What is Grand Challenge 5 about?

Grand Challenge 5 is an innovation challenge focused on developing smart, reliable solutions for the power distribution sector. It aims to address critical areas like transformer temperature monitoring and THD & imbalance current monitoring.

Who is eligible to apply for Grand Challenge 5?

The challenge is open to registered startups, established companies, and R&D institutions that have innovative solutions relevant to the specified challenge areas.

What kind of financial support is offered?

Promising and innovative solutions are eligible for grant support of up to ₹15 Lakhs. This funding is non-repayable and equity-free.

What are the specific challenge areas?

The challenge focuses on two main areas: Transformer Temperature Monitoring for improved health and reliability, and Transformer THD & Imbalance Current Monitoring for enhanced power quality and grid stability.

What are the benefits of participating beyond the grant?

Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with industry and government entities like KSEB and C-MET, validate their technology in a real-world context, and contribute directly to building a smarter, safer, and more resilient power grid in Kerala.

How do I apply for Grand Challenge 5?

Applications can be submitted through the provided online application link. Typically, applicants will need to detail their proposed solution, team, and business plan within the application form.

Grand Challenge 5: Power Sector Transformation – Up to ₹15 Lakhs

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Provider

Maker Village

Kochi · Kerala · India

Maker Village is India's largest electronic hardware incubator and ESDM facility, located within the Kerala Technology Innovation Zone in Kochi. It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Government of Kerala, with Kerala…

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Application Process

1
Apply Online
Submit your detailed solution proposal through the official application form.
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How to apply

Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.

1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.

Grand Challenge 5, organized by the CoE on IIoT Sensors & Maker Village under the Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management Kerala (IIITM-K) in collaboration with Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET), is an innovation challenge designed to identify and support groundbreaking solutions for the power distribution sector. This initiative aims to foster innovation in critical areas such as transformer health monitoring and power quality management, directly addressing pressing industry needs.

The challenge provides a unique platform for startups, established companies, and R&D institutions to collaborate with key industry players and government bodies. Participants will have the opportunity to validate their technology, gain invaluable insights from experts, and contribute to the modernization and resilience of India's power grid. By focusing on real-world problems like preventing transformer failures and enhancing grid stability, Grand Challenge 5 seeks to drive tangible impact and accelerate the adoption of advanced IIoT solutions in the energy sector.

This program is crucial for entrepreneurs and researchers passionate about energy innovation, offering not just financial support but also a pathway for their solutions to be integrated into the state's power infrastructure. The collaborative framework ensures that developed technologies are robust, scalable, and directly relevant to the operational challenges faced by electricity boards.

Participants in Grand Challenge 5 stand to receive grant support of up to ₹15 Lakhs for their promising and innovative solutions. This non-repayable funding is intended to fuel the development and refinement of their smart technologies for the power distribution sector. Beyond financial aid, selected entities will benefit from unique collaboration opportunities with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET), enabling direct industry engagement, access to real-world validation environments, and mentorship from experts. This comprehensive support stack is designed to help innovators bring their solutions to market and make a significant impact on grid reliability and efficiency.

Grand Challenge 5: Power Sector Transformation

Grand Challenge 5: Power Sector Transformation

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