The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has officially launched the SolarX Startup Challenge 2025: Latin America and the Caribbean Edition, a key initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of solar energy through entrepreneurship and innovation across the Latin American and the Caribbean region. This year’s edition showcases ISA’s continued commitment to driving sustainable energy solutions and empowering local startups to lead the charge in the global energy transition in their respective countries.

Building on the success of the SolarX Startup Challenge in other regions, including the Africa and APAC editions, the Latin America and the Caribbean Edition is designed to identify and support scalable and impactful solar energy solutions. This challenge addresses the unique energy needs of the region while providing a transformative platform for entrepreneurs looking to make a significant impact in the solar industry.

The SolarX Startup Challenge 2025: Latin America and the Caribbean Edition invites innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups from across Latin America and the Caribbean to submit their applications for a chance to be among the winners. The challenge will be open for applications from May 20th to July 31st. The winners will undergo a comprehensive acceleration program over a period of 10 months, from evaluation to the final selection. The challenge aims to recognize and reward the most innovative and scalable solutions that can drive solar energy adoption in the region.

The selected winners will receive one year of acceleration, which includes financial support, technical assistance, and access to a network of industry experts. Additionally, the winners will have the opportunity to pitch their innovations to investors during key events throughout the year, gaining invaluable exposure and opportunities for growth.

Mr. Ashish Khanna, Director General of ISA, commented on the significance of this initiative.

"Latin America and the Caribbean is a region that has clearly chosen to embrace solar energy to meet the needs of its people and protect its vast environment and one of the world’s richest biodiversities. The ISA looks forward to supporting the region in closing existing gaps — from financing and private sector involvement to acquiring skills and knowledge from other parts of the world. As these efforts gain momentum, we expect to see these pioneers emerge as the 'Latin American and the Caribbean Solar Amazons' of tomorrow."

Pragya Gupta, ISA Resource Mobilization Specialist, said: "The SolarX Startup Challenge will not only promote innovations but also honor women entrepreneurs in the LATAM & the Caribbean region in 2025. It comes at a right time when COP30 in Brazil looks at climate financing and promoting innovations across the globe."

Hugo Morales, ISA Regional Head for Latin America and the Caribbean, said SolarX “redefines energy resilience in Latin America and the Caribbean, transforming solar potential into opportunities for growth, autonomy and prosperity,” while Kurt Inglis, Acting Chief Energy and Public Utilities Officer in the Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Transport added that the initiative “is an opportunity for entrepreneurs in Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean to accelerate their ideas and impact the energy transition in the region."

The SolarX Startup Challenge 2025: Latin America and the Caribbean Edition will provide extensive support to the winners through mentorship programs, investor connections, and market access initiatives. With the backing of ISA, Invest India, and other partner organizations, the challenge aims to foster entrepreneurship, facilitate the development of sustainable business models, and accelerate the energy transition in Latin America and the Caribbean.

As ISA celebrates the launch of this exciting new edition, the organization remains committed to promoting solar energy and innovation, advancing sustainable energy solutions, and fostering the growth of clean energy technologies across Latin America, the Caribbean and beyond.

View the 10 General Priority Areas for the 2025 SolarX Startup Challenge/Latin America and the Caribbean Edition. (PDF attached)