Innovations in Clean Energy
- 20 start-ups
- 4 focus areas
- Opportunity to win access to innovation labs for prototyping, seed capital, techno-commercial pilot opportunity and market access support
Program Overview
Social Alpha Energy Challenge is back with its third edition as ‘Techtonic – Innovations in Clean Energy’.
Access to energy promotes economic growth, builds resilience and enhances the quality of life. To meet the exponentially growing energy needs of the planet and for making energy equitably accessible to all, it is critical to enhance efficiency in the entire energy lifecycle and invest in clean energy sources. Sustainable energy has the potential to transform lives, economies and the planet.
While the challenge invites renewable energy, energy efficiency and clean energy access solutions from all stages of the energy lifecycle, and across all use cases, there is a special focus on four themes this year – Energy for Livelihoods, Smart Energy Systems, Energy Storage and Thermal Comfort. We are looking for innovators and entrepreneurs with transformative technologies that have the potential to bring about deep and irreversible social and environmental impact.
Applications open for 'Innovations in Clean Energy'
Focus Areas
Ensuring energy access for poverty reduction
Farm and allied livelihoods
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Energy-efficient Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) powered solutions for pre-harvest/ post-harvest/ water management/livestock management activities
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Clean energy-based point of storage/ portable cold storage solutions across the value chain from farm to fork
Non-farm livelihoods
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Clean energy based affordable livelihoods tools/solutions that reduce drudgery and improve working conditions and/or lead to increase in productivity and income
Making energy generation and consumption efficient, affordable and clean
Smart automation and power-system solutions
Solutions addressing challenges around:
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High upfront cost of DRE
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Inefficiencies, losses, theft in energy lifecycle (generation, transmission, distribution, consumption)
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Unreliability and irregularity of energy sources/supply
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High cost of edge of the grid solution
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Demand and supply management/forecasting/predictability
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Predictive maintenance issues
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Enabling smart payments/financing/contracting
Making renewable energy applications more efficient, inexpensive and versatile
Energy storage solutions for grid, off-grid, edge of the grid, mobility and energy management applications
Solutions addressing challenges around:
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High capex, opex and levelized cost of energy (LCOE)
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Performance around efficiency, discharge and lifetime
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High maintenance requirement
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Range anxieties in mobility storage
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Disposal and high environmental cost over the lifecycle
Solutions for disposal and reuse of batteries
Solutions addressing challenges around:
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Second life use of batteries
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Repurposing and recycling solutions
Enabling affordable space cooling and heating for all
Sustainable space cooling and heating solutions
Solutions addressing challenges around:
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High upfront and operating costs of clean energy powered efficient heating/cooling solutions
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Adverse health impact leading due to traditional unclean solutions
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Unavailability of affordable efficiency control devices that could lead to reducing energy demand for HVAC making it more affordable
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Lack of customised solutions to specific regional, climatic and community needs
Who can Apply
( for mandatory physical incubation )
For innovation which needs support in physical prototype development and testing, and has a quick (less than 12 months) timeline for MVP; including:
- Technology which is at a very early stage of development (lab/research), stage, but theoretical proof of concept exists or
prototype has been designed but not built - Early Prototype exists and early testing is underway/planned
( for physical or virtual incubation )
For innovation looking for support primarily in product commercialization and Go-To-Market Strategy, which are:
- At an advance stage of product development where prototype exists and at least one pilot has been carried out or proof of concept has been physically demonstrated
- Pre-commercial/fully functional lab prototype with some testing and feedback from users exists
- The product is ready and is already in the market and is looking for scale-up
Program Offerings
INCUBATION
1.
Early-stage start-up incubation at
Social Alpha-Atal Incubation Centre (SA-AIC)
- Access to End-to-end prototyping lab
- Shared CTO services
- Mentorship
- Credits worth 10L+ for availing incubation services
2.
Advanced – stage start-up incubation at
Clean Energy International Incubation Centre(CEIIC)
- Access to product testing and development labs
- Shared CTO services
- Mentorship
- GTM support
- Credits worth 10L+ for availing incubation services
Acceleration
3.
Techno-Commercial Pilot Accelerator
- Funded pilot/procurement by Tata Power/Tata Power-DDL worth upto 25L per startup
- Technical mentorship and feedback by Tata Power team of experts
Supported by
4.
