Call for R&D in E-Mobility: Testing and piloting sustainable transport in Ghana and Uganda
Siemens Stiftung launches a new call for research and development (R&D) to validate and implement products and business models in the e-mobility sector. The call is open for enterprises operative in the e-mobility value chain in Ghana and Uganda (or related sectors relevant to e-mobility). 3-5 enterprises with a product or service in the e-mobility sector in the two countries will conduct R&D projects for 12 months to develop effective market-based solutions and increase the social and ecological impact of e-mobility. The candidates will support Siemens Stiftung’s e-mobility program in getting insights on one (or more) of the following topics by conducting field-based R&D:
- Market Gaps:
Development of a market–tested solution (product, service, business model) from the battery, charging/swapping or vehicle and technology value chain (or related value chains relevant to the e-mobility sector) that is filling a gap in the e-mobility sector. - Social and Ecological Impact:
Design of a product, service, or business model from the battery, charging/swapping or vehicle and technology value chain (or related value chains relevant to the e-mobility sector) to increase the social and ecological impact. - Ecosystem Services: Development and piloting of relevant “support structures” (e.g., Hubs, Labs, recycling industry, financing) that are essential for the scaling and uptake of e-mobility solutions.
- Market Gaps:
Development of a market–tested solution (product, service, business model) from the battery, charging/swapping or vehicle and technology value chain (or related value chains relevant to the e-mobility sector) that is filling a gap in the e-mobility sector. - Social and Ecological Impact:
Design of a product, service, or business model from the battery, charging/swapping or vehicle and technology value chain (or related value chains relevant to the e-mobility sector) to increase the social and ecological impact. - Ecosystem Services: Development and piloting of relevant “support structures” (e.g., Hubs, Labs, recycling industry, financing) that are essential for the scaling and uptake of e-mobility solutions.
- Registered and operative in Ghana or Uganda
- Market experience in Ghana or Uganda
- A market-tested prototype which attracted first users and clients
- Demonstrate the social and/or ecological impact
- Operative in the battery, charging/swapping or electric vehicle and technology value chain
- No pending litigations against the enterprise or its management team
Female-led enterprises, enterprises with female founders, and enterprises addressing specific gender challenges are encouraged to apply. The foundation conducts a feasibility and eligibility check of all applications. In case your proposal addresses essential market gaps, develops the social and/or ecological impact of an innovative solution, or researches a relevant ecosystem service, Siemens Stiftung will get in contact with you and schedule an interview. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to elaborate and finalize their R&D projects (including a project plan, milestones, and timeline). The winning candidates will be selected after a round of final interviews.
Siemens Stiftung will not work with entities that are:
- Subsidizing commercial projects
- Looking for refinancing opportunities on debt or other liabilities
- Companies that currently have an active contract with Siemens Stiftung
- Expecting to receive an unrestricted grant
Selected applicants will receive:
- Selected applicants will receive a service contract value of min. USD 30,000 and up to USD 75,000 for max. 12 months (project durations of 15 months are possible, but need to be justified in detail),
- Joint applications of more than one company focusing on two or more solutions (product/service/business model) are eligible; such candidates can apply for up to USD 110,000 for a duration of max. 18 months.
The selected applicants are expected to deliver a report demonstrating the applied research methodology, results, financial sustainability of the tested solution, and main learnings from the R&D project (Any potentially sensitive data or intellectual property rights can be considered during the contracting process) latest by 3 months after the end of the project.
Interested candidates are asked to submit the following documents using their own format:
- Project idea for an R&D project (problem/challenge, proposed methodology, financial sustainability strategy, and expected project outcome);
(no longer than 2 pages in Word or 8 slides in PowerPoint).
- Brief budget (staff, material, and other costs) and expected project duration
- Proof of an available prototype
(including photos, protocols, or certification of local registration) - Proof for initial users and clients
(e.g. financial statement of the previous 12 months) - Registration certificate
- Shareholder information
- CVs of the R&D team.
Application process
Siemens Stiftung offers you the opportunity to discuss your R&D project idea in an individual session before your final submission.
Please reach out to e-mobility@siemens-stiftung.org to schedule an individual session with the e-mobility team.
The call opens on April 17, 2023, and applications will be accepted until August 30, 2024, or until suitable candidates are contracted.
Interested candidates are encouraged to use their own format or send their application using the following template.
Please register for the upcoming Q&A session sending an email to e-mobility@siemens-stiftung.org.
If, at any stage of the application or evaluation process, the applicant considers that a mistake has been made, the evaluators have acted unfairly or failed to comply with the rules, and the applicant´s interests have been prejudiced as a result, the following complaint mechanism is available. A complaint should be drawn up in English and submitted by email to e-mobility@siemens-stiftung.org. Please add “Complaint R&D in E-Mobility” to the subject of the email and include:
- Contact details
- The subject of the complaint
- Information and evidence regarding the alleged breach
- Press release
- Impact Hub
- Africa E-Mobility Alliance
- Projectsite E-Mobility
- Call
- Registered