Grand Challenge 5: Power Sector Transformation
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Quick Answer
An innovation challenge by IIITM-K, KSEB, and C-MET offering up to ₹15 Lakhs grant for startups and companies developing smart solutions for the power distribution sector in Kerala.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹15L
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Maker Village
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round are closed. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Maker Village. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
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.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Maker Village is an electronics hardware incubator in Kochi, built around a 60,000 sq ft facility inside the Kerala Technology Innovation Zone at KINFRA Hi-Tech Park, Kalamassery. Its own pages describe it as a joint initiative between the Ministry of Electronics and Information…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹15L
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
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.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Applications will undergo a rigorous evaluation process by a selection committee composed of experts from IIITM-K, KSEB, C-MET, and potentially other industry specialists. The evaluation will focus on the innovation, technical feasibility, potential impact on the power distribution sector, scalability of the solution, and the team's capabilities. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to present their solutions or participate in an interview round to elaborate on their proposals and address any queries from the committee. The final selection will aim to identify solutions with the highest potential for transforming the power sector.
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
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
