EDF Invites Indian Startups to Bring Innovative Solns for Electric World

EDF will provide selected startups with support to help improve their reputation and project, along with accessibility to EDF network and expertise to develop further business opportunities, and enabling them to move from planning phase to commercial roll-out. The company will also provide visibility on EDF digital platforms, along with a cash prize of up to USD 20,000.

With an aim to support innovation in society and boost progress, French energy giant EDF Group has invited Indian entrepreneurs and startups to participate in the first edition of ‘EDF Pulse India Competition Award 2020’.

The company’s motive behind this initiative is to support socially inclusive Indian-based innovations for an electric world that’s more eco-friendly and better connected.

Till date, 1,800 start-ups have already applied, and over 60 projects are being supported by the Group.

Commenting on this initiative, Harmanjit Nagi, EDF India Director, said “innovation is part of EDF’s DNA. We are convinced that energy transition should be co-constructed, and we collaborate every day with those who innovate for an electric and low-carbon future. It’s a great challenge, but we know that talents, energies and ideas are swarming all over India. Let’s bring game-changing ideas to life.”

Those India-based startups who have been established before April 26, 2020, with less than 500 employees and have not already raised over USD 5 million capital can participate in this programme. The participants can apply for any one of the three categories:

• Sustainable Smart Living: innovative products and services improving the standard of living while reducing the environmental impact towards CO2 neutral and zero waste objectives;
• Resilient smart Infrastructure: innovative products and services improving the operational performance of existing electrical assets infrastructure and reducing downtime by predictive maintenance including but not limited to: smart devices, IoT platforms etc.;
• e-Mobility infrastructures: innovative products and services improving the e-mobility infrastructure value chain including charging and battery-swapping stations, Electric Vehicle system components such as electricity network, energy production and storage.

The last date for submitting an application is June 03, 2020, and the top 3 winners will be announced on the Grand Finale day which is scheduled to be held in November 2020.

Also, the companies will be shortlisted by a committee of experts from within and outside the Group on the basis of most innovative and progressive projects.

Besides, EDF will provide selected startups with support to help improve their reputation and project, along with accessibility to EDF network and expertise to develop further business opportunities, and enabling them to move from planning phase to commercial roll-out. The company will also provide visibility on EDF digital platforms, along with a cash prize of up to USD 20,000.