SDG 7 Scale-up Accelerator
- Work-order for scaled-up implementation from Social Alpha and Sustain Plus for upto 50L per startup
- Access to Social Alpha’s implementation/grassroots partner and program network
Supported by
Investment
- 5.
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Seed Investment
- Opportunity to pitch for seed capital (equity) upto 1Cr per startup to Social Alpha
- Consideration for syndication in Social Alpha investor partners network
by
They will receive customised incubation support, which may include
- Prototype and minimum viable product design and development support
- Business model design support
- Mentorship from technical and business experts
- Access to incubation services such as Legal, IP, Communication, Branding, Fabrication, and Others
The support provided includes:
- Product design, testing and development support
- GTM support and market access
- Business development, sales and marketing support
- International exposure and collaboration opportunities, especially in Mission Innovation
- Legal, IP, branding and other incubation services on a need basis
- Techno-commercial pilot opportunity worth upto 25L per start-up
- Work order for scale-up for proven energy access solutions worth upto 50L per start-up by Social Alpha’s SDG 7 accelerator
- Seed funding upto Rs 1Cr per start-up by Social ALpha
Important dates
-
Applications open
February 15th, 2021
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Last date to submit applications
March 31st, 2021
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Announcement* of winners
June, 2021
*Evaluations of applications would be on a rolling basis
Partners
frequently asked questions
Program Design
1. What is the structure of the Program?
Techtonic seeks to identify promising Clean Energy based technology driven solutions developed by innovators and entrepreneurs that have the potential to bring about deep and irreversible social and environmental impact. While Techtonic invites renewable energy, energy efficiency and clean energy access solutions from all stages of the energy lifecycle, and across all use cases, there is a special focus on four themes this year – Energy for Livelihoods, Smart Energy Systems, Energy Storage and Thermal Comfort.
The program is cohort-driven; however, the durations will vary based on the needs of the start-up. As part of the cohort there shall be opportunities to attend webinars and sessions organized by the Social Alpha ecosystem and its partners. Also, interspersed through the program shall be opportunities to interact with external stakeholders, funders and mentors from within the Social Alpha Network. Program structure details will be shared in advance with winners.
2. What is the duration of the program?
The incubation program is typically 12 months long; however, it will vary from case to case based on the needs of the incubatees.
Eligibility
1. Who can apply?
We invite innovators and entrepreneurs with transformative technologies in clean energy that have the potential to bring about deep and irreversible social and climate impact to apply in either of the following two categories:
Pre-pilot category (for mandatory physical incubation)For innovation which needs support in physical prototype development and testing, and has a quick (less than 12 months) timeline for MVP; including:
- Technology which is at a very early stage of development (lab/research), stage, but theoretical proof of concept exists or
prototype has been designed but not built - Early Prototype exists and early testing is underway/planned
Post-pilot category (for physical or virtual incubation)For innovation looking for support primarily in product commercialization and Go-To-Market Strategy, which are:
- At an advance stage of product development where prototype exists and at least one pilot has been carried out or proof of concept has been physically demonstrated
- Pre-commercial/fully functional lab prototype with some testing and feedback from users exists
- The product is ready and is already in the market and is looking for scale-up
2. In which category am I eligible to apply?
Applicants are requested to select the most appropriate category based on the development stage/technology readiness level of your product/idea/research. TRL 1 to 4 need to apply to the Pre-pilot category and TRL 5 onwards need to apply to the Post-pilot category. Please select the category carefully since both the application forms will have some unique questions.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL) | Description | Category |
---|---|---|
TRL 1 | There are paper studies to support the technology’s basic properties | Pre-pilot category |
TRL 2 | Technology concept / application formulated | Pre-pilot category |
TRL 3 | Proof of Concept stage / Active R&D has been initiated. This includes analytical studies and laboratory studies to physically validate the analytical predictions of separate elements of the technology | Pre-pilot category |
TRL 4 | Basic technological components have been integrated to establish that they work together | Pre-pilot category |
TRL 5 | Technology has been put together and can be tested in a simulated environment | Post-pilot category |
TRL 6 | Prototype is being tested in simulated operational environment or in a high-fidelity laboratory environment | Post-pilot category |
TRL 7 | Actual system prototype is near completion or ready and has been demonstrated in an operational environment or is at pilot level | Post-pilot category |
TRL 8 | Technology is proven and developed but not yet operational or applied anywhere | Post-pilot category |
TRL 9 | Technology has been applied in its final form and is operational | Post-pilot category |
3. What happens if I apply to the wrong category?
In case you apply to the wrong category we will shift you to the right category based on your product’s stage of development. However, you may have missed some questions that had to be answered as a part of the correct category since both the application forms have certain unique questions. So, you are advised to please choose carefully.
