Frequently Asked Questions

What is ElectronVibe?

An open-innovation program for electric utilities, via which a cohort of mature power-sector startups co-develop business-cases for scalable technological innovations, with the aim of implementing pilot-projects as a precursor to larger deployment.

What does ElectronVibe program do for me?

NETWORK: An opportunity to network with a wide range of late stage startups and mentors, and access to a range of professionals in the power and energy sectors.

TRAINING: Via structured training (delivered via online workshops & webinars), followed by facilitated mentoring, we expect you to be able to refine value propositions, evaluate techno-economic feasibility, and potentially explore early-pilot projects with utilitys.

BUILD: Teams will have the opportunity to test their ideas by building a business case with the help of power-sector & electricity distribution experts.

COMMUNITY: This program will help you access a community to support your idea, including the program partners, mentors, RAP and New Energy Nexus.

PARTNERS: We are here to kickstart the dialogue with our partners who are deeply engaged in supporting grid innovation. They are keen to hear about your idea and are enthusiastic about working with you.

SOCIAL PROOF: To be selected as one of the winners means you have been selected from an extremely competitive and diverse range of applicants. This is highly positive when speaking to the ultimate customers (utilitys) as well as external investors and partners.

We are not yet a company, but a passionate team. Can we apply?

No. For the ElectronVibe program, we will select only mature power sector startups.

I am an individual. Can I apply?

No. For the ElectronVibe program, we will select only mature power sector startups.

How is IP that was developed prior to or during the program treated by the ElectronVibe program and other program partners?

Any IP that is developed prior to or during the program remains the sole property of the applicant team (or team members, as the case may be). If you feel any information is sensitive or confidential, we recommend NOT sharing the same during the application process.

We seek no rights over IP, nor represent to facilitate any assistance in any IP-related matters when dealing with a utility for any engagements or opportunities.

How will my confidential information be protected?

We will treat all application data as confidential information; however, we will share such data with our jury members and program partners for obvious reasons of evaluation and assessment. For any questions on data sharing please look at the policy of New Energy Nexus.

In your application, please do not disclose any information that you consider proprietary.

Is the ElectronVibe community committed to diversity?

We invite a diversity of talents as diversity is the core of new solutions, thinking, experiences and approaches. We encourage applications from diverse regions & backgrounds, including women, people with disabilities, LGBTQ and underrepresented communities.

What happens if I apply and don’t get selected?

ElectronVibe is created to keep the energy running and there would be many more programs in the future. We encourage you to join the New Energy Network, our open Slack community to gain access to a global network of energy entrepreneurs in clean energy transformation and innovation.

I’m an organization interested in partnering with ElectronVibe. Is there someone I can speak with?

ElectronVibe is always interested in exploring collaboration opportunities with other organisation and growing the fast-changing innovation ecosystem across Global South. If you are interested in being involved in the program, or wish to partner for new programs outside India, please write to us at: electronvibe@newenergynexus.com

If I am selected for the program, do I need to attend all online sessions?

Yes, all sessions are mandatory and go toward the final evaluation.
Attending sessions and interacting with the stakeholders present is the only way for you to leverage the knowledge and networks that the program partners and experts bring in.

Who is funding/supporting the ElectronVibe Maldives program?

The ElectronVibe Maldives program is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP), the flagship regional energy program of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) India.

How many startups will get the pilot opportunity?

Only one startup will be selected to conduct a fully funded pilot with the partner utility in Maldives.

How many participants will be selected to join ElectronVibe Maldives ?

The cohort will be finalized by a jury comprising of officers from the partner utility. We do not have a fixed number of participants

We are not yet a company, but a passionate team. Can we apply?

No. For the ElectronVibe program, we will select only mature power sector startups.

How do I apply?

The application window for ElectronVibe Maldives is now open. Please head to ElectronVibe Maldive program page to apply!

When do applications close?

The timeline for the program can be found under the ElectronVibe Maldives program page.

What is the timeline for the ElectronVibe Maldives program?

The timeline for the program can be found under the ElectronVibe Maldives program page.

When will we know if our application has been successful?

The timeline for the program can be found under the ElectronVibe Maldives program page.

How is IP that developed prior to or during the program treated by the ElectronVibe program and other program partners?

Any IP that is developed prior to or during the program remains the sole property of the applicant team (or team members, as the case may be). If you feel any information is sensitive or confidential, we recommend NOT sharing the same during the application process.
We seek no rights over IP, nor represent to facilitate any assistance in any IP-related matters when dealing with a utility for any engagements or opportunities.

Does ElectronVibe Maldives provide any funding or expenses-related reimbursements?

The program will award a maximum of USD 20,000 in funding to cover full or part of the cost of running a pilot selected by STELCO (the project scope and consequent cost will be determined along with STELCO and agreed between all parties). The funding will be individually negotiated with the awardee in compliance with US Federal Cost Principles.

I missed the deadline. Is there still a way that I can apply?

‘Unfortunately, not (unless there is a publicly announced extension of deadline)

Is the ElectronVibe community committed to diversity?

Since Gender Diversity and Inclusion is a cross-cutting theme, applicants are encouraged to attempt integrating them in one or more ways. We invite a diversity of talents as diversity is the core of new solutions, thinking, experiences and approaches. We encourage applications from diverse regions & backgrounds, including women, people with disabilities, LGBTQ and underrepresented communities.

What are the selection criteria for ElectronVibe Maldives program that the applications will be assessed on?

1) The quality of the applicant team, including relevant experience and expertise, and a mix of complementary skills (business and technical)
2) The quality of idea, i.e. how innovative and unique it is, and whether it can be scaled
3) How relevant is the solution to the demand owners (electric utility in Maldives)
4) Whether the solution is feasible from a technology perspective
5) Whether the solution is feasible from a regulatory perspective
6) Whether the solution is feasible from an operations perspective

Do I need to be based in Maldives to be eligible to be shortlisted for the ElectronVibe Maldives program?

Startups can either be based in Maldives, or be incorporated in an overseas jurisdiction but have the capacity to set up operations in Maldives.

What is SAREP?

The South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) is the flagship regional energy program of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) India. This five-year initiative (2021-26) improves access to affordable, secure, reliable, and sustainable energy across six South Asian countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka—in line with these countries’ climate and clean energy priorities.