After the successful launch of KE’s 7/11+ Innovation Challenge in March, the utility was pleased to announce that the first cohort of pioneering innovators and startups has been finalized. The Innovation Challenge invited applications from across Pakistan from organizations and individuals working to innovate within UN SDG 7 and SDG 11 – affordable energy for all and creating sustainable cities and communities respectively. Additionally, KE had posed specific challenge statements in particular operational areas of the utility, inviting proposals for cutting-edge solutions.
Over 300 applications were received from Pakistan and abroad that underwent a rigorous two-round evaluation process, after which 30 successful applications have been finalized to be part of the final first cohort – 18 participating teams are from the entrepreneurial and startup space, whereas 12 participating teams are students or researchers from recognized universities. The group is tackling a diversity of challenges from automating the utility’s meter reading system to utilizing Artificial Intelligence to improve fault detection mechanisms. Further focus is also being given to automating demand forecasting and exploring ways to utilize electricity efficiently.
As the next step in the process, the cohort will now undergo intensive capacity building training for 6 weeks under the mentorship of experts from KE and the larger industry. During this time, they will learn how to embed financial, marketing, and sales strategies into their ideas and shape them into well-rounded proposals. At the end of the training period, the cohort will present their ideas to a jury for further scrutiny before advancing to the final stages.
Chief Strategy Officer, K-Electric, Naz Khan stated “The overwhelming response to our call for applications is a testament to the manifold innovative efforts being done in Pakistan’s energy and power sector. As a forward-looking utility, KE is keen to provide a platform to innovators across the start-up and university space. As the challenge progresses, we will be closely following the growth journey of the successful applications into comprehensive solutions. We wish the very best of luck to our first cohort in their endeavours.”