4. Is the challenge open for International start-ups?
Yes, both Indian and foreign start-ups are eligible to apply for the Challenge. However international startups may not be eligible for some of the offerings of the program, depending on the criteria for the respective programs. Some of the questions in the application form will help us ascertain your eligibility for and fit with each of the programs better.
5. Is there any preference for an innovation?
Applicants are encouraged to submit applications for tech-based innovations that solve problem statements, which is a real-world challenge in the clean energy ecosystem. Innovations can be a product or a service. There is a preference for tech-based innovations that have a high social and environmental impact potential.
6. Will I be eligible to receive funding by Social Alpha upon selection?
This will be determined on a case-to case basis. Some amongst the winners of the Techtonic might be considered for Seed Investment by the Social Alpha committee, subject to due diligence.
7. Can I find other funding partners for investments?
Yes, the winning start-ups can find other funding partners.
Program offerings
1. What are the benefits I can avail from the program ?
Winners in the pre-pilot/early-stage category will be selected for physical incubation at Social Alpha – Atal Incubation Centre (SA-AIC), set up under Atal Innovation Mission, the flagship initiative of NITI Aayog, Government of India. They will receive customised incubation support, which may include:
- Prototype and minimum viable product design and development support
- Business model design support
- Mentorship from technical and business experts
- Access to incubation services such as Legal, IP, communication, branding, fabrication, and others
The post-pilot category winners will be incubated at the Clean Energy International Incubation Centre (CEIIC) which is the joint initiative of Tata Trusts and the Government of India, and is supported by Department of Biotechnology, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) and Tata Power and Tata Power-Delhi Distribution Limited. CEIIC has been set up by Social Alpha for promoting innovations in the energy space and has become the first International Incubator in India under Mission Innovation. The support provided includes:
- Product design, testing and development support
- GTM support and market access
- Business development, sales and marketing support
- International exposure and collaboration opportunities, especially in Mission Innovation
- Legal, IP, branding and other incubation services on a need basis
In addition to incubation at one of the two Social Alpha Energy Labs above, winners may also receive:
- Techno-commercial pilot opportunity worth upto 25L per start-up
- Work order for scale-up for proven energy access solutions worth upto 50L per start-up by Social Alpha’s SDG 7 accelerator
- Seed funding upto Rs 1Cr per start-up by Social ALpha
2. Do I have to be physically present for any cohort-based sessions?
Given the current pandemic the Social Alpha team will organize the sessions keeping in mind the safety of the participants/ experts and the team. The participants will have the option of attending the webinars/ sessions online.
3. If the product/ solution falls under the pre-pilot category, is it mandatory to be physically based at the Social Alpha AIC?
The pre-pilot category is applicable to the start-ups that have solution/ product at an early stage of development and need regular handle holding and product development support. In order to develop the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that can be launched in the market, numerous prototypes are developed and tested to incorporate the feedback received from experts and customers. This process is facilitated by the Lab infrastructure that has been established to support the start-ups in their journey from lab to market. Therefore, the pre-pilot category winners are expected to be physically based at the Social Alpha AIC.
4. Is the mentoring paid or free?
Mentoring is a part of the continuous engagement with the winners of the Techtonic. Some mentor support, particularly from the internal ecosystem, comes pro-bono as a part of the incubation services, however, some mentors and their advisory support may have a notional or actual cost, which may be paid in lieu of the free credits earned by the winners or in cash. Participation in specialized/additional events could be subject to a nominal fee.
5. How frequently will Social Alpha interface with the winners during the program?
There will be regular interface between the winning teams and the Social Alpha program implementation team. Each start-up will be allocated a portfolio manager to help with customized requests who will continually and regularly engage with the start-ups. Pre-pilot category winners will receive even more hand-on support from Social Alpha.
6. What will be the terms and conditions of the incubation?
The Winners of Techtonic – Innovations in Clean Energy will receive credits for availing the standard incubation services as a part of the award, which include services such as access to lab infrastructure, design for manufacturing support, branding and communication support, and (but not limiting to) seats in office space. If the start-ups want to access additional premium services an incubation equity will be charged for services including (but not limiting to) expert guidance for product development, market access and follow-on fund raising. The premium services will be chargeable to the International companies since we cannot take incubation equity in them due to regulatory compliance.
Timelines
1. What are the important dates to remember during the selection process?
- Applications open: February 15th, 2021
- Last date to submit applications: March 31st, 2021
- Announcement* of winners: June 2021
*Evaluations of applications would be on a rolling basis.
Terms and Conditions
Eligibility
1. Any individual or group of individuals, whether incorporated or otherwise, regardless of age and nationality, who has an innovative idea that addresses social and climate in India (though not exclusively), is eligible to participate.
2. Participating or proposed ventures should be independent entities, meaning that they should not be a subsidiary of an existing corporation or have legal ties to a government body.
3. Existing non-profits can participate; however, they should propose a new venturing idea or a new plan to transform their existing solutions into a more sustainable solution.
4. Category specific eligibility
Pre-pilot categoryAny individual or group of individuals, whether incorporated or otherwise, with technology in the following Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) may apply to the Pre-pilot category:
- TRL 1: There are paper studies to support the technology’s basic properties
- TRL 2: Technology concept / application formulated
- TRL 3: Proof of Concept stage/Active R&D has been initiated. This includes analytical studies and laboratory studies to physically validate the analytical predictions of separate elements of the technology
- TRL 4: Basic technological components have been integrated to establish that they work together
Post-pilot categoryAny individual or group of individuals, whether incorporated or otherwise, with solutions in the following TRL may apply to the Post-pilot category:
- TRL 5: Technology has been put together and can be tested in a simulated environment
- TRL 2: Technology concept / application formulated
- TRL 3: Proof of Concept stage/Active R&D has been initiated. This includes analytical studies and laboratory studies to physically validate the analytical predictions of separate elements of the technology
- TRL 4: Basic technological components have been integrated to establish that they work together
Submissions and Participation
1. Submissions which are incomplete will be deemed void and disqualified from the competition.
2. Submissions should be the original work of the participant, and should demonstrate positive, sustainable and
scalable social impact in India (though not exclusively in the region).
3. Participants agree to the use of their names, photographs, disclosure of their country of residence, and are
required to cooperate with any other reasonable requests by the organiser relating to any publicity-related
activities.
4. Participants are required to submit a declaration of good standing and solvency at the final stage of
evaluation. If there is any change in circumstance that invalidates their good standing and solvency, the team
is to immediately inform the organisers.
5. All participants own the rights to their ideas. Participants must properly acknowledge any trademarks,
patented or copyrighted materials of others that are incorporated into the submission materials. Participants
are responsible for obtaining any necessary permission before incorporating such materials into their
submissions.
6. Submitted ideas are protected in the spirit of non-disclosure, and all submitted materials will be treated as
company confidential. The only people with access to the entry materials will be judges and select members of
the organising committee. Materials will not be distributed to any other party unless requested by a
participant. No other provisions are made to protect intellectual property.
7. As an effort to support the innovation ecosystem, for research purposes, non-sensitive data may be shared
with government agencies or partner organizations. The participant’s personal identity, name, family name, phone
number, address, or email address will not be used in any public collateral.
8. Participants are advised not to disclose critical information which would affect a successful filing of
patent(s). All presentations are open to the general public, and some presentations may be videotaped.
Attendance by media personnel is expected in the final round(s). Any data or information discussed or divulged
in public sessions by participants should be considered information that will likely enter the public realm, and
entrants should not assume any right of confidentiality in any data or information discussed, divulged or
presented in these sessions.
Decisions regarding the Winners
1. The selection of the ‘Winners’ is at the sole discretion of the judges and the organisers from Social Alpha and partnering organizations. Best efforts will be made to make decisions in accordance with this document.
2. Throughout any and all phases of Techtonic, all decisions of the judges are final.
Disqualification and Organisers’ Right to Amend Competition Rules
1. The organisers of Techtonics reserve the right to disqualify any Participant who is found to have violated the spirit of the program guidelines and terms and conditions stated herein. Disqualified participants shall forfeit any and all prizes awarded to them.
2. The organisers reserve the right to amend these rules at any point before the Closing Date of Techtonics in line with the overall goal of the program.
3. The indicated dates for Techtonics may be revised at any point of time by the Organisers. Any change in schedule will be suitably intimated on the Techtonics webpage and on other relevant platforms.
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