Press release| Social Entrepreneurship | 17 April 2023
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. The successful applicants will conduct R&D projects for 12 months to develop effective market-based solutions and increase the social and ecological impact of e-mobility. Women-led enterprises, or business models benefitting female customers are encouraged to apply.
In Ghana and Uganda, population growth, rapid urbanization, and economic development have resulted in high traffic volumes, contributing to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. Both governments have set targets to reduce national CO2 emissions by 15% and 22% respectively by 2030 and are increasingly engaging with social entrepreneurs from the private sector to find technological interventions to address this.
Siemens Stiftung has identified the critical pillars enabling economies to leapfrog and embrace e-mobility. Field-based R&D offers the chance to address market gaps, improve ecosystem services, and increase the social and ecological impact of the private sector. The foundation draws on its long-standing collaboration with social enterprises, regional partners like Impact Hub Accra, Africa E-Mobility Alliance in East Africa and international organizations to accelerate the development of innovative e-mobility technological solutions and sustainable business models in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The call is now open, and applications will be accepted until August 30, 2024, or until suitable candidates are contracted. We are seeking 3 – 5 enterprises operative in Ghana and Uganda in the battery, charging/swapping, or electric vehicle and technology value chain. The candidates will support Siemens Stiftung’s E-Mobility program in conducting a marked-based R&D project.
The successful applicants:
- Receive contract value of a minimum of USD 30,000 and up to USD 75,000 for a maximum of 12 month
- Benefit from a robust e-mobility and social entrepreneurship network
Joint applications of more than one company can apply for up to USD 110,000 for a duration of a maximum of 18 months.
Minimum eligibility criteria for enterprises:
Registered and operative in Ghana or Uganda
Market experience in Ghana or Uganda
A market-tested prototype which attracted 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
Enterprises dedicated to developing and commercializing e-mobility drive the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals on Climate Action, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and Decent Work and Economic Growth.
“Mobility is fundamental for sustainable, economic, and societal development. The exciting solutions that come out of this R&D project will pave the way for new market-ready technologies. By encouraging women-led enterprises, the aim is to make e-mobility inclusive, empowering, and equitable”, says Dr. Nina Smidt, Managing Director and Spokesperson of the Board, Siemens Stiftung.
The selected candidates will deliver a final report demonstrating the applied research methodology, results, and main learning from the R&D project. The main learnings and findings will be shared with the wider ecosystem through Siemens Stiftung’s webinar series “Spotlight on…” and/or in a report.
Read more about the call details and apply here: http://bitly.ws/CYBm. Siemens Stiftung will conduct a Q&A session on May 2, 2023 at 13:00 CET. You can register for the session through this link: http://bitly.ws/CYAP
Find the call details and apply here: