Satin Finserv has launched ‘Sankalp: The Climate Edition’, a national innovation initiative aimed at identifying and supporting students and early-stage startups developing solutions to climate and environmental challenges.
The programme carries a combined prize pool of more than Rs 30 lakh and will bring together young innovators, entrepreneurs, mentors, investors and industry experts. Beyond the competition, Satin Finserv intends to provide participants with opportunities for mentorship, visibility and access to a broader ecosystem that can help promising ideas move towards practical implementation.
The first edition will invite solutions across areas including clean energy, water management, waste management, sustainable agriculture, green mobility, sustainable cities, circular economy and climate technology.
Pramod Marar, MD and CEO, Satin Finserv, said the initiative is designed to address the need for stronger networks, guidance and capital for emerging climate innovators. He said Sankalp is intended to identify promising ideas at an early stage and help them progress towards viable and scalable solutions.
The initiative will operate through two participation categories — the Student Track and the Startup Track. The Student Track is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students from recognised educational institutions across India. It carries a total prize pool of Rs 10 lakh, with Rs 5 lakh for the winner, Rs 3 lakh for the first runner-up and Rs 2 lakh for the second runner-up. Students can participate individually or in teams of up to four members and may submit either an idea or an early-stage prototype.
The Startup Track is open to DPIIT-recognised startups and carries Rs 22 lakh in total prize money. The winning startup will receive Rs 10 lakh, while the first and second runners-up will receive Rs 7 lakh and Rs 5 lakh, respectively. Participating startups must have progressed to at least the working prototype, minimum viable product or early commercialisation stage.
Sankalp will follow a three-stage evaluation process. Applicants will first submit their solutions through a pitch deck covering the problem, proposed solution, innovation, impact and team. Shortlisted participants will then present their ideas before a virtual expert jury, with evaluation based on factors including feasibility, innovation and potential impact.
The leading participants from both tracks will progress to the Grand Finale, where they will present their solutions to industry leaders, investors and sustainability experts. The final round will determine the winners across the two categories.
Participation in the programme is free, with applications open to eligible students and startups across India. The application window will remain open until 4 October 2026.
Satin Finserv said the initiative is intended to develop into a longer-term platform for climate innovation rather than remain limited to a single edition. The programme also builds on the company’s focus on sustainable financing and its engagement with businesses operating in sustainability-focused sectors.
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