Accelerating Grassroots Innovations through TAP-RISE digital access.
#TAPRISE
Participants from CLEAN Network, Development Alternatives, and Vigyan Ashram convene virtually to discuss collaborative implementation under the TAP-RISE initiative.
On May 9th, 2025, the Clean Energy Access Network (CLEAN) co-hosted a focused webinar with Development Alternatives (DA) to spotlight the Technology Acceleration Platform for Rural Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship (TAP-RISE), an initiative supported by the SEED Division of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and jointly implemented by Development Alternatives and Vigyan Ashram, Pune. Held virtually on Zoom Workplace, the session saw participation from over 20+ organisations from the Decentralised Renewable Energy (DRE) sector.
The session opened with a compelling case study on the journey of a Rice Dehusking Machine. Developed in 2014 which took nearly a decade to reach the market and was finally commercialised in 2021. Even though more than 300 units have been sold to date, the long timeline highlighted a persistent issue: why does it take so long for good innovation to reach the people who need them?
This example set the tone for the key message of the webinar: Innovation alone is not enough. Ecosystem support is crucial. This is where TAP-RISE (Technology Acceleration Platform for Rural Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship) steps in as a country-level network-based platform that offers “on-demand” services designed to strengthen the capacities of various actors in the enterprise ecosystem and accelerate the adoption of promising technologies.
TAP-RISE team presents key offerings to the CLEAN Network, spanning certification, finance, markets, and more.
By strengthening the capabilities of different players within the ecosystem, TAP-RISE helps innovations move faster from idea to impact, ensuring they reach the people who need them.
During the webinar, participants were introduced to the digital platform, including its registration process and range of services offered, like, technology certification, market linkages, branding, etc., Real-life acceleration example, of Home Composter by Greeny International and support service Himalayan Research Group for their Solar Water Heater, further showcased how TAP-RISE bridges the gap between innovation and opportunities.
Sudhir Sah, Associate Programme Director (Sustainable Enterprise), emphasised, “The TAP-RISE platform is not just a service-based platform; it is a step to empower India’s grassroots innovators with real tools for scaling solutions at impact.”
Sudhir Sah offers insights into ongoing capacity-building initiatives as stakeholders converge on common enterprise development objectives through TAP-RISE.
The webinar ended with active participation from stakeholders, who expressed strong interest in joining the platform either as service seekers or providers.
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