Upaya Social Ventures is inviting applications from startups and Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in India working in clean energy and Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) to join the Climate and Finance Innovations (ClimaFii) Alliance.
The ClimaFii Alliance is a five-year initiative anchored by Shell Foundation, in partnership with Accion, and co-funded by UK aid through the Transforming Energy Access platform. The programme aims to address the challenges faced by micro-entrepreneurs in accessing affordable, appropriate, and climate-smart energy solutions, thereby improving livelihoods and building climate resilience.
Upaya joins the Alliance as the India partner, supporting businesses that deliver clean energy solutions to rural and low-income communities.
Application Deadline: 12 January 2026
Location: India
Programme Duration: 10 months
Organisation: Upaya Social Ventures (India Partner, ClimaFii Alliance)
Programme Focus
India’s rural economy is powered largely by MSMEs, many of which rely on inefficient and expensive energy sources that limit productivity and income. The ClimaFii Alliance seeks to unlock the potential of the growing DRE sector by supporting businesses that enable productive use of clean energy.
The programme will support 10 selected businesses operating in the following sectors:
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Food, Agriculture & Allied
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Waste Management & Circularity
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Mobility & Logistics
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Bioenergy
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Textiles & Handicrafts
These businesses are expected to improve income, productivity, and resilience for rural micro-entrepreneurs while contributing to decarbonisation and sustainable economic growth.
What Selected Businesses Will Receive
Participants in the ClimaFii Alliance will receive:
Technical & Business Support
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Tailored advisory and expert mentorship
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Impact measurement and performance tracking
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Investment readiness support
Business Growth & Market Access
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Go-to-market (GTM) strategy refinement
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Market expansion and partnership linkages
Financing Support
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Access to funding opportunities
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Gender-based incentives
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Supply chain financing
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Follow-on funding support
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is open to:
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Startups or SMEs registered and operating in India
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For-profit, impact-first businesses creating dignified jobs or livelihoods
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Businesses manufacturing, distributing, aggregating, importing, wholesaling, or retailing clean energy solutions
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Enterprises supplying clean energy solutions for productive use by micro-entrepreneurs
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Mid-growth businesses with the potential to reach 3,000–5,000 micro-entrepreneurs
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Businesses creating market linkages, including buy-back arrangements
Preference will be given to businesses that:
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Have one or more women founders
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Employ a significant number of women
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Positively impact women micro-entrepreneurs
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Operate in low-income states or districts in India
Applicants must be able to commit to the 10-month programme.
How to Apply
Interested businesses can apply through the application link below:
Applications close: 12 January 2026
About Upaya Social Ventures
Upaya Social Ventures is a nonprofit organisation focused on creating dignified jobs and improving livelihoods by supporting enterprises that serve people living in extreme poverty. Through partnerships, financing, and business support, Upaya helps enterprises scale sustainable solutions that drive inclusive economic growth.
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