce water consumption in electrolysis.
Challenge Series
Latin America & The Caribbean Region 2025
Latin America & The Caribbean Region 2025
ISA extended its global push for solar innovation to Latin America and the Caribbean with the launch of the SolarX Startup Challenge: LAC Edition at COP29 in Baku. This edition was built on the strong foundation created by earlier rounds in Africa and the Asia-Pacific, including India, which together supported 50 startups through financial assistance and a dedicated acceleration programme.
India 2024
India 2024
The SolarX Startup Challenge 2024: India was part of a larger APAC initiative; however, the India edition was conducted separately to address the country’s specific energy needs. Out of the 250 applications received across the APAC region, 150 were from India alone, showcasing the immense talent and potential within the country.
Asia Pacific (APAC) 2024
Asia Pacific (APAC) 2024
After the success of the SolarX Startup Challenge 2023 in Africa, ISA launched the second edition for the Asia-Pacific region and India at COP28 in December 2023. This challenge aimed to boost entrepreneurship, drive solar adoption, and fill energy and investment gaps in the Asia-Pacific region, which is crucial for a sustainable, low-carbon future. 250 applications were received out of which 30 startups were selected as winners of the SolarX Startup Challenge: APAC 2024.
Africa 2023
Africa 2023
The SolarX Startup Challenge, launched by ISA and Invest India at COP27 in November 2022, promotes solar entrepreneurship in ISA Member Countries. The first edition was held in Africa, with over 180 applicants from 28 countries, and 20 winning startups were selected. These winners were from 10 different African countries, and 7 of them were women-led. The first Acceleration Programme Workshop for the winning start-ups was organised in Kigali, Rwanda